How to Minimize and Possibly Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
My Favorite Creams And Oils To Use On Pregnancy Skin As It Stretches
FULL DISCLOSURE! This post about belly moisturizing creams contains affiliate links, which means that I get a tiny commission from sales that result from this post (at no additional cost to you!)
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that comes with several physical changes in a woman's body. One such change is stretch marks, which is a common concern among pregnant women. Stretch marks are caused by rapid weight gain or loss, which stretches the skin beyond its limit. While it is impossible to prevent stretch marks entirely, there are ways to minimize their appearance. Here are some tips on how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Keep your skin moisturized
One of the best ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is to keep your skin well-hydrated. Use a good quality moisturizer that contains ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E. Apply it to your belly, thighs, hips, and breasts at least twice a day. This will help to keep your skin elastic and reduce the chances of stretch marks.
2. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy not only for the baby but also for your skin. Include foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as zinc and protein. These nutrients will help to keep your skin healthy and elastic. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
3. Exercise regularly
After discussing with your doctor, and if they approve, keep on exercising. Regular exercise is not only good for your health but also for your skin. It helps to improve blood circulation, which in turn, nourishes your skin cells. Additionally, exercising helps to tone your muscles and prevent excessive weight gain, which can cause stretch marks.
4. Avoid rapid weight gain
Rapid weight gain is one of the leading causes of stretch marks during pregnancy. To prevent this, aim for a healthy weight gain as recommended by your doctor, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. Consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a healthy eating plan and exercise routine that suits your needs.
5. Massage your skin
Massaging your skin with a good quality oil or lotion can help to improve blood circulation and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Use circular motions and gentle pressure while massaging your belly, hips, thighs, and breasts.
6. Use stretch mark creams
There are several over-the-counter stretch mark creams available that can help to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Look for creams that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, which can help to improve skin elasticity and collagen production.
Stretch marks are a natural part of pregnancy, and it is impossible to prevent them entirely. However, by following these tips, you can reduce their appearance and keep your skin healthy and elastic. Remember to be patient with your body and give it the time it needs to heal after childbirth. With proper care, your skin will eventually return to its pre-pregnancy state.
We can all agree that our sweet babies are 100% worth all the badges of honor that come with pregnancy, including stretch marks.
Stomach skin appearance at 8 months pregnant, 1 week postpartum, and 3 month postpartum.
Genetics are, of course, another major thing to factor when it comes to stretch marks. I have stretch marks on my legs and hips, so I know that I am certainly capable of getting the marks. My father has stretch marks, however, my mother, who carried twins, and my grandmother, who birthed five children, do not have a single stretch mark. But I wasn't willing to bet on 50% of my genetics when it came to stretch mark minimization.
For nine months, I stuck with an aggressive plan to keep my skin oiled. From the second I received a positive pregnancy test, I started to apply oils. I didn't begin to show until 22 weeks, but dedicated the first half of my pregnancy preparing my skin for "the big stretch".
I used a combination of products during my pregnancy.
The Spoiled Mama product was my first lotion purchase. I bought this product the day I found out that I was pregnant out of excitement. The majority of my oiling and moisturizing ended up being done with coconut oil and Palmer's Skin Therapy oil, which are both slightly more economical oils that come in larger quantities. Bio Oil is also a fave of mine, which I would use once per day since it had a slightly higher price tag. I also love the Soapwalla Organic Resilience Pregnant Belly Oil. The scent is amazing and it has a luxurious feel to it when applied.
During my pregnancy, I went through four jars of coconut oil (my favorite being Skinny & Co coconut oil and Better Body Foods Coconut Oil), two bottles of Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil, two bottle of Bio Oil, and two bottles of Palmer's Stretch Mark Massage Cream.
“Bio-Oil” My All-Time Fave For Pregnancy!
Each of these products has a different feel on your skin, and I would apply them at different times during the day. The Bio Oil was the most absorbent, so I would apply this product in the morning before work. I would massage it into my skin (while applying a lot of pressure) for five minutes. During lunch while at work, I would then apply the Palmer's Stretch Mark Massage Cream. This product does not have an oily finish, so it is perfect for when you don't want to be a human slip and slide.
After work, when home, I would do my first application of coconut oil. I would massage it into my skin for five minutes or so. My mega oil application would occur just before bedtime. I would take at least two tablespoons of coconut oil and massage it deeply into my stomach and legs.
Be prepared to destroy several pairs of pajama pants, tanks, and sheets if applying this much oil to your skin. I wish I had a photo of my sheets, because due to my oil marination routine, it looked like I had just fried bacon on my side of the bed.
This is how shiny I would be for 50% of the day. Just when you think you've applied enough, apply a little more!
I feel that my oiling efforts paid off. After my pregnancy was said and done, and I had my sweet boy in my life, my stomach slowly returned back to normal. Here is my stomach one week postpartum:
Stomach appearance one week postpartum.
And here it is 10 and then 18 months later (below). No stretchies! So, since I treated my whole body during pregnancy, I will never truly know, from a scientific perspective, if the oiling helped. But what I do know is that it surely didn't hurt (except it did hurt my sheets and pajamas, which are beyond repair!). When my skin started to stretch, I did not have itchy skin, which was a huge plus to using the oils and lotions. Was it genetics, or was it the oil? Who knows! I feel that if oil can help machinery run smoothly with less wear and tear, it can potentially do the same for our bodies!
Left: 10 months postpartum. Right: 18 Months Postpartum (Here's My 3 Tips for Bouncing Back After Pregnancy!)
Belly progression throughout my first pregnancy.
And now that I am pregnant with my second, I am on the constant lookout for new products to try. This Organic Belly Balm by The Honest Company has been my go-to for preventing stretch marks in my first trimester. I cannot wait to see how round two of stretch mark minimization goes! I will be sure to report back!
My Favorite Creams and Oils for Pregnancy Skin:
1) Glow Organics Belly Butter - Thick but melts on buttery smooth!
4) Bio Oil
6) Palmer's Cocoa Butter For Stretch Marks - 3 Pack (you're going to need them all!)
