Stretch marks are unpopular among women, but unfortunately they are often hard to avoid. Fortunately, there are some tricks to promote the fading of stretch marks after childbirth. While facial skin often looks fresher and smoother during pregnancy, hidden regions look quite different. On the abdomen, thighs, breasts and buttocks, snake-like fine stiffs can form around the fourth to sixth month – the so-called stretch marks.
Every second pregnant woman affected
Every second pregnant woman has this connective tissue weakness, which often shows even before pregnancy on the parts of the body that, for example, are subjected to greater weight and size fluctuations during a diet: These are often thighs or arms, the bust or the abdomen. What is not exactly pleasing to the eye, is the result of a yet useful facility of the body.
Cause of stretch marks
During pregnancy, the connective tissue is heavily stressed due to weight gain and increase in the circumference of the abdomen. Therefore, it automatically stretches along with it. This process is not always withstand the collagen-containing fibers of weak connective tissue. They then tear at particularly stressed areas of the body, resulting in bluish-red stiffness that fades after birth. What remains are scars with varying degrees of silvery shimmer.
Regular massage against stretch marks
To prevent stretch marks, you should regularly massage your chest, abdomen, buttocks and thighs with the onset of pregnancy. Circular movements, kneading and plucking will promote blood circulation and strengthen the elasticity of the tissues.
For plucking massage, gently grasp smaller areas of skin with your thumb and forefinger, gently lift and release. You perform this for about five minutes a day. How about always remembering to do this before you go to sleep? Many women swear by the fact that the massages lead to success when used regularly (i.e. at least twice a week, better daily).
However, there are also women for whom the weakness of the connective tissue improves as a result of the massages, but stretch marks still appear. From the ninth month onwards, all women are recommended only a very gentle massage of the abdominal region, as too strong massage strokes can trigger contractions.
Alternating warm showers are also good for blood circulation as well as skin metabolism. Moreover, while showering, you can already use a special massage washcloth to take care of the regions at risk. Always end the alternating warm showers with a cool shower.
For further support
To strengthen the connective tissue, pharmacies offer special massage oils. Most of them contain unsaturated fatty acids such as almond oil, jojoba oil, wheat germ oil and sunflower oil. In some products, the oil of arnica flower, safflower or centella asiatica is effective. In addition to the active plant ingredients, the majority of products contain silicon or hydroxyproline.
Enriched with orange and rose petals, there are also products for sensitive “pregnant” noses. However, when using massage oils, be careful not to use them a week before an ultrasound appointment with your gynecologist, otherwise the quality of the examination will suffer.
Your breasts can be additionally supported with a well-fitting bra. A balanced diet can also reduce the effects of stretching. Anyway, conscious feasting is important during pregnancy, as more cell substance is built up. Therefore: eat plenty of vitamin C, vitamin E and protein, they provide elasticity, stimulate cell renewal as well as blood flow.
