Although pregnancy is a very exciting and rewarding time, it also brings with it many physical transformations and emotional ups and downs. It’s totally normal: a new life is coming.
If you are one of those people who have had, have or fear the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, read on: we explain why they appear, how to treat them and the best anti-stretch marks creams and oils to take care of them.
Why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is common for stretch marks to appear due to hormonal changes and skin stretching. As the abdomen and breasts expand to accommodate the baby’s growth, the skin stretches and may suffer small tears in the deeper layers. These ruptures manifest themselves as red, pink or purple lines and are known as striae.
In addition to hormonal changes and skin stretching, factors such as genetic predisposition, rapid weight gain and lack of skin elasticity can also influence the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
It is important to understand that stretch marks do not pose a health risk and usually fade over time, although they may not disappear completely.
Keeping the skin hydrated and a gradual, healthy weight gain during pregnancy can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. But in addition to this, we have other tips.
Tips to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
Here are some tips that can help you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy:
- Moisturizing: keep your skin well hydrated by regularly applying moisturizing creams or oils. Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin E, calendula oil, rosehip oil or almond oil, which can help improve skin elasticity. You can use our
firming body oil
a nourishing concentrate with a base of first cold extraction argan oil from organic farming and essential oil of frankincense and mandarin. This oil revitalizes, increases firmness and elasticity and softens stretch marks. It has an antioxidant and toning action, improves flaccidity and gives the skin a smoother and firmer appearance.
- Gradually gain weight: a gradual and healthy weight gain can help minimize excessive stress on the skin. Consult with your doctor to determine what weight gain is right for you during pregnancy.
- Balanced diet: A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is important to maintain skin health. Make sure you consume enough vitamins C and E, zinc and protein, as these nutrients are relevant to maintaining skin elasticity and health.
- Keep skin supple: gently massage in circular motions on areas prone to stretch marks, such as the abdomen, breasts and hips. This can help improve blood circulation and keep the skin supple.
- Avoid scratching: scratching can irritate the skin and worsen the appearance of stretch marks. If you feel itchy, try applying a soothing cream, or an organic oil, such as our calendula body oil, which, being very emollient and soothing, softens and relieves inflamed areas. You can also consult your physician for other recommendations.
- Regular exercise: staying active during pregnancy can help maintain overall skin health. Consult a specialist in this area to find out which exercises are right for you during pregnancy.
Remember that the appearance of stretch marks is common and that every body is different. Even if you follow these tips, you cannot guarantee complete prevention of stretch marks. If stretch marks appear, remember that over time they usually fade and become less visible.
The best anti-stretch mark creams and oils for pregnancy
There are several creams and oils recommended to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, as we have seen above. Here are some of the most popular and effective ingredients:
- Rosehip oil: known for its regenerating and nourishing properties, rosehip oil can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Cocoa butter: cocoa butter is known for its ability to deeply nourish the skin and improve its elasticity. It is a common ingredient in many anti-stretch mark creams and butters.
- Almond oil: almond oil is rich in vitamin E and can help improve skin elasticity. It is widely used to prevent and treat stretch marks during pregnancy.
- Grape seed oil: this oil is light and easily absorbed into the skin. It is known for its moisturizing properties and its ability to strengthen the skin structure.
Calendula oil
: calendula has the ability to nourish the skin, thanks to its high content of essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
It is also very effective in reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes, as well as soothing irritated and sensitive skin. It can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Still, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work the same for another. It is always important to read labels of the products, in order to avoid the use of toxic ingredients during pregnancy. Our body oils and calendula body cream are perfect for use throughout pregnancy. They have a very high percentage of active ingredients and all their ingredients are oriented to nourish in depth, to maintain the elasticity of the skin and prevent stretch marks.
We recommend you to read the post in which we talked about the ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics.
ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics,
especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
