During pregnancy, a woman's body changes under the influence of the endocrine system. As a result, in the first semester, the pregnant woman experiences sudden mood swings, perversion of taste and other symptoms characteristic of this period.
However, not only the internal state of a woman changes, but her body also undergoes serious changes. Small cracks appear on the skin of the abdomen and chest, which increase in length over time. Their relief can be lumpy or smooth, and the color changes in accordance with the stage of development of the striae.
Why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy? How to prevent their development? How to remove stretch marks on the skin if they have already appeared? What modern cosmetic methods allow you to get rid of them forever?
What are striae?
Stretch marks are small defects that form on the surface of the skin. They often appear in the thighs, abdomen, chest and buttocks. Externally, they appear as parallel or radial long strips that differ in color from the surrounding skin.
Initially they are red in color due to congestion of the vessels. As they become deserted, the striae first acquire a purple tint, then become white. They are called "old" stretch marks, the color changes 6 months after their appearance.
Due to a decrease in collagen and elastin, gaps form in the skin, which are replaced over time by connective tissue. They do not contain pigment, so when the skin tans, stretch marks become more noticeable.
Secret 1: Read the labels
Read labels carefully: there are ingredients that are strictly prohibited while you're expecting. Here is what Ksenia Vedishcheva, an independent expert in the field of dermatocosmetology, an expert at the AntiAgeExpert school of the Russian Association of Interdisciplinary Anti-Aging Medicine (RUSIAM), says about this:
I am an advocate for using natural cosmetics and often talk about avoiding cosmetics with mineral oil, parabens, silicones, PEG derivatives and other critical ingredients. Especially during pregnancy, when a woman’s body is vulnerable, and the use of harmful cosmetics can affect not only herself, but also the health of the fetus. There are ingredients that are strictly prohibited during pregnancy as they can harm the baby. The main thing is to read labels and choose a neutral composition.
Why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?
Stretch marks can appear on a pregnant woman’s body for several reasons:
Changes in hormonal levels. During pregnancy, the production of estrogen and cortisone decreases. As a result, the production of proteins (collagen and elastin) and elastic fibers located in the connective tissue is disrupted. At the same time, the skin loses its former tone and elasticity, and “dips” appear.
Sudden weight gain. During pregnancy, a woman gains weight - this is a physiologically determined process. However, if a pregnant woman gains over 5 kg in a short time, the skin quickly and incorrectly stretches. Small cracks form on its surface, which over time turn into a white scar.
Genetic predisposition. The hereditary factor is of great importance, therefore, stretch marks and other cosmetic defects do not form on the body of some women during pregnancy due to its high and rapid regeneration.
Insufficient skin care. Due to dryness, the skin loses nutrients and becomes tough. This is why it is important to moisturize your skin during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Weak muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. Due to low physical activity, stretch marks may appear on the abdomen. There are special exercises aimed at preventing the formation of stretch marks in the abdominal area, which will be discussed below.
In addition, due to poor nutrition, the content of vitamin E, or tocopherol, which protects the skin from damage, decreases in the pregnant woman’s body.
How do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks form on the skin not only during pregnancy. Cosmetic defects, or stretch marks, can appear on the skin in adolescents, when gaining muscle mass, as well as in certain diseases (Cushing's syndrome, Marfan).
At first, a pregnant woman is bothered by itching on the skin, and scratches appear on its surface. Over time, small slit-like defects form that protrude above the skin. Sometimes their formation is asymptomatic; women notice them after the formation of a white scar.
How long does it take for stretch marks to appear?
During pregnancy, stretch marks on the abdomen often appear in the second trimester. This is due to a sharp increase in the belly of the chest due to the active growth of the child and hormonal changes. It is possible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks if you spend enough time on prevention.
Risk factors for stretch marks
Why do stretch marks appear on the skin? In addition to the main reasons listed above, there are factors that increase the risk of stretch marks on the skin of the thighs, chest and abdomen. Among them:
- Multiple pregnancy of the mother. Moreover, during pregnancy, the abdomen increases significantly in a short period of time, as a result of which the skin does not have time to recover and defects occur.
- A large fetus may also increase the risk of stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen.
- The age of a pregnant woman is an important factor in the formation of cosmetic defects on the surface of the skin. With age, it loses elasticity and firmness.
That is why the older a woman is, the higher the risk of developing stretch marks during pregnancy.
The hereditary factor also plays an important role in the formation of stretch marks, as mentioned above. If there are pronounced stretch marks on the skin of a pregnant woman’s mother in the abdomen and chest area, the expectant mother is likely to have them as well.
According to the expert, you should beware of the following substances:
Salicylic acid.
It is necessary to avoid salicylic acid as much as possible during pregnancy because, according to research, it has teratogenic properties. Teratogenicity means that a substance may interfere with the normal development of the fetus. It is not necessary to give up other types of acids (glycolic, grape, lactic, mandelic), but it is better not to take a concentration higher than 5-15%.
Vitamin A – retinol.
This also includes its derivatives (retinoids) - retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde/retinyl, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, isotretinoin, retinyl acetate. These ingredients also have teratogenic properties. It is necessary to avoid not only medications (in particular, retinoic ointment, Radevit, Differin, Retasol, Klenzit), but also cosmetics with vitamin A. The use of such products in the first trimester, when the fetus is just forming, is especially dangerous.
Phytoestrogens (plant hormone-like agents).
They are found in the following plants: licorice, hops, red brush, calendula, arnica, wheat germ, ginseng root, garlic, soybean, sage, rosemary and other plants.
How to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin?
During pregnancy, it is important to follow the principles of prevention that will protect the skin from stretch marks. First, you need to add foods rich in vitamin E and C to the pregnant woman’s diet. Legumes are rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as green vegetables. You should give up sugar, it reduces the formation of collagen in the skin.
It is also necessary to monitor your water balance. If the pregnant woman is not bothered by body edema and there are no special recommendations from the supervising doctor, it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day. It is also necessary to monitor the nutrition of the skin, moisturize it with special creams and lotions, and use a hard-bristled brush when washing.
Moderate physical activity increases muscle tone. For this purpose there are special group classes in the gym. Women during pregnancy usually practice yoga. If physical exercise is contraindicated for health reasons, you should spend more time walking at a brisk pace.
How to get rid of stretch marks if you already have them
There is definitely no way to quickly reduce stretch marks - for proper cell regeneration, breakdown of excess collagen fibers and sufficient penetration of a special anti-stretch mark product deep into the epidermis, you will need to undergo a full course of treatment.
Physiotherapy and special aids
The procedures can be either simple applications of Fermenkol against stretch marks, or its combination with physiotherapy, for example, with electrophoresis - the choice of method for treating stretch marks depends on the degree of its complexity, the desired result and the presence of contraindications.
You can start treating stretch marks at 3-4 weeks , rubbing the product into the problem area with massage movements. However, before use, make sure that there is no allergy to the drug. To do this, just apply a small amount of cream to your palm and leave for 20 minutes. If there is no redness, feel free to use it.
Before starting a course of physical therapy, make sure that the chosen method is suitable for you, consult with your doctor.
Treatment can also be combined with light physical activity: gymnastics, walking, swimming will help to “accelerate” the blood, saturate the cells with oxygen and make the muscles elastic.
Secret 7: scrubs and peelings are your friends
It is always important to remove dead skin cells, but during pregnancy it is a must—light self-massage while scrubbing the skin stimulates collagen production.
#LIFEHACK
Cleanse your skin with soft scrubs. Do this regularly. A sugar scrub is ideal for this: its melting texture does not injure the skin, but delicately cleanses it.
You can prepare the scrub yourself.
Take:
- brown sugar - 4 tablespoons;
- coconut oil – 1 tablespoon;
- lemon juice.
Mix the ingredients and give yourself a SPA at home.
#IMPORTANT
Do not add essential oils to your own homemade scrubs. Not only can strong odors during pregnancy cause nausea, but some essential oils are strictly contraindicated for pregnant girls. For example, cinnamon esters can cause uterine tone.
What you need to remember about them:
- Avoid chemicals so as not to harm the child - use natural creams, scrubs and oils. Any manifestation of an allergic reaction is a signal that the product cannot be used!
- The sooner you start taking care of your skin (using natural remedies), the lower the risk of stretch marks.
- Natural oils are an ideal option . For example, regular olive oil, cocoa, jojoba, tea tree oil, grape seed or wheat germ oil, almond oil. In any case, it won’t hurt to consult a gynecologist (to eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction).
- Baby oil or moisturizer will help maintain the correct skin balance
- Of the homemade products, the most effective will be a cream made from aloe juice (1/2 cup), olive oil (same proportions) and vitamin E (10 drops).
- When choosing a cream (gel) that prevents the appearance of stretch marks in the store, read the composition . It should contain amino acids and collagen, plant extracts and vitamins E, A, minerals and oils, moisturizers (for example, aloe vera).
- The effect of the product will be more noticeable if it is applied to skin that is still damp after a shower .
- It is also preferable to prepare scrubs at home . In particular, with sea salt, sugar or ground coffee. The main “abrasive” is mixed with olive oil or sour cream, after which the problem areas are massaged using this peeling for about 2-3 minutes. The scrub is recommended 1-2 times a week, but in the absence of pregnancy complications, uterine tone, or threat of miscarriage.
Secret 5: Drink enough water
It is very important to ensure that you drink enough clean water. This preserves the skin's natural moisture. Special applications available in the App Store and Google Play can help with this. They will remind you to drink a glass of water and tell you if you are drinking too much liquid.
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Include watermelon, cucumbers and other moisture-rich vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Limit your salt intake and replace sweet tea with herbal tea without sugar or caffeine. Remember that if you are prone to swelling, it is better to consult your doctor. In this case, it is better to consume the bulk of the liquid in the first half of the day.
