Make Room for Baby
Stretchmarks are often a natural part of pregnancy, but did you know that there are plenty of specific steps you can take to prevent permanent deep and unsightly stretchmarks even if that baby is a big one! Pamper your skin by paying attention to these time-proven true mom's tales for stopping stretchmarks before they even begin.
How to Prep Your Skin for the Big Stretch
Natural oils and creams have traditionally been used for preventing stretchmarks during pregnancy. Genetics play a strong role in the development of stretchmarks, so your success with oils and creams may vary, but it’s certainly worth a try. At the very least, your skin (and your stress levels) will benefit from the added care, attention, and pampering that you give yourself during your pregnancy. Also, many doctors believe that regularly applying quality oils and creams to your abdomen can provide you and your baby with a soothing massage.
Stretch Marks Prevention Is the Best Approach
Stop the damage before it starts. You already know your skin type and its needs. Basically begin with what you know and multiply what you normally do. If you have dry skin and you are extremely fair, you are at greatest risk of stretchmarks to begin with. What are the best oils and creams for effective stretchmark prevention?
Cocoa butter still tops the lists of many expectant mothers. Rich in emollients and loaded with proven skin-soothing properties, cocoa butter is what most Hollywood mother’s reach for in order to stop stretchmarks before they begin.
Pure Products Are the Best Cure for Stretchmarks
Other favorite products for the prevention of stretchmarks besides cocoa butter include sweet almond oil andvitamin E. Each of these pure, gentle oils are known to tame skin inflammation, dryness, and stretchmarks. Lanolin,wheat germ oil, and Aloe Vera are other products commonly used to prevent or smooth out stretchmarks. You may opt for specially formulated stretchmark prevention creams or lotions that contain a combination of some or all of these oils.
Nutritional Choices to Keep You and Your Skin Healthy
What you put inside your body is even more important than what you put on the outside. For maximum stretchmark prevention, pamper yourself with a diet rich in skin-saving nutrients and antioxidants. Choose colorful vegetables, leafy salads, plenty of fresh fruit, and lean, low-fat meats. Your skin will look its best when it’s well-hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water during the course of your pregnancy. Your daily consumption of H20 may allow your skin increased elasticity and “give” that can be crucial to stopping stretchmarks in their tracks. Avoid salty and caffeinated foods that can dehydrate your skin.
The best proactive step you can take towards effective stretchmark prevention is to ensure that you understand your skin type and nourish it well during your pregnancy. It's also helpful to keep a close eye on your weight gain during pregnancy. Most doctors’ guidelines recommend a total range weight gain of 30 to 45 pounds. Lower your risk of stretchmarks by following these guidelines and avoiding excessive weight gain. Take regular, gentle walks and stay active throughout your pregnancy to achieve the best possible results. Also, if possible, monitor your diet and exercise routine and avoid fast weight gain. Stretchmarks are the result of sudden expansion and tearing of the outer skin tissue, so your best bet is to gain weight slowly and surely to prevent stretchmarks.
Remember: the key to a healthy pregnancy is to take care of yourself, and that includes, especially, your skin.Pampering your skin can not only help prevent unsightly stretchmarks, it can also keep you attuned to your body and your baby.
