Minimising Stretch Marks 101

Stretch marks can occur at any time in a person’s life.  These indented streaks of skin can appear in any part of the body, although most commonly on the belly, the breasts, the hips, and butt.  Often they are a result of weight gain or certain types of physical activity that strain and stretch the skin.  They do not cause any long term pain, neither are they painful when they occur.  Stretch marks also do not harm the skin in any way.

Most women recognise them as one of the side effects of a growing pregnant belly.  Some women see them as beautiful reminders of their pregnancy journey while others are disappointed to see them because of the overall appearance of their stomachs.

Due to the latter sentiment, many women seek techniques to prevent stretch marks and/or minimise their appearance should they have occurred.

Prevention

• Keeping skin moisturised with oil or a thick lotion is perhaps the most commonly practiced technique for preventing stretch marks.  Ideally the oil or lotion is applied right after showering and before towelling off so that the water moisture from the shower is sealed off by the oil or the oils in the lotion and is retained in the skin.

• Staying hydrated is another technique to prevent stretch marks since water can contribute to skin elasticity.  If a woman is pregnant, drinking a lot of water is a necessity for both her and the baby, a couple of extra glasses to help prevent the marks won’t hurt as long as they know it isn’t a guarantee.

Treatment

• Following the occurrence of stretch marks, there are plenty of lotions and oils that help minimise their appearance.  On their own, the marks fade over time, usually going from blue, purple, red, and pink to white or silver.  On very pale skin they are unlikely to be noticeably visible.  On darker skin they can be prominent.  Treatment lotions and oils help them fade into the pigmentation, but they are likely to always be somewhat visible.

As doctors always say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So Mommy Mundo has chosen some favourite stretch mark prevention products, and made them available in the Mommy Mundo Shop!

Buds & Bloom

Buds and Blooms packs a one-two punch for stretch mark prevention. It starts with a belly elasticity prevention oil and then a belly smooth stretch mark cream!

Morisson

An all around body cream—not just for the belly! This can address stretch marks on breasts, buttocks and thighs!

Flourish by Sacred

Fun and feminine, Flourish Probiotic Prenatal Lotion can help with stretch mark prevention and more! It speeds up recovery, enhances complexion, and firms the skin!

Mustela

Mustela has a full lineup of products all for addressing stretch marks. Oils, creams, serums, whatever makes a woman most comfortable can be used to combat those silvery lines!