Stretch marks are developed as a result of the skin stretching beyond its limits of elasticity as the body grows during pregnancy. These are scars that form in deep skin layers leaving a purple color, which eventually fades to a silvery white color. These are totally harmless, but usually cause discomfort as it appear, and some women may find themselves having stretch marks affect their self-confidence.
When Do Stretch Marks Start To Appear In Pregnancy?
There is no definite time on when it will develop, while it won’t develop for some as every woman and every pregnancy is different. For some, it is more likely to occur in different stages of pregnancy. Breasts may become larger as early as 6 to 8 weeks so you may notice stretch marks in this area earlier than in other areas. While it may appear on your stomach between 13 to 21 weeks or around the time when your bump is beginning to show. It may also develop on your back area later during pregnancy.
Natural Ways to Avoid and Get Rid of Stretch Marks
While these stretch marks are part of undergoing a miraculous situation in your life, some expectant mothers get really depressed because of its appearance. There are a number of things you can do to prevent this from occurring. So, if you’re looking for effective ways to get rid of it, here’s what you can do:
Olive Oil
Just like coconut oil, oilve oil contains Vitamin E and antioxidants, as well as healing compounds. It may be used as both a preventive and remedy for stretch marks and it can also help soothe the itchiness of your skin. This natural remedy not only moisturizes and exfoliates the skin, but also improves blood circulation.
- Place olive oil onto your palm and gently massage it over the stretch marks.
- Leave for 30 minutes to allow the Vitamins A, D and E present in the oil to be absorbed into the skin.
- Take a warm bath to rinse off the oil residue.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is present in many creams and soaps and is a very effective moisturizer. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids that can contribute to your overall skin health. Virgin Coconut Oil is the best and trending choice for this matter.
- Massage the coconut oil into your skin after showering until its fully absorbed, which shouldn’t take long.
- Do this as often as possible or three times a day, as long as it is natural and not medicated, for 24-hour hydration.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is pure and organic. It contains Vitamin E which can improve skin elasticity, helps clear stretch marks and aid in cell growth.
- Best results can be obtained by applying argan oil on the affected area overnight. Throough this, it could help moisturize and strengthen the skin.
Aloe Vera
Well-known for its soothing and healing properties, Aloe vera is a great natural remedy that contains enzymes, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. These help your skin’s healing process, restoring skin and preventing stretch marks.
- Simply cut a leaf and squeeze the gel from inside.
- Massage it into the the affected or high-risk areas of your skin.
- Leave the gel for 15 minutes to allow absorption and rinse with warm water.
- Apply twice per day as long as you need.
Egg Whites
Egg whites contains proteins and amino acids making it a super food for the skin. It helps on strengthening the skin and lighten the stretch marks.
- Separate two egg whites from their yolks and pour into a bowl.
- Whisk the eggs until they’re white and foamy.
- Apply the mixture to areas with stretch marks.
- Let it dry for 15 mins then rinse off with water.
Turmeric Powder & Sandalwood
These two ingredients when mixed together are known for their ability to brighten up and moisturize the skin which helps in reducing the stretch marks.
- Rub a sandalwood stick into a rough surface, add a spoonful of water, then create a sandalwood paste.
- Add fresh turmeric ground and mix with the sandalwood paste.
- Apply the mixture to stretch marks and leave to dry. Then, rinse with warm water.
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice contains acidic properties that aids on the healing process resulting to reduced stretch marks.
- Rub fresh lemon juice on your stretch marks and leave for 10 minutes to allow absorption process.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply every day for best results.
Sugar
Using a sugar scrub on your stretch marks can help it to fade away. It is a way better treatment instead of getting a microdermabrasion with a dermatologist.
- Add coconut oil to one cup of sugar and add a sprinkle of lemon juice. Mix well.
- Apply the mixture over your stretch marks and leave for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and repeat every day for a month.
Honey
Honey contains antiseptic properties which helps heal the skin areas affected by stretch marks making it an essential tool to get rid of it.
- Apply honey on a small cloth and keep it on your stretch marks until it dries.
- Rinse with warm water.
Control Weight
Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. Women will typically gain between 1 and 5 pounds (0.4-2.2 kg) during the first trimester, and about 1 pound (0.4kg) each subsequent week. It is a common misconception that when pregnant you should eat for two, however, this is not the case.
Exercise
Another effective way for repairing stretch marks after pregnancy is by exercising. As the muscles strengthen, the skin becomes tighter and helps in healing stretch marks.
Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping hydrated will help your skin to stay supple and keep its elasticity. Current recommendations are for an average woman to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, which amounts to 64 fluid ounces or just under 2 liters. While during pregnancy, it is suggested you should be drinking 6 to 8 medium cups of fluid per day, which is 40 – 54 fluid ounces or just under 1.2 – 1.6 liters. So always have a bottle of water near you and stay hydrated at all times.
Eat a Healthy Nutrient-Rich Diet
Just like staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult in pregnancy, due to morning sickness, cravings or food aversion. Certain types of food are particularly good for your skin, including fatty acids like Omega-3 which are found in oily fish, zinc, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
You will likely be paying more attention to your diet while you are pregnant anyway, and the best way to get them into your body is by eating foods rich in them, rather than taking supplements, but this can’t always be helped. Here is a guide to what foods contain the nutrients that are good for your skin:
| Antioxidants | Fatty Acids | Vitamins | Zinc |
| Green Tea | Walnuts | Green Vegetables | Spinach |
| Kidney Beans | Chia Seeds | Dairy Products | Red Meat |
| Dark Chocolate | Brussel Sprouts | Nuts and Wholegrains | Cashews |
| Brocolli | Soybeans | Fortified Cereals | Fortified Cereals |
| Berries | Cod Liver Oil | Fruits | Dark Chocolate |
| Artichoke | Spinach | Liver | Swiss Cheese |
| Sweet Potato | Salmon | Saltwater Fish | Nuts |
| Red Fruits | Mackerel | Yeast Extract | Poultry |
Stock Up on Vitamin D
By including a healthy level of Vitamin D in your system. you may be able to reduce the formation of stretch marks. And the most convenient way to get Vitamin D into your body is by absorbing sunlight, though you should take care and avoid getting sun burnt. During pregnancy, the body feels warmer so you may also find your tolerance of the sun become lower. Some nutritious foods such as cereals, dairy, fish and some types of bread contain Vitamin D can be consumed to help with your goal of a Vitamin D-rich diet.
Eat Foods Rich in Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient for an optimal skin health. It helps reduce inflammation and plays a role in the wound healing process. There is very little evidence to date of a connection between zinc and stretch marks, but including zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as nuts and fish, may help keep your skin healthy.
Hydrate Your Skin Twice Daily
You can massage topical creams or oils into the higher risk areas of your skin throughout your skin. A lot of products are readily available now in the market. Such products are those ocntaining shea butter, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. These can help hydrate your skin and aid resilience and healing of skin tissues, and through massaging the skin after application, more product contents can be absorbed by stimulating blood flow.
A Word From The Author
Some women may find that having stretch marks can affect their self-confidence, remember, that it is perfectly normal, and you are not alone. It will not affect your baby’s health and it will fade over time, though they won’t go away entirely. Stretch marks are a sign of the wonderful achievement your body has accomplished.
For those who really want to minimize the appearance of the stretch marks, you may perform abovementioned ways although these are usually only partially effective. You may do it when you first notice them appearing, though you may have much better results the sooner you start using them. Just always remember to keep your skin heathy at all times.
I would love to hear from you!
What other natural ways have you tried to reduce stretch marks during your pregnancy? Let us know as it might help me and other readers to be more enlightened about this wonderful and magical experience along with conception and giving birth.
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I wish I’ve known these 2 years ago. But thanks for sharing. I will share it with my sister.