Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks
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How To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks can appear on the breasts, hips and stomach during pregnancy and are triggered when the skin is stretched rapidly until the elastic fibers break. Once this happens stretch marks are permanent, and although they will fade over time it's much better to work on preventing them before they actually start. Well hydrated and healthy skin stretches much more easily, so from the moment you find out you are pregnant it's important to do everything you can to look after your skin.
Read on to learn more about ways of avoiding or minimising stretch marks, find out about the best stretch mark creams that are safe for use during pregnancy, and lots of tips to keep your skin stretch mark free.
"Think of stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes."
Joyce Armor
What Do Stretch Marks Look Like?
Appearance of Striae - Stretch Marks
The appearance of stretch marks will vary depending on the colour of your skin. Mostly they start off as fine lines which can be pink, red, purple or brown. Some people describe them as looking like cracks in the skin, and they are usually several centimetres long.
Although they may look angry and painful to begin with, stretch marks do not hurt. Striae or as they are more commonly know, stretch marks cause no physical damage or health risk to mom or baby, but they can be very unsightly and cause a lot of embarassment and self esteem issues. Over time stretch marks will fade to a silverish, white colour.
Prevent Stretch Marks With Belly Butter
Mambino Organic Belly Butter - 100% Natural
Improves skin moisture and elasticity
Nourishes and soothes dry skin, relieves itchiness
Strengthens skin's protective barrier
100% natural, botanical and vegan
Mambino organics Oh Baby Belly Butter
Amazon Price: $26.50 (as of 05/27/2012)
"I absolutely LOVE this product!! I used it everyday of my pregnancy. I am 2 month's post and still using it!! I have no stretch marks and super soft skin! The best part is, its all organic so you are not harming your unborn baby.
I highly recommend using this product!"
"I have cellulite. I have stretch marks. I feel intimidated by Victoria's Secret."
Reese Witherspoon
Prevent Stretch Marks By Drinking Lots Of Water
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Drinking around eight glasses of water a day will help to keep your body hydrated and flush away the any toxins. Hydrating your skin by drinking lots of water will make it more elastic. It will keep your skin and eyes clear and healthy, and is great for baby too.
Tips to help you drink more water:
Add slices of lemon or lime to your water to make it more enjoyable.
Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere and sip it often.
Wear a digital watch that bleeps every hour to remind you to have a drink.
Eat foods rich in water such as cucumber and melons.
Stop Stretch Marks Forming And Smell Gorgeous!
Mama Mio Tummy Rub
Rich, luxurious formulation with a non-greasy texture
Increases elasticity while deeply nourishing and moisturizing
Pregnancy safe essential oils create a lovely fragrance
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter, 4oz, say NO to stretch marks!
Amazon Price: $31.01 (as of 05/27/2012)
"I used this stuff religiously during my first pregnancy and it worked. Not a stretch mark in sight!"
Don't Put On Too Much Weight
Try Not To Eat For Two!
To prevent stretch marks it's important to keep your weight gain under control. This definitely doesn't mean starving yourself, a healthy balanced diet during pregnancy is essential, but keeping your weight gain gradual and moderate will greatly lessen your chances of getting stretch marks.
If you're a healthy weight before pregnancy the normal recommended weight gain is around 25 - 35 lbs, slightly more if you are underweight to begin with or expecting twins, and slightly less if you were overweight to begin with.
Prevent Stretch Marks And Treat Existing Ones
Bella B Tummy Honey
Bella B Tummy Honey Cream - 4 oz
Amazon Price: $12.45 (as of 05/27/2012)
"It works!
I used this throughout my pregnancy diligently. I already had stretch marks from my teen era, so I was very worried about having another set of stretch marks. So, I used it twice a day during the third trimester. It worked for me. I did not have any stretch marks from the pregnancy."
Avoid Stretch Marks - Use A Good Moisturising Cream
Keep Your Skin Supple
Start moisturising with a good quality moisturising cream or oil as soon as you know that you are pregnant. Moisturise your breasts, belly, sides, buttocks and thighs, using firm, circular strokes, morning and night. Always mositurise after showering or bathing, when your pores are open. Moisturising will help to keep your skin soft and supple and will also help to stop the itching which often accompanies stretching skin.
Good natural choices for moisturising the skin are wheatgerm oil, sweet almond oil and cocoa butter.
Luxurious All Natural Belly Oil For Preventing Stretch Marks
Bellamama Body Oil
Belly Oil, 4oz
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 05/28/2012)
"I received the Bella Mama Belly Oil as a sample with an order of the Bella Mama belly cream. At first, I thought I wouldn't like the oil because I didn't want to feel greasy. I was completely wrong! The oil absorbs quickly and left my pregnant belly feeling itch free all day. I like it better than the cream. This is my third pregnancy so I have tried a lot of products. This is my favorite! "
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Stretch Mark Cream
Strivectin-SD Intensive Concentrate For Existing Stretch Marks Cream(6oz)
Amazon Price: $54.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
