Contents
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are born under the effect of too rapid and brutal stretching of the skin. This is why pregnancy is a favorable period for their appearance, since the skin is put to the test. Our belly becomes rounded, our chest grows, our hips widen and suddenly… “Craaac”! Be careful, the more kilos you accumulate, the more you put your tissues under tension.
To this weight gain, is also added the hormonal factor. Pregnant women produce more cortisol, a substance that reduces skin elasticity. However, the less supple the skin, the more likely it is to crack.
Stretch marks, first red then white
The skin is made up of 3 layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. Stretch marks are scars located in the dermis, the second skin layer. They are caused by a rupture of the deep elastic areas of the skin (collagen fibers) and replaced by thinner and disorganized fibers. As soon as they appear, stretch marks form slightly swollen red-purple welts. We speak of an inflammatory stage. Little by little, they lighten up, become pearly white, and leave slightly wrinkled white stripes on our skin. During pregnancy, stretch marks may appear from the 5th month, on the stomach, hips, thighs and breasts.
There is no rule, but it seems that the young, white and rather fair skin are more at risk. “Young” future mothers are also more at risk of having stretch marks, a woman generally having firmer skin at 20 than at 40!
Where do stretch marks come from?
We tend to think that stretch marks are the result of too much distension of the skin. This is not the only reason. When pregnant, our body secretes more cortisol, a hormone that weakens elastic fibers, in particular collagen. that’s why stretch marks appear more particularly during these periods of life. Namely: excessive weight gain promotes their appearance. The action of cortisol is indeed facilitated by too great a distension of the tissues. So we are careful not to gain weight too quickly!
Prevention of stretch marks in pregnant women
benefits scrubs regular are recommended. Even if prevention remains the best way to fight against these unsightly scratches, it is not 100% effective. Once a week, you can already replace your shower gel with a gentle exfoliation. The skin breathes better, which facilitates the penetration of creams.
The key to good prevention is to massage with a suitable product, from the start of pregnancy, and this until the baby’s 4 months. This promotes microcirculation and helps the skin to relax smoothly. You can use a special anti-stretch mark treatment or a classic vegetable oil (sweet almond, argan). Namely: the sooner we start this little ritual, the more chances we have of getting through these unsightly marks and streaks.
We also think of to drink a lot of water, and to do some sport to stimulate blood circulation. Finally, we are vigilant against UV rays, a stretch mark should not be exposed to the sun!
Stretch marks: how to make them disappear during and after pregnancy?
Applying a specific cream twice a day on risk areas (stomach, breasts, inner thighs, hips), from the first weeks is strongly recommended to limit the formation of stretch marks. Because once they are installed, it is difficult, if not impossible, to remove them completely. However, if you treat them when they are still red and blistered, you can reduce them. Their size will decrease noticeably and their color will change from red to white.
For best results, pregnant women should massage themselves every day, morning and night. Anti-stretch mark creams soften the skin and therefore relieve the itchy abdomen, which is common during the nine months.
A reflex to keep even after childbirth
Future mothers have every interest in continue applying the treatment after childbirth, ideally until the return of diapers. The hormones of pregnancy, if they gradually disappear, continue to act on the elasticity of the skin. Many women ignore it, but the tissue can still crack, even if the skin looks saggy.
How to permanently remove stretch marks?
If you want to resort to medical and more radical solutions to put an end to stretch marks, you must wait for childbirth and the end of breastfeeding. Your dermatologist will prescribe acidic vitamin A creams, very irritating to the skin. You can also turn to reconstructive surgery and try a treatment with vascular laser. But the price is quite high: 150 euros for results that are not always satisfactory … Another solution: microdermabrasion, or micro-abrasion of the dermis, a technique allowing tissue renewal.
Cream or oil: choose the right anti-stretch mark treatment
We prefer a cream to an oil. It leaves the skin less oily and it allows you to dress quickly after application!
- We opt for a hypoallergenic care, composed of natural active ingredients and safe for us or the future baby.
- We check the compatibility of the product with breastfeeding, if we breastfeed.
Can a simple moisturizer be enough to prevent stretch marks?
A priori no. The effectiveness of a classic moisturizer is not guaranteed against stretch marks, since this type of treatment only acts on the surface, at the level of the epidermis. However, the stretch mark forms more in depth, in the dermis. Specialized care is more recommended, although its effectiveness is not 100% guaranteed either.
Other anti-stretch mark reflexes
In addition to the application of a treatment, it is essential to monitor your diet and practice gentle physical activity, suitable for pregnant women, to avoid too much weight gain.