There is a lot of information about stretch marks, as well as a lot of opinion about them. Even though your workmate swears by the coconut oil in her pantry, your mother’s explanation that they are hereditary is overwhelming, confusing, and a little bit annoying. We wanted to tell you everything there is to know about stretch marks. Warning: some things may come as a surprise to you. Let us begin by noting that stretch marks will affect anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of pregnant women. We wanted to let you know that stretch marks are completely normal and extremely common, despite the incessant smooth bumps that can be seen on social media and the clever camera angles that leave us in the depths of comparison. Nobody’s skin is flawless, and imperfections are part of what makes us human.
What are stretchmarks then? On the skin, stretch marks, also known as striae, typically appear as indented purple or red lines. They commonly occur when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibres to break. They are very common when you are growing up, pregnant, or losing or gaining weight quickly. Dispelling Myths:
Myth 1: It’s all genetics: While genetics do play a significant role in whether or not you get stretch marks, other factors, such as how you live your life, also play a role. Stretch marks can look better or develop less during pregnancy if certain lifestyle choices are made. These include drinking more water, eating foods that increase collagen production, using high-quality skincare that emphasizes intense nourishment and hydration, and moving and exercising to improve blood flow. Myth 2: Stretch marks are a sign that you’re unhealthy: This is a complete fabrication. Stretch marks are not indicative of poor health. They are a natural response of the skin to changes in size, especially during pregnancy. People of all shapes and sizes can develop stretch marks.
Myth 3: There’s nothing you can do to help them: While complete elimination is unlikely, there are things you can do to help prevent them or reduce their severity (see below). It’s important to take care of your body and skin, especially during pregnancy, when it’s put under a lot of pressure. From the skincare experts
The top five ways to take care of your skin while you’re pregnant sagging skin HYDRATE
Also, consume water! The hydration that your skin cells absorb aids in overall elasticity and healthy cell regeneration. Keeping your bodies largest organ hydrated is crucial and helps your skin adapt to the extreme changes it is going through. We recommend drinking approximately 6-8 medium glasses of water per day, or 1.6 liters. hydrate and nourish your skin. It seems easy, right? Surprisingly, many women either forget, aren’t consistent, or use water-based products that sit on top of the skin. Your best bet is to go with skin care that quickly absorbs into the skin and is high in natural oils of high quality. When purchasing skincare, check the base ingredient—also known as the item that appears first on the list—as well as the complete list of ingredients. Good quality Almond and/or Coconut Oil are best combined with ingredients like Rosehip, Avocado, Jojoba, Raspberry, Vitamin E and Pomegranate Seed oil. These will help keep the skin intensely hydrated. They also contain a lot of amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which help keep moisture in the skin and make it more flexible. Eat to improve skin health. We know you have been telling yourself this your whole life, but if there was any time to get that wholefood and good-fat goodness, it is now. Consume plenty of green leafy vegetables, omega-3-rich foods like avocado and almonds, and think about taking skin-supporting vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Consult your medical practitioner first for guidance on supplements.
IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW AND CIRCULATION
Ok, we get it. Sometimes it can be hard to even get out of bed or the couch. We are not here to tell you to start a 12-week bootcamp; rather, we are here to tell you that light exercise and consistent movement are great for your mood (bonus), blood flow, and circulation. Light walks around the block, a pre-natal yoga class, or a swim to take the weight off can all help. Why? because exercise improves blood flow and circulation throughout the body, bringing vital nutrients and oxygen to skin cells and sustaining their health and vitality. In addition, getting active can help stimulate skin cell turnover, which is the process of replacing damaged or old skin cells with new ones. BEGIN EARLY A couple of salads and litres of water in your third trimester won’t cut it. Take a holistic view of your pregnancy and give your body as much love and nourishment as your will power allows. We understand how difficult it can be to resist the urge to indulge in that double-dipped, gooey caramel magnum, but keep in mind to nourish both your mind and body with goodness. It is due to you and your infant. And remember if you do get some stretch marks, don’t be too hard on yourself, Mama. Your body has accomplished something amazing. When summer arrives, try to give yourself some love and don’t be afraid to wear that two-piece.