The journey to becoming a mom is full of surprises. Pregnancy brings forth new changes in your body, such as stretch marks. While you wait for the arrival of your little one, your body goes through changes to make room for your baby. These changes can result in stretch marks. Many women experience stretch marks during pregnancy. Stretch marks appear as bands of parallel lines on the skin. The colour and texture of stretch marks are different from the rest of the skin and can range from purple to bright pink or even light grey. Stretch marks may also feel itchy and sore at times. And that’s why it’s important to use a natural stretch mark cream early in your pregnancy to prevent and reduce stretch marks.
Why do I all of a sudden have stretch marks?
Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches rapidly such as during pregnancy. Stretch marks can also appear due to sudden change in weight. While stretch marks aren’t dangerous, many women don’t like the sight of them and look for stretch marks removal creams to reduce their appearance. However, stretch marks cannot be removed permanently.
There are many myths and facts about stretch marks which people tend to believe about stretch marks such as stretch marks affect only women and not men. Take a look at some common myths and facts about stretch marks.
1. Myth: Overweight women are the only ones who are at risk of developing stretch marks.
Fact: While weight gain can lead to the formation of stretch marks, it is natural for women to develop stretch marks when they are pregnant. During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels, weight gain and stretching of the skin can lead to the formation of stretch marks.
2. Myth: Pregnancy stretch marks can spread to other parts of the body as well.
Fact: Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches rapidly. This change causes elastic and collagen, which support the skin to rupture. When the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Stretch marks do not spread to other parts of the body.
3. Myth: It’s impossible to prevent stretch marks
Fact: The key to reducing and preventing stretch marks is to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. While it’s important to drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy, it’s just as important to use a cream for pregnancy marks to deeply moisturize the skin and keep it soft and supple. Look for natural ingredients such as Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Sea Buckthorn oil and Rosehip oil to keep your skin soft and nourished.
4. Myth: Stretch marks are not hereditary
Fact: Genetics do play a role in whether you will develop stretch marks. If your sister or mother has stretch marks then chances are that you will also have them.
5. Myth: Stretch marks can develop only on belly, hips and thighs
Fact: While belly, hips and thighs are common areas where most people tend to develop stretch marks, they can be visible on other parts of the skin as well such as arms, knees, back and more.
6. Myth: Diet does not play a role in stretch marks
Fact: Since weight gain is a common cause of stretch marks and eating a balanced diet will help prevent putting on weight. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy to ensure that it doesn’t adversely affect you or your baby’s health. Take your doctor’s advice on the diet you should follow.
7. Myth: Stretch marks can disappear with weight loss
Fact: Sudden loss of weight can in fact lead to stretch marks. Losing weight gradually along with keeping yourself physically active can help reduce the chances of stretch marks from developing.
8. Myth: Stretch marks don’t change colour
Fact: During pregnancy, fresh stretch marks may appear as reddish-purplish and may appear inflamed. Over time, these stretch marks may change colour and gradually fade to greyish-silver.
9. Myth: Moisturizing your skin won’t help prevent stretch marks
Fact: There’s a reason why many people believe applying shea butter for stretch marks will help reduce and prevent them. While there’s no guaranteed solution to preventing stretch marks, keeping your skin moisturized will help keep it elastic and make it easier to bounce back.
During pregnancy, it’s best to use natural body care products to moisturize the skin on your hips, thighs and belly to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
10. Myth: Hormones don’t affect stretch marks
Fact: Hormones do in fact play a role in the development of stretch marks. Cortisol – a hormone that is released when you are stressed, can weaken the elastic fibres of the skin which can lead to the formation of stretch marks. It’s best to keep yourself calm and relaxed.
While it’s impossible to remove stretch marks, it’s important to keep your skin healthy and moisturized. During pregnancy, eating healthily and keeping yourself hydrated can keep your skin healthy and ensure you gain weight gradually. It’s also important to keep yourself physically active as it helps improve blood circulation and ensures your skin retains elasticity which reduces the risk of developing stretch marks.
Follow a healthy skincare regime to keep your skin moisturized during pregnancy. Choose The Moms Co.’s Natural Stretch Bundle that comes with Natural Stretch oIl and Natural Body Butter. The Natural Stretch Oil is a non-greasy combination of 7 natural oils including Sea Buckthorn oil, Rosehip oil, Jojoba oil and Almond oil which moisturize the skin and reduce dryness and itchiness. The Natural Body Butter is a combination of deeply moisturizing ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa butter, Rosehip oil and Sea Buckthorn oil which keep the skin moisturized for 24 hours.
Wondering how often you should apply the stretch marks oil and cream? It’s best to use the stretch oil twice a day – once in the morning after bath and once in the evening. At night, apply the body butter before going to sleep.
Using the stretch oil and body butter from the third month of pregnancy will ensure that your skin remains moisturized and supple and will go a long way in preventing stretch marks.
The stretch oil and body butter by The Moms Co. is made with the safest natural ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins such as Mineral oil, Silicones, Artificial Fragrances and more. It is dermatologically-tested and Australia-certified toxin-free.