Is it possible to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy?

How wonderful it is that as soon as you become pregnant, your body makes all kinds of changes to make the growth of your baby possible. Some of those changes are unfortunately less fun, for example, many women have to deal with stretch marks during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of stretch marks. This way you can prevent the worst stretch marks with a good stretch mark gel.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are: thick stripes that arise as a result of rapid growth of the body. Small tears appear in the connective tissue of your skin, which look like red, pink or purple stripes on your body. The surface skin is very elastic and easily stretches, but the connective tissue in the middle layer of your skin has limited stretch. This causes the connective tissue to tear if your belly or breasts grow too quickly. Once torn, your skin's elasticity is permanently affected and the stretch marks remain visible.

Stretch marks mainly form around the abdomen, breasts, thighs and buttocks. After pregnancy, when your body bounces back to its normal shape, the stretch marks take on a shade close to skin color. Stretch marks therefore look like scars.

Stretch marks usually appear in the third semester, but some women see it developing as early as the beginning of pregnancy. You are more likely to get stretch marks during your pregnancy if it runs in the family.

Can stretch marks appear at other times?

Stretch marks don't just happen to pregnant women. For example, teenagers who are going through a growth spurt, athletes who quickly build a lot of muscle mass and people who are overweight can also suffer from stretch marks. The growth of certain body parts then goes too fast, so that the connective tissue cannot keep up with the growth and tears.

5 tips to prevent stretch marks and stretch marks

Stretch marks are difficult to prevent, but there are ways to reduce the chances of developing stretch marks. It is also possible to limit the extent of the stretch marks. We help you on your way with these five tips.

1. Lubricate

The most important tip: apply a deep moisturizing cream or stretch mark gel. Choose a gel that contains asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid. These acids encourage healthy skin regeneration by promoting collagen production. In addition, it is nice to choose a gel that contains natural oils. Natural oils reduce moisture loss and keep the skin well hydrated, so that the skin remains supple and elastic. With supple skin, you are less likely to develop stretch marks. For example, choose the INCIA Stretch Mark Gel Cream, a completely natural product without synthetic colors and fragrances.

2. Alternating showers

By taking a cold and warm shower alternately, you stimulate the blood circulation in your skin, good blood circulation ensures a more elastic connective tissue. Other ways to improve blood flow are connective tissue massages, breathing therapy, swimming and walking.

3. Wear maternity clothes

By supporting your body well, you prevent unnecessary stretch marks due to gravity. Maternity clothing with a belly band ensures that the belly does not hang too much and that there is not an unnecessary amount of stretch on the skin. Standing too much can also cause too much stretch on the skin of the abdomen and breasts. If you have a job that requires a lot of standing, ask about sitting options.

4. Drink enough water

Well-hydrated skin is more supple and less likely to develop stretch marks. The easiest way to hydrate your skin is to drink plenty of water. That means at least six glasses a day.

5. Healthy Eating

A skin with sufficient collagen and elastin is a supple skin. So make sure you eat foods that support collagen production, such as fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins E, C, zinc and silica. Vitamins C, D, B2 and B3 are also indispensable for healthy skin. Put leafy vegetables, oranges, nuts and healthy fats on the table more often. That is not only healthy for you and your skin, but also for the baby in your belly. Supplements with these vitamins and minerals can also be valuable, please discuss this with your attending physician or therapist. 

Reduce stretch marks

Once you've developed stretch marks, it's hard to get rid of them. It is therefore important to lubricate well with a stretch mark gel before and during pregnancy. Continue to do this even after pregnancy if you do develop stretch marks. A good gel can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and make the skin smoother, making the stretch marks less noticeable. Like scars, stretch marks become less visible over time. 

Be kind to your body during your pregnancy and take good care of it. Eat healthy, massage your body and lubricate your body with a stretch mark gel to prevent stretch marks.

View and order the INCIA Striae Cream Gel