How to deal with stretch marks during pregnancy

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

In addition to the photos in the album, many mothers are reminded of the magical period of waiting for a child by the characteristic white "rays" on the skin of the abdomen and chest. But pregnancy and stretch marks are a duet that may not take place if you take care of the prevention and elimination of these skin defects in time.

What?

Stretch marks, scientifically striae, are longitudinal micro-tears of the inner layers of the skin and are formed due to a sharp stretching of the skin and a lack of its elasticity. Since the volume of the body grows very quickly during pregnancy, the skin does not have time to produce collagen and elastin, which are necessary for the "repair" of microtraumas, and the resulting grooves are filled with connective tissue - the very "rays" are obtained, which are so difficult to get rid of.

Scientists believe that the appearance of stretch marks depends on heredity. In other words, if your mother developed stretch marks during pregnancy, it is most likely that the same will happen to you. But forewarned is forearmed!

Where?

Basically, stretch marks during and after pregnancy appear in the abdomen and chest. However, when you gain weight, stretch marks can occur on the hips, buttocks, and even on the back. Therefore, if the arrow of the scales treacherously swung to the right, look at yourself in the mirror from the back - just in case.

It is not only and not so much kilograms that are important, but the speed with which the expectant mother is gaining them. The sharper the weight gain, the higher the likelihood of internal microtraumas of the skin, so try not to overeat and maintain physical activity agreed with your doctor.

When?

A noticeable gain in weight and changes in body volume begins around the end of the first - beginning of the second trimester. The first striae may appear in the 20th week. It’s worth starting a healthy habit of taking care of your skin and preparing it for future changes literally right after you are convinced that two strips of dough is not a dream.

The first sign that your skin is having a hard time is itching where stretch marks can appear. This means that hydration and nutrition are urgently needed!

Fresh stretch marks, while they still have blood vessels, are red, purple, pink, or bluish, and this vibrant color lasts for about 6-8 months. It is these stretch marks that are best corrected by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation in the affected areas. Over time, blood ceases to flow into the vessels in the damaged areas. There is no pigment in the connective tissue that make up stretch marks, and these skin imperfections become discolored and remain white even in the sun. This usually happens after childbirth. It is much more difficult to cope with such old striae, sometimes it is not possible to completely remove them. Another argument for starting the stretch mark preemption game while you are pregnant!

How?

This is an especially important question when it comes to the period of bearing a child. The usual arsenal for dealing with stretch marks includes, in addition to harmless, rather aggressive methods and means, the use of which is strictly prohibited during pregnancy due to the potential danger to the child.

Bad (actually not!) News: all cosmetic procedures - laser therapy, mesotherapy, chemical peelings, microdermabrasion, LPG massage (like all other types of massages except light rubbing), RF-lifting and even more familiarity with a plastic surgeon should be postponed at least 4-6 months after pregnancy. The good news: all these radical remedies, while the striae are fresh, and this, we recall, corresponds to 6-8 months from the moment of their appearance, are not needed, you can get by with much easier means!

What is left? Quite a lot:

• moderate physical activity approved by your doctor;
• proper nutrition, including foods rich in vitamin E and healthy omega-3, -6, -9 fatty acids;
• wearing supportive underwear, special bandages that will not only help the skin, but also relieve the back, and correctly selected bras that are comfortable for growing breasts;
• the use of effective cosmetics permitted during pregnancy.

Safe cosmetics

Products with such a composition are considered safe for the expectant mother and her child, whose ingredients do not interfere with the natural metabolism and do not penetrate the placental barrier into the bloodstream of the growing baby. List unwanted substances are as follows:

• GCS (steroid hormones);
• Antibiotics;
• Retinol and its derivatives (for example, vitamin A in large quantities);
• Whitening agents;
• Essential oils;
• Hydroxy acids.

Suitable for use during pregnancy, the funds have the following properties:

• Permitted for long-term use;
• Do not affect the development of the fetus;
• Have a delicate aroma or no smell at all;
• Hypoallergenic.

To stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, as well as improve blood microcirculation in women in an interesting position, it is recommended to use creams with herbal ingredients, for example, with oils and herbal extracts. The simplest remedy is plain olive oil. However, specialized complex creams are, of course, more effective: they contain a balanced set of essential moisturizing and nourishing components, vitamins and antioxidants that are well absorbed by the skin. For the base, glycerin is preferable, since, unlike petrolatum, it practically does not cause allergies and skin irritation.

Try to eat as little sugar as possible, both during and after pregnancy. Sugar inhibits the production of collagen, which is essential for preventing stretch marks, increases inflammation, dries out the skin and deprives it of elasticity. And you don't need extra pounds!

The best option would be drugs that are sold in a pharmacy and are officially approved for use during pregnancy. Pharmacy cosmetics undergo the most stringent quality and safety checks, so you can choose products in any price category and any production. Moreover, domestic creams, for example, "Klirvin", may be the most optimal choice in terms of price and quality - in recent years, Russia has very strict safety standards for cosmetic products that meet European standards. The composition of "Klirvin" contains carefully selected extracts of rare and unique plants: neem, lodhra, marsh calamus, aloe vera and others.

Neem (another name for margose) has unique anti-inflammatory, soothing and anti-aging properties and is a powerful antioxidant; Lodhra, which is also called "the herb of beauty" and whose name is translated from Sanskrit "makes the body elastic", helps to absorb stretch marks and scars; aloe vera, like calamus marsh, actively stimulates collagen production, moisturizes the skin and nourishes it with vitamins. This cream begins to act rather quickly - after 4-6 weeks of use. It will take about 3 months of regular use to fully combat stretch marks. "Clearvin" is suitable for long-term use during pregnancy and lactation. It is allowed to be used in the area of the mammary glands, bypassing only the nipple halo. After applying "Klirvin" you can safely enjoy sunbathing.

Any remedy for stretch marks should be applied to problem areas with gentle stroking movements in the morning and evening, as well as after water procedures. If desired, the treatment can be supplemented with delicate clay or salt scrubs with the addition of olive oil and a very light self-massage.

Pregnancy is perhaps the most serious transformation of the female body. The radical changes that occur to him in a short nine months are reflected not only on the general health and figure, but also on the skin. But do not be upset: prevention will help prevent the appearance of stretch marks, and if they already exist, not all is lost, just do not let the situation take its course and choose an effective remedy that you will use regularly and with pleasure!