Taking Care of Your Skin During Pregnancy

Becoming a mother is an exciting and fulfilling journey, but it can also be nerve-racking at times. From the moment a woman discovers she's pregnant, she is filled with a range of emotions, from joy and anticipation to fear and uncertainty. There are so many changes happening in her body, and so much to think about, plan for, and prepare.

Weight changes and hormonal factors can make pregnant women especially ripe for unpleasant realities like hormonal pregnancy acne, swollen body parts and stretch marks. Among these concerns is the fear of having visible stretch marks that won’t go away after the baby arrives.

Stretch marks or striae grave, are a common concern for many women during and after pregnancy. Stretch marks occur in the dermis or middle layer of your skin. This elastic layer is fortified with fibers known as collagen and elastin that allow the skin to stretch and snap back into shape. When this layer is continuously stretched over a long period of time, the elasticity can break down. In areas where these breakdowns occur, the skin tries to reinforce itself by increasing the amount of collagen. The result is the scars we call stretch marks. They usually emerge as purple or reddish marks that fade to shallow gray or white scars, although some people report that their stretch marks begin gray or white and change to purplish-red. While they are a natural result of the skin stretching as the body grows to accommodate a growing baby, they can still cause discomfort for many women. The good news is there are some things you can do to prevent this from occurring.

1. Moisturize regularly: Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help improve its elasticity and prevent the formation of new stretch marks. Using a moisturizer that contains ingredients like shea butter, emu oil, or vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin. We recommend Skin Repair Rx Dermatological Moisturizing Lotion

2. Exfoliate gently: Exfoliating the skin can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. However, be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can cause further damage to the skin. Instead, use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush and apply light pressure.

3. Massage the affected area: Massaging the skin in the area where stretch marks are present can help increase blood flow and promote collagen production, which can improve the appearance of the skin. You can use a gentle massage oil or lotion to make the massage more comfortable.

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin hydrated and improve its overall appearance. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support healthy skin. Foods that are high in vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc can be particularly beneficial for skin health.

Do all pregnant women get stretch marks?

Not all women get stretch marks and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is a proactive process that begins from the moment the happy news arrives and after you take your bundle home. Some studies have shown up to 50% of pregnant women get stretch marks during pregnancy, usually during the third trimester and sometimes earlier. It can be due to genetics, excessive weight gain in a short period or overly dry and stretching skin. 

Are stretch marks preventable or curable?

While there are ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they cannot be fully prevented or cured. However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of developing stretch marks.

Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and silica can help to improve skin elasticity and support the production of collagen, which can help to prevent stretch marks from forming.

Drinking plenty of water is important in general but during pregnancy it is extra beneficial. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being as well as that of your growing baby, and it is critical to healthy skin. Take your omega-3’s and vitamins. This is one more way to ensure proper nutritional status during pregnancy, which is critical for your overall health and well-being, as well as beautiful skin and a healthy baby! 

Researchers have found that using a proper moisturizer during pregnancy and gently massaging vulnerable areas can nourish the skin to help prevent and fade existing stretch marks.

Be sure to keep skin liberally and effectively moisturized beginning in the first or second trimester and throughout your recovery to your pre-pregnancy weight. It is also important to use products that have natural, high quality and safe ingredients during your pregnancy. Skin Repair Rx Dermatologist Moisturizing Lotion is a clinically tested and dermatologist recommended moisturizer.

It is an exceptional and safe product (it also comes in fragrance free for extra sensitive skin) that is highly recommended for use during pregnancy to keep skin optimally hydrated. Using a high quality moisturizer like Skin Repair Rx helps keep your skin supple and elastic and also serves as “food” (and vitamin supplements) for your skin.