The List: Stretch Marks and how to prevent them
photosource: pinterest
Stretch marks, one of the biggest skin enemies in every pregnancy. Many mamas are trying every remedy to prevent them from happening in the first place. Some studies even suggest that they are genetic and there is nothing you can do about them.
What are stretch marks and what causes them?
Stretch marks are red, brown, white or even purple marks on your skin that occur once the skin on your body stretches too quickly and basically breaks apart leaving a mark. A stretch mark is technically a scar because "once a stretch mark occurs, it is permanent." (No worries just yet though! We have compiled a list for you of the most used stretch mark oils and cremes).
Stretch marks are usually found in places where your skin in pregnancy stretches the most such as : your baby bump (duh!), the breasts, thighs and your booty. Nonetheless, stretch marks do not only happen during pregnancy. It can happen anytime if your skin stretches too quickly - my stretch marks on my booty are back from my teenage years (pizza is #lyfe, just saying).
How to prevent stretch marks and how to "get rid" of them?
As mentioned before, stretch marks are scars. Once you have them, they stay with you. A whopping 74% of all mamas who have recently joined our Instagram poll have stretch marks from pregnancy. The good news, you can try to prevent them by moisturizing your skin religiously. As often as possible throughout the day! The more elastic your skin becomes, the more it can bear the big bump. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body, it also needs to be prepared to carry your little bundle of joy.
A healthy and balanced diet, rich in collagen, will also be beneficial to your skin. Keeping an eye on your weight gain, consistent light work-outs help to maintain a balanced pregnancy and a gradual growth of your body are also essential key factors.
And if you show signs of stretch marks, it is not the end of the world in my opinion. It is just a mark of the journey you and your little one shared together. Stretch marks, just like any other scar, will fade over time and blend in naturally with your skin.
We asked all of you mamas what products you use and here are the most used stretch mark products :
THE OILS :
Bio - Oil : An overwhelming amount of mamas swear by Bio Oil and to be honest, I am one of them. It has been recommended the most in our recent poll. The key ingredients Vitamin A and E, Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile oils all aid in moisturizing your skin and reducing scars as well as blemished skin.
Did you know: The PurCellin Oil™ is a laboratory recreation (man made) of the gland oil of ducks and acts as the delivery system for Bio Oils other ingredients to make the texture of the end product less thick. It is not a secret anti-stretch mark ingredient as you may think!
Coconut Oil : Coconut Oil has been the miracle ingredient and superfood, a cure for everything, these past years. Its richness in Vitamin E and fatty acids are the keys to smooth skin (and hair). Simply take a dab of oil and rub it into your skin. Not the biggest fan of coconut oil? Try and replace it with Olive Oil.
Tip: Not a fan of the greasy texture? Mix the oil into some shea butter to create your own coconut butter at home.
Rosehip Oil : Maybe you have not heard of it yet but beauty insiders swear by Rosehip Oil.It is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes, and is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Mainly it is used as a face oil to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging but it seems to work wonders for some mamas for stretch marks as well.
Keep in mind: Definitely price wise on the higher end compared to the other oil options.
The Cremes and Butters :
Clarins Stretch Mark Control : Of all the stretch mark cremes, the Clarins Line was mentioned the most by our mamas. From mamas with twins and singletons, this was their favorite go-to brand and with a price tag of around 950,000 IDR (95$SG) per 200ml it is definitely a top shelf choice.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula : A more affordable range of stretch mark products comes from Palmer's starting at around 100,000 IDR (10$SG) - lotion, cremes, butters and oils, in whatever consistency you like. Pure Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter, Natural Oils, Collagen, Elastin and Lutein keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.
"Intinya sebenernya pakai apa aja bisa, yang penting keep the skin hydrated. Setelah mandi, waktu kulit masih damp, pakein oilnya. (aku biasa ganti-gantian, tergantung mood pengen pakai oil apa) lalu di-seal pake Vaseline Petroleum Jelly." - tip from @sheilooo , mama of a one-week newborn.
Itchy Belly? If you experience an itchy belly it is a sign that your skin is rapidly expanding and becoming moisture deprived. Do not scratch und put your skin even more under distress, massage oil or body butter into your skin.
In conclusion, every body is unique. What works for me might not work for you. It is a trial and error process until you find the right routine for your skin. The most important thing is that you take care of it. The trend overall though that I have been seeing in the beauty industry is that we go back to nature. Especially during my own pregnancy I have realized how much more I personally prefer natural products instead of heavy chemically infused ones.
I personally am a big advocate for wearing scars with pride. On my left leg I have a big red birthmark stacked with a big scar from a motorbike accident and of course my stretch marks on my booty (plus there is another birthmark too). I am embracing all these imperfections since each tells a story and is defined as a unique memory.
Any other remedies, secret tips and tricks you would like to share? Feel free to share your own experience and suggestions in our comment box below for other new mamas to try out!
Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post and all products and items have been chosen by poll over our Instagram page recently. This post is based on other mamas experiences and my own.