One of the questions that always pops up every time you post a picture of my bare bump is what you use for stretch marks. As a doctor and soon-to-be-dermatologist I can not tell you that there is a product that can prevent stretch marks - there just is not. And even if people do not like to hear that, for most stretch marks have a lot to do with genetics (so those women who do not have them are mostly just lucky). But there are some things you can still do to lessen the chances of getting stretch marks, which I will discuss today.
First a bit 'of science.
Stretch marks, or striae, they are literally small tears in the dermis - the middle layer of thick skin that has collagen and elastin (the one that gives our strength and elasticity of the skin). They are caused by rapid stretching of the skin - so they often occur in puberty, in bodybuilders, and during pregnancy. The fastest and most drastic the stretching of the skin (that is, the fastest increase in weight / size), the more likely they are to develop stretch marks. The genetic part comes with the collagen and elastin fibers - some people have a better "construction" of the skin that can better withstand stretching. And some people do not.
What makes them worse.
I said above that the more drastic the stretch, the more likely that stretch marks, and women who gain more weight during pregnancy (and do it more quickly) are more likely to develop stretch marks. Other than the speed of growth, there is also evidence that higher levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) lead to further stretch marks. People with endocrine disorders that lead to higher levels of cortisol almost always have stretch marks. Creams that contain cortisol are known to cause thinning of the skin and stretch marks when used longer than indicated. What else causes high levels of cortisol? Stress. Then, as if you needed another reason not to emphasize, remember the stretch marks. I do not think they did all field studies on it, but it would be safe to assume that women with high levels of stress (and therefore higher levels of cortisol) are more likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The diet also plays a role here, not only in the sense of obtaining a good amount of weight during pregnancy, but also because some foods are known to cause big peaks of cortisol - mostly those that are rich in sugar or simple carbohydrates ( ie processed white bread, chips, etc.), and foods with trans fats. Try to stay away from these!
So two things-product can be done to help prevent stretch marks? Eating a healthy diet (including prenatal vitamins and a lot of water) and try to keep your stress level to a minimum (which is practically impossible in pregnancy, but we can at least try).
The products that can help.
As mentioned at the beginning, even though there are many companies who want to convince you otherwise, there is no product that prevent stretch marks. But there are many products on the market that can help soothe the least stretching / itching feeling most of us mamas get with the growing belly, and theoretically some ingredients that might help the collagen and elastic fibers in your skin. Some of these ingredients include fatty acids, vitamins A and E, rosehip oil, and more.
With my first pregnancy, I loved Mama Mio products - in particular their Tummy Rub Butter. This stuff smelled magic apply felt so good, and it made my stomach feel like heaven. It 'been a bit' heavier, but I was ok with that. What I ended up not being as good about was how fast I went through and how expensive it was. When I tried I bought as part of a sampler travel size (always a great way to try new products), and when I hooked I asked for a little 'for my baby shower, but I ruined with another large bath. The stuff works great, and if you have the budget we would recommend. It 'also free of parabens, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances and dyes, xenoestrogens, PEG, phthalates, glycol, but it is organic (if this is something that matters to you). Personally I'm not a big organic person, but many people are and there are a lot of new biological products on the market as well.
This pregnancy it wanted to try something new and beautiful ladies based in Boston in Bagno organic sent me their Stress Less Organic Body Butter. For those who want something organic whole, this butter might be for you. As for me, I really enjoyed it because of the smell, honestly I have not smelled a scent more relaxing if that makes any sense at all (is a lavender blue). The ingredients are filled with goodies skin-nourishment and it feels so good going! Liv rub this on my belly at night and we both love :) I must say, however, that was still a little 'to greasy for me and wearing it in the morning, even though I feel like I do not like feeling hydrated fat as I head in the world of the work. So, even if it is a use product still almost every night, the search continued for a good rub during the day belly.
What I use every single day after I leave the shower this is the body butter from Earth Mama Angel Baby. To begin with, as motivated as a person I am, I'm also lazy (or like to do things as efficiently as possible), so the characteristic pump bottle of this lotion is a huge seller - in the morning to be able to pump only two Sometimes by its place on the shelf and apply it is huge (as opposed to taking a bath, opening it, getting a scoop with your fingers, closing, putting away the tub - I know, I know I really am making myself sound lazy)! More importantly if this butter provides the right amount of moisture for daytime use - is very rich, but still somewhat light and fast-absorbing. It 'also all organic and has tons of good ingredients in it for stretching bellies. I would say that personally the only downside is the smell; it seems that many reviewers love it, but for me there is something a little 'too sweet on it which was a bit' daunting at first. Fortunately the smell is light and does not last long so it never bothered me enough to not have to be my daily moisturizer. And for you moms on a budget, the price is right on this. Many women also swear by this cream, but I have yet to try it out so you can not really give my two cents. But it's up there on the lists of other peoples!
Whatever cream you use, apply it to the growing areas of the body (for me the three B's - boobs, belly, butt) after post-shower towel drying slightly. The skin should be moist but not wet yet. Other things that can help include the use of a body scrub in the shower of light on these areas as well - there is no need to over exfoliate, but a light polish can help get the blood flowing too. Many women like when they should start using creams to their bellies, and honestly the sooner you start the better. Most of this stuff is just preparing the skin as possible to stretch (such as training for a marathon), so it's never too early to start taking care of your skin! I like to continue to use them after delivery, as well as the skin has a lot of contraction now has to do.
Fade stretch marks.
I'll save this topic for another post, but I just wanted to mention here that there are many treatment options for stretch marks fade, and for the most part, most of them are not safe to use during pregnancy. So while your growing child that only work on healthy eating, keeping stress levels as low as possible, and moisture like crazy. Save the fading creams and laser treatments for after though.
I hope this post might be useful to some of you mothers with the growing belly! And honestly just remember that stretch marks are purely cosmetic, and many women wear them with pride (as they should)! They are a reminder of the extraordinary feat accomplished your body!
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