Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin. There are several different things that add to the severity of stretch marks. Things like genetics and the amount of stress on the skin when it was being stretched.
Most women get stretch marks after pregnancy. It can happen anytime there is weight gain, especially if there’s been weight loss. Swollen limbs or areas of the body due to illness or injury can cause stretch marks as well.
For all the mama’s out there, you should wear those marks as a badge of honor. After all, your entire being just went through a lot, inside and out. There is a misconception that stretch marks only affect the belly of pregnant women. However, any part of the body that swells or stretches is subject as well. Commonly stretch marks can affect the hips, chest, legs, buttocks, and thighs. There is always some extra weight-gain in different areas of the body, even if it isn’t as noticeable.
How To Get Rid of Stretch Marks
This section will cover how to get rid of stretch marks, as well as what can be done as prevention. Let’s get into it.
- Daily Dose of Vitamins & Minerals: Your growing baby is going to need a healthy balanced nutritional supply provided by you and what you consume. Vitamins will also benefit the prevention of stretch marks and enhance stretch mark removal. Lacking essential nutrients can be the cause of the development of stretch marks. Vitamins C, D, and E. The mineral zinc is also an essential element for a balanced pregnancy and the prevention of stretch marks.
- Drinking Plenty of H2O: Water is life! Drinking plenty of water daily is essential to our bodies. Making sure to stay hydrated during and after pregnancy is crucial. Water carries the nutrients to you and your little one. The benefits exceed past the border of the internal lands, but it spreads out to benefit and hydrate the skin as well. It helps prevent stretch marks when the body has enough water to properly sustain the entire system.
- How You Gain Weight: Balancing your weight gain safely is important. There are areas your doctor will look over such as, your current weight, the baby’s growth weight, and any health issues. With the necessary information your doctor or OBGYN can figure out how much weight you should gain, and how soon. You will also learn if you need to shed any weight. If you gain too much weight too quickly stretch marks are more likely to develop, and they’re harder to get rid of.
- Catch Some Sun: The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D which is essential for smooth skin. Vitamin D can help repair damaged skin, prevent stretch marks, and provide some smooth nutritional aspects as well. It should be advised to proceed with caution when you go out in the sun pregnant. Some women’s skin becomes more sensitive making them more prone to getting a sunburn.
- Treat New Stretch Marks ASAP: As your body begins growing and stretching, you can rub some lotion to those specific areas to help prevent stretch marks. As soon as you notice any new stretch marks, take action and do something about it. You can use a cream or lotion; vitamin E, shea butter, and cocoa butter are all excellent options.
