HOW TO: care for stretch marks during pregnancy
As your body grows over the next year, you may or may not develop tiny reminders (stretch marks) on your belly, hips, and thighs that you grew a human or two! Stretch marks are basically small scars located in the middle layer of your skin (dermis) that are visible in the top layer of skin (epidermis). They form when rapid weight gain or hormonal changes stretch the skin beyond its ability to repair itself. And that is how they got their name.
One of the best tools that you have to keep skin nourished and in its best shape is your skincare.
Stretch marks are most often associated with pregnancy because pregnancy hormones, like cortisol and estrogen, reduce the activity and effectiveness of the fibroblasts in your skin. Help your skin out with a rich hydrator crafted with skin loving antioxidants to nourish your body from head to toe!
washie TIP: Nourish your skin from the inside. Stay consistent with healthy fruits and veggies including food rich in Vitamin C
Can I prevent stretch marks?
Unfortunately, no. Try as you might to avoid stretch marks, there's no proven way to treat them or stop them from zigzagging their way across your body. So don’t spend a ton of money on unproven therapies (save that for your post-delivery spa day with a mani-pedi and massage!).
When can I expect my stretch marks to go away?
Embrace your postpartem body and understand that your stretch marks may be around for a while and tend to be darker and and might even look a little more noticeable post-delivery. Fortunately, as the days go on your stretch marks will fade. Love your body with positive affirmations and remember hydrated skin is happy skin!
