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Having dealt with breastfeeding and the baby’s daily routine after childbirth, the young mother recalls that she had stretch marks. And something urgently needs to be done about them. Want to know exactly what?
Causes of stretch marks
We really hope that this article is read not only by women who already have children, but also by expectant mothers, since it is easier to prevent stretch marks (they are striae) than to get rid of them.
Not everyone develops stretch marks during pregnancy. In general, our skin is elastic enough to recover even after severe sprains.
According to statistics, the risk of getting characteristic stripes on the body is higher in women under 30 years old. But at an older age, they rarely occur.
The structure of the skin during pregnancy is not in the best way affected by the rising level of progesterone. On the one hand, this hormone relaxes smooth muscles, preventing the uterus from coming into tone and preventing miscarriage. On the other hand, along with the muscles, the connective tissue of the dermis weakens. The skin does not have time to keep up with the rapidly growing parameters of the body – so at the site of stretching due to microtraumas of the subcutaneous tissue, rupture of collagen and elastin fibers, striae appear.
Stretch marks most commonly occur on the chest, thighs, and abdomen. Below we present the factors influencing their occurrence.
Hormonal imbalance.
Sharp weight gain.
Muscle weakness. With insufficient physical activity, they become lethargic, react poorly to the changes taking place in the body.
Lack of protein, iron, calcium, B and C vitamins in the diet of a pregnant woman, which are necessary for the synthesis of elastin, a protein responsible for skin elasticity.
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Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth
Let’s be honest: it’s possible, but only with the help of serious (and expensive) cosmetic procedures, such as radio wave lifting. So it is better to do everything possible so that stretch marks do not appear during pregnancy.
It is important to start caring for your skin from the first days of pregnancy.
To do this, twice a day, all expectant mothers are recommended to use a cream with a thick, oily consistency. When choosing a product, carefully read its composition. The list should include the following items:
oil;
panthenol;
vitamin E;
collagen;
hyaluronic acid.
The basic rule for all pregnant women is to take care of the body from the first weeks of expecting a baby.
How to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy
If stretch marks are still formed, continue to use body creams to soften their manifestation, and keep in mind that traumatic cosmetic procedures during pregnancy are contraindicated.
The sooner you start fighting stretch marks after childbirth, the more effective the result will be, but with one caveat: if you are a nursing mother, you need to get a doctor’s approval before making an appointment with a beautician.
Salon procedures
So, what methods are used today in clinics and beauty salons to combat stretch marks?
Laser therapy
Using a laser beam, the beautician polishes the top layer of the skin, leveling its structure and color. The process is quite painful, so it is often performed under local anesthesia. To achieve a visible effect, one procedure is not enough, you will need a course.
Mesotherapy
Injections of vitamin preparations are injected near or directly into the area of stretch marks. The cocktail contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as peptides that stimulate the work of fibroblasts, which are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin. The course consists of 3-5 procedures, one in 10-14 days. Stretch marks fade and become less pronounced.
Microcurrent therapy
This procedure is carried out by exposing the skin to currents. As a result, microcirculation is enhanced, skin cells receive a signal to restore. After several treatments, stretch marks become less noticeable.
Cosmetical tools
Not all young mothers have time to visit a beautician, but this is not a reason to give up. Cosmetics can also reduce the severity of stretch marks. In creams and gels, the following ingredients contribute to this:
retinol;
vitamin C;
hyaluronic acid;
oil.
Beauty tips for stretch marks
Physical activity will help the skin to gain tone faster.
Correction of stretch marks requires patience, time and non-stop skin care. As practice shows, they can become inconspicuous if certain rules are followed.
Drink at least 1,5–2 liters of pure non-carbonated water daily.
Make sure you get regular exercise, whether it’s brisk walking, jogging, or going to the gym.
Watch your diet and control your weight.
Use moisturizing and nourishing products for body care.
Means for the prevention of stretch marks
To minimize the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, you should include body creams in your beauty routine from the first days. Apply them after a bath or shower on damp skin with light massage movements.
Whipped Body Butter Soy Milk & Honey, Kiehl’s
The formula contains nourishing shea butter and jojoba oils necessary for high-quality moisturizing and softening of the skin. The product with a delicate texture is easy to apply and absorbs well without leaving a sticky feeling. Does not contain silicones and parabens.
Means for correcting stretch marks after childbirth
Milk that improves skin elasticity Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay
Thanks to shea butter, niacinamide and glycerin, it softens and restores the skin, making it supple.
Firming Body Milk “Ultra Elasticity”, Garnier
Milk with a light non-greasy texture tones the skin, fruit acids in the composition stimulate cell renewal, caffeine helps to remove excess fluid from the tissues. The skin becomes elastic and toned.