First of all, to try to cure stretch marks, you need to know what they are! A stretch mark is the name given to the dermis that cracks, it is a tear, like a cut. This tear can happen for multiple reasons; weight loss , weight gain , sport practiced excessively , or even... Waiting for a little wolf .
Stretch marks come in various forms; they can measure from a few centimeters in length to several tens of centimeters! The depth of the tear will also determine the thickness of the mark. During pregnancy, they appear late, unlike rapid weight gain which could cause them to appear, but here they generally only appear around the 8th or 9th month . It is at this moment that the elasticity of the skin reaches its limits; Fortunately a pregnancy does not last as long as that of elephants, i.e. 20 to 22 months! Phew!
The problem with stretch marks is that they are much more difficult to remove once they have set in! The solution therefore remains to prevent rather than cure, as the adage goes, and to follow some advice from the start of the pregnancy:
- 1) Try to be reasonable about weight gain!
Stretch marks remain a direct consequence of weight gain, even if it's because a little one is forming inside! A so-called “ normal ” weight gain during pregnancy corresponds to approximately 10 to 14 kilos . During these 9 months you need to eat a balanced and diversified diet, in order to be in top form when your baby shows up!
- 2) Massage yourself!
Anti-stretch mark creams/oils are essential during pregnancy . Depending on the brand, their effectiveness may be questioned. However, what they generally provide is good hydration to the skin, essential when it is put to the test during pregnancy. Do not hesitate to opt for oils rather than creams , as their penetration is more effective. In addition, they allow a more prolonged massage, the circular movements also contributing to the elasticity of the skin.
- 3) Stay in the shade if possible!
The sun, as we know, is not optimal for the skin. In small doses, it has been shown to be good for morale, and makes us look better . Then, it also allows us to stock up on Vitamin D. However, as pregnancy brings us into a slightly more fragile period, it is better to take advantage of it while being protected. In addition, the sun on the stretch marks already present could cause them to become pigmented. In addition, the sun increases the risk of pregnancy mask (pigmentation of the skin on the face). To be avoided, or very well protected !
- 4) Remember to drink!
We never say it enough, and we never drink enough! The recommended dose of water per day is approximately 2 liters of water. We often hear that pregnant women “eat for two”, but have you thought about “drink for two”? Okay, maybe not 4 liters of water a day, but stay well hydrated! A bottle in your bag, or on your desk, so you can remember it throughout the day! If you're tired of drinking water all the time, add a little lemon juice, it's also a natural anti-oxidant and fat burner! You can also consume herbal teas, there are even “special pregnancy and breastfeeding” blends.
- 5) Hydrate yourself… from the inside!
Yes, you read correctly ! Some oils are edible, and more effective from the inside. Borage oil , for example, widely used in anti-aging cosmetics for its moisturizing properties, is very effective in preventing tearing of the dermis from the inside . Indeed, when the skin cracks, it cracks from the inside, but unfortunately the marks are still visible to the naked eye. What we see is the epidermis , but what has cracked at the base is the dermis . If the dermis is well prepared and cared for, tearing may be avoided or less severe. The Quintesens “ Future Moms ” oil blend provides you with several essential daily nutrients throughout your pregnancy and during the breastfeeding period (Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9, DHA and Vitamin E), and also contains Borage oil to prepare and protect your skin during this period when it is extremely stressed!