How to Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life. Your body will feel like it’s changing every week - and it is! White many of these changes are going on internally, it’s the physical ones you’ll be most aware of. Like your baby bump! These and other physical changes are to prepare your body for the growing baby and the birth. 

One downside to these rapid changes is pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks occur when the supporting layers of tissue under your skin are pulled so tight that they tear. These tears are very small, but they show on your belly and breasts as purple or reddish streaks. You may also get stretch marks on your thighs, buttocks, and hips.

Stretch marks are a completely normal part of pregnancy, affecting around eight out of 10 women. They affect every woman differently depending on skin type, genetics, pregnancy growth, and many other factors. 

There are no proven remedies to prevent stretch marks or to make them disappear completely. Like other skin blemishes, they generally fade with age. That said, many women would agree that they would rather not have them! 

Good news: there are lots of ways you can support your skin health and elasticity during pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some great foods and moisturisers!

Foods to support skin health during pregnancy

Skin requires a range of nutrients to support healthy elasticity, strength, and suppleness. These nutrients include protein, Omega 3, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. Antioxidants are also helpful. 

Some foods to include in your daily menu:

• Protein
  Collagen and elastin are two types of proteins that make up connective tissue, including skin. Together, these proteins support the structure and flexibility of skin.
  Eating plenty of protein is important during pregnancy, not just for the baby’s growth and development, but because protein contains amino acids that support the body’s production of collagen. Good protein choices during pregnancy include fish, poultry, beef, eggs, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds. 

• Omega 3
  Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for both mum and baby. These fatty acids not only support the baby’s brain and eye development, and also healthy skin! Studies suggest that Omega-3 plays a valuable role in normal skin function and appearance.
  Omega 3 fish oil supplements are an easy way to get this valuable nutrient during pregnancy (check out the whole range at Bargain Chemist!)

• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C is one of the main nutrients involved in supporting collagen formation in the body, so it’s a good idea to include plenty in your diet! Foods rich in vitamin C include berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, capsicums, tomatoes, and kiwifruit. 

• Vitamin D
  Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, Vitamin D supports healthy skin cell turnover and cell renewal. This is especially important when skin is undergoing rapid growth and change during pregnancy. Vitamin D is best sourced from the sun! Our body creates Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Just be sure to cover up with sunscreen when UV levels are high, especially during summer. Some foods also contain vitamin D, including oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), eggs, and red meat.
  
  
• Vitamin E
  This fat-soluble vitamin helps to support cell function, skin health, and the immune system. It’s also a valuable antioxidant.
  While you’re used to seeing vitamin E as an ingredient in skin care products, it’s also in lots of foods! Some great options include salmon, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, broccoli, and oils such as sunflower, wheat germ, and safflower oil.
  
  
• Zinc
  Zinc is another vital antioxidant and nutrient. It supports protein synthesis and skin health, and it’s especially important for supporting growth and development during pregnancy. Zinc is often included in pregnancy supplements, but it’s also available in red meat, poultry, pumpkin seeds, legumes, nuts,  grains, cereals, and eggs.
  
  
• Water (and lots of it)
  As obvious as it sounds, water is one of the best ways to support skin health! As well as keeping your skin hydrated, water is also helpful for digestion and moving waste out of the body. During pregnancy, women are advised to drink around 1.6 litres of fresh, filtered water a day. 

Skincare for stretch marks

Creams, lotions, and oils are a great way to help keep your skin moisturised throughout pregnancy. There are lots of products specially designed to support skin as your body changes, and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and uneven skin tone. 

One of our most popular products for pregnancy stretch marks is Palmer's® Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks. Made with cocoa butter, argan oil, and shea butter, this deliciously thick lotion is designed to support skin elasticity and suppleness. It can be slathered all over the body, especially in stretch mark-prone areas such as the belly, breasts, hips and thighs. Palmer’s Tummy Butter also includes vitamin E and almond oil to support hydration and elasticity. Best of all, it’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and free from parabens and phthalates.

And of course, we can’t forget the Bio-Oil range! Widely regarded as the best oil for pregnancy stretch marks, Bio-Oil is a specialist skin formula that has been used by mums around the world since the late ‘80s. 

Bio-Oil’s unique combination of ingredients includes Vitamin A and Vitamin E along with plant oils Calendula, Lavender and Rosemary, and Chamomile extract. Bio-Oil also contains PurCellin Oil™, which supports the skin’s absorption of all these amazing ingredients. 

The Bio-Oil formulation is designed to help manage skin elasticity and moisture during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth. It can be used to help improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars. 

For maximum benefit, apply Bio-Oil to freshly washed skin before your regular moisturiser. It should be massaged into the skin in a circular motion until fully absorbed. 

Along with its famous original Skin Care oil, the Bio-Oil range now includes Body Lotion and a Dry Skin Gel. Check out the whole range and other fantastic skincare products at your local Bargain Chemist!