There will be plenty of different emotions when it comes to pregnancy; for instance, the feeling of joy and excitement as you step into the world of parenthood, things you can and cannot do during this golden period…and, then, there are concerns on your body shape and, yes, the dreaded stretch marks.
The good news is there are ways to prevent stretch marks from developing further during your pregnancy.
What are stretch marks?
Before we get into the details on how to deal with stretch marks, let’s take a look at what these are and how they form.
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are scars that appear as lines or streaks when our skin expands or shrinks. These marks can appear on nearly every part of the body.
For pregnant mothers, stretch marks are more likely to appear around the tummy, breasts, hips and thighs.
Ways to overcome stretch marks
Frankly, there are no guaranteed remedies to prevent stretch marks from occurring. However, we can treat and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Eat Healthy
It is important to watch what you eat during your pregnancy as weight gain is one of the main culprits of stretch marks. The best defence against stretch marks is by keeping skin well hydrated and supple at all times.
Eating healthy ensures that we consume proper nutrients, which help to boost our body’s natural collagen and elastin production – important factors in reducing the risk of developing stretch marks.
Eat foods that contain:-
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Protein
- Zinc
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Also, drinking sufficient water (approximately 2 litres a day) is seen to be essential in order to help strengthen and renew skin.
Apply Moisturiser
You can start applying moisturiser on a daily basis once you know you are pregnant. Moisturisers work by keeping your skin hydrated and increasing its elasticity – thus, enabling skin to expand without developing stretch marks.
Laser Therapy
A new, albeit expensive, solution in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Laser therapy, also known as laser resurfacing, uses light to penetrate through the damaged skin.
By doing so, the outer layer of the skin is removed to generate new skin tissues, making skin look younger and smoother.
Why not try Bio-Oil®
Formulated by the National Skin Centre, Singapore and developed with the gentle skin of newborns, toddlers and children in mind, Suu Balm Kids range helps relieve itchy skin and keeps dry, sensitive skin moisturised.
i) Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil is the world’s leading scar and stretch mark product. It’s formulation is a combination of four (4) plant extracts (lavender, rosemary, chamomile and calendula) and two (2) vitamins (A and E), and the breakthrough ingredient Purcellin Oil™, which makes the oil light and non-greasy.
With its clinically proven results, this award-winning product is recommended by medical experts around the world.
Massage Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil in a circular motion, twice daily, for optimum results. During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs.
ii) Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel – NEW!
After years of research, Bio-Oil® has launched a new product for dry skin sufferers: Bio-Oil® Dry Skin Gel.
Generally, traditional skincare products such as creams, lotions and body butters are primarily made from water – making up around 70% of the total ingredient, which evaporates when coming into contact with skin – thus, making these less effective in treating dry skin.
Bio-Oil® has pioneered a way to replace this water with oil, thereby creating a unique gel-to-oil formula that is 100% active.
A skin moisturiser that is not only suitable for the body but can also be applied on the face, and is gentle on sensitive skin.
