Stretch marks are one of the common problems that primarily affect young mothers. However, they appear not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of hormonal disorders, large fluctuations in body weight or during intensive growth in adolescents. How to prevent their formation or accelerate the fading of those that have already appeared on our skin?
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks appear on the skin of the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, breasts, as well as arms and back. These are spindle-shaped, thin skin lesions of pink or pale red color, the formation of which initiates the inflammatory process. Over time, their color fades to pearly. It is believed that stretch marks appear in most pregnant women (up to 90%) due to the mechanical process of stretching the skin.
Then, collagen and elastin fibers, which form a coherent structure of the epidermis, are broken. However, pregnancy is not the only period in which these unsightly changes may appear. Their development is also greatly influenced by hormonal disorders (mainly estrogens), long-term use of drugs with corticoids in the composition, excessive growth at the stage of puberty, large fluctuations in weight or rapid increase in muscle mass, e.g. as a result of strength training.
Stretch marks do not threaten your health, but they can negatively affect self-confidence. Women with irregular, thin lines on their bodies are much less likely to wear a bathing suit or a short dress. It is worth remembering that both the care and the right lifestyle will allow us to avoid stretch marks or accelerate the process of fading them.
How to effectively fight stretch marks?
The most effective form of treatment is prophylaxis. This world-old rule is also perfect for stretch marks. To prevent them from forming on the skin of the thighs, buttocks or abdomen, you should remember a few basic rules.
Massages
Systematic massages have a positive effect on skin firmness and vascular circulation. It is a remedy not only for stretch marks, but also for cellulite and loss of skin elasticity. Massages in professional offices, performed by a physiotherapist or masseur, as well as those performed by yourself, put you in a good mood and allow you to get rid of the tensions that have accumulated in our body over many weeks. Preparations used during the treatment are often enriched with essential oils, which additionally calms the mind and relaxes.
You can also massage yourself in the comfort of your own bathroom. It is enough to have a coarse brush made of natural bristles. Such home SPA can be performed dry or wet. However, it is important to always massage the body towards the heart, i.e. starting from the feet and gradually moving upwards. Initially, the pressure on the brush should be gentle, and sometimes the intensity can be increased.
Physical activity
It has been known for a long time that exercise is the basis of health. For this reason, physical activity was placed at the base of the Nutrition Pyramid proposed by the Food and Nutrition Institute. Daily exercise strengthens the muscles, oxygenates the body, allows you to maintain a healthy body weight, and also reduces body fat. Pregnant women should start light and tailored exercises from the second trimester. In this way, the skin is effectively elasticized and the body is prepared for childbirth. Simple walks or Nordic walking in a nearby park or forest can be helpful. It is important, however, that this movement is systematic.
Weight control
It is worth checking the value of your BMI (body mass index) on a regular basis. It is an index determined by dividing your body weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. A result greater than 25 kg / m² is overweight and over 30 kg / m² is obese. This is an alarming signal about the need to change your diet and implement physical activity.
Moisturizing and elasticizing preparations
There are many proven and safe for pregnant women specialist preparations that prevent the formation of stretch marks or scars of various origins on the market. A good example are Bio-Oil® oils in two variants – specialized and natural for sensitive skin, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by clinical trials. They include, among others lavender oil, calendula oil, chamomile oil, rosemary oil, vitamins A and E.
The natural variant is based on the action of as many as 14 precious oils and has no additional fragrances, dyes or preservatives. Specialist Oil has a breakthrough, patented ingredient, PurCellin Oil®, which softens the skin and restores its elasticity. Bio-Oil® oils prevent the formation of unsightly skin lesions and even out the skin tone, and the first effects are visible just 2 weeks after starting the application. The products have been enjoying the unwavering trust of consumers for over 30 years.
A diet rich in protein
What ends up on our plates has a significant impact on the condition of the skin. We are talking not only about a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fiber, which provide vitamins, minerals and all the necessary nutrients, but also protein. Its sources are mainly lean meat, legumes, dairy products (unsweetened natural yoghurts, kefirs, buttermilk), eggs and fish. It is recommended to consume about 0,9 g of protein for every kilogram of body weight. It’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of salt and processed foods. The daily menu should also include irrigation. Drinking about 2 liters of non-carbonated mineral water nourishes the skin cells from the inside, ensuring their elasticity and firmness.