Stretch marks, also known as striae, are slight linear marks that appear on the skin, usually around the hips, abdomen, and breasts. The excessive stretching of the elastic fibers of the skin causes stretch marks and commonly appear in the later stages of pregnancy. 

While they are harmless, if you are pregnant, you’re probably keen to learn how to remove them or avoid them altogether. There are many “miracle creams” for sale that promise to rid you of these vexatious blemishes. Unfortunately, these treatments can’t penetrate to the deeper layers of your skin and don’t address what stimulates total skin health.

What you need are more holistic methods to keep the collagen and elastic fibers of your skin healthy and strong, thus minimizing stretch marks, even blocking their formation. Here are five tips to promote skin resilience during your pregnancy. 

Tip #1: Eat Sensibly

As a soon-to-be mother, one thing that is important to understand is that it is perfectly natural (and even healthy) for a woman to gain 17 to 30 pounds during pregnancy. 

Far too many people buy into a common myth that pregnant women should be between X and Y pounds. This is a fallacy and has caused many women to try to limit their growth and diet during pregnancy in order to meet an unrealistic weight goal. The truth is that all women are different, and their bodies (and weight) will vary throughout the course of their pregnancy.

However, it is also important not to buy into the common belief that you are “eating for two.” Of course, you should be eating more, but you aren’t eating for two people – you are eating for yourself and your developing baby. Try to maintain a healthy diet that will keep you, your baby, and your skin well-nourished. 

Tip #2: Keep Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated will enable your skin to be elastic enough to withstand your growth, so drink plenty of fluids. It’s recommended that you drink at least two liters of water daily. 

Stay out of the sun. The sun dries up your skin and overexposure to it diminishes your skin’s give, making pregnancy stretch marks harder to manage. When you can’t avoid sun exposure, be sure to put on sunscreen.

Tip #3: Eat to Nourish Your Skin

To keep your skin taut and firm, your body needs to maintain its collagen and elastin fibers.  Eating the right foods can do much to promote this. Eat foods that are good for your skin, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and seeds, and plenty of nuts. Consider taking vitamin E supplements. You can even rub vitamin E oil on your skin in areas where it’s experiencing the most strain.

Tip #4: Combat Pregnancy Stretch Marks with Exercise

The idea that women shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy is a myth. There are plenty of safe workouts designed especially for pregnant women, so you and your baby won’t be at risk. A good exercise regimen will involve yoga and low-impact exercises.

Your new routine will nourish your skin with increased blood circulation and enable you to gain weight in a controlled fashion.

Tip #5: Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Creams do have their place in your regimen. Keeping your skin moisturized will make stretch marks less visible. You don’t need a fancy “miracle” cream. The moisturizer you’ve been using will do. Just apply and massage the cream several times a day.

Moisturizing after a hot shower will ensure that the skin is hydrated and not too dry, which could lead to more stretch marks. 

Free E-book on How to Beat Stretch Marks

There are many other natural methods for dealing with and warding off pregnancy stretch marks. For more information, we offer a free E-book. It’s filled with tips from a mom who has “beat the stretch.” 

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