What to apply on stretch marks

For pregnant mothers, stretch marks are very common and this is a normal condition of our skin. Especially as the fetus grows and develops, it is easy for pregnant mothers to have a large number of stretch marks on their abdomen. Generally speaking, pregnant mothers can use some products in the early stages of pregnancy to alleviate the appearance of stretch marks. After giving birth, it is necessary to continue using it so that stretch marks can be eliminated faster.

The formation of stretch marks is mainly due to the influence of hormones during pregnancy. In addition, the distending abdomen causes the elastic fibers and collagen fibers of the skin to be damaged or broken, and the abdominal skin becomes thinner and finer, resulting in some pink or purple wavy patterns of varying widths and lengths. After delivery, these patterns will gradually disappear, leaving behind white or silvery shiny scar lines, also known as stretch marks. Stretch marks mainly appear on the abdominal wall, and may also appear on the inner and outer thighs, buttocks, chest, lower back and arms. This is most obvious in primiparas. Once stretch marks appear, they will not disappear and will be accompanied by sagging skin, sagging breasts, and accumulation of abdominal fat, which will seriously affect women's body shape and physical and mental health after childbirth.

The formation of stretch marks is due to one's own physical constitution, prenatal care, and genetic reasons. Experts suggest that avoiding stretch marks starts with daily maintenance, paying attention to health care before and after pregnancy. Although 70% to 90% of pregnant women will develop stretch marks, if you strengthen your prenatal care, you can greatly reduce the chance of developing stretch marks, or at least minimize the impact of stretch marks.

Before pregnancy, pay attention to physical exercise and eat more protein-rich foods to enhance skin elasticity. After pregnancy, maintain moderate exercise and balanced nutrition to avoid excessive weight gain. The water temperature should not be too high when showering. You can use water that is slightly cooler than body temperature to rinse the abdomen and gently massage the abdominal skin to enhance skin elasticity. Specifically, we can start from the following aspects:

(1) A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals should be supplemented during pregnancy. Since collagen fibers themselves are made of protein, you can consume more protein-rich foods. Avoid foods that are too oily, sweet, or salty.

(2) Weight gain: The amount of weight gain during pregnancy should not exceed 2 kg per month and should be controlled within 11 to 14 kg throughout the pregnancy.

(3) Using a belly support belt can bear the gravity burden of the abdomen and reduce excessive stretching and pulling of the skin.

(4) Pay attention to physical exercise and insist on cold water baths to enhance skin elasticity.