How can stretch marks be prevented?

Once stretch marks have developed, only medical treatment can help against the unsightly skin marks. However, you can do a lot yourself to prevent the unpleasant striae. Although stretch marks cannot be 100% prevented by preventive measures, the probability of the appearance of the stripes can be considerably reduced.

A consistent skin massage during pregnancy helps to prevent the stripes. A so-called plucking massage is recommendable. To do this, rub some skin oil or cream between your hands and apply it from the outside to the inside of your stomach and breasts.

During the massage you perform plucking movements with your fingers as if you were pinching your skin. However, the massage should not be painful. E in vitamin E-containing skin oil or creams with ivy, lady’s mantle and horsetail extracts seem to have a preventive effect.

The massages can be repeated at will and should be performed consistently throughout pregnancy and afterwards. Brush massages and alternating showers also seem to have a protective effect. Furthermore, large fluctuations in weight should be avoided, as these put additional strain on the skin.

Prognosis

Once the stretch marks are present, they will never disappear completely.During pregnancy the stretch marks are impressive as reddish to blue cracks, but after birth this coloration usually fades away, leaving only light, shiny white scars. The damage to the skin remains for a lifetime, but is only a cosmetic problem. However, there are certain measures that can help prevent stretch marks. (see Prevent stretch marks)

Can stretch marks be over tattooed?

In principle, you can over tattoo stretch marks. There is no health damage or similar from the tattoo. However, many tattooists find the work on stretch marks as problematic.

There is always the danger that the color runs through the scars and the result does not look as desired. Therefore, some tattooists – also for self-protection – from tattoos on stretch marks. Large tattoos are considered less problematic in this case, because they are better suited to conceal the stripes. Here is also the danger of running contours is less.