Stretch marks
In a recent survey by Bio-Oil, 40 per cent of women claimed that their stretch marks were due to pregnancy. Formed on the abdomen and breasts during pregnancy, stretch marks can cause concerns for many women with one in seven feeling self conscious about them.
Normally, the skin adapts to continuous movement of the body by expanding and contracting, however during pregnancy your skin can have insufficient time to adjust and this is when stretch marks form.
Stages of stretch marks
1. Early stage stretch marks will appear pink in colour and may also be itchy. The skin immediately around the stretch marks may also look ‘flattened’ and ‘thin’
2. Gradually, the stretch mark will enlarge in length and width and become a reddish or purple colour
3. Once the stretch marks have matured. They lose their reddish/purple colour. In the months after pregnancy, they will start to fade and become a white or silver colour. These will also seem slightly depressed and irregular in shape and length.
How to care for skin and help prevent stretch marks
To help prevent stretch marks the skin’s elasticity needs to be maximised by keeping it well hydrated and supple at all times. Hannah Thornton, Midwife and mum-to-be realised how important it is to look after your skin during pregnancy.
"Many women don’t think about stretch marks or ask questions about it during their pregnancy as there are so many other things on their minds and its often once they are more visible and noticeable that they really have an impact on confidence. Now, set to be a mother myself I can see this and would try and advise where possible that women look after their skin during pregnancy to help to prevent or lessen the impact of stretch marks."
Here are several useful tips you can include into your everyday routine to help with this:
Food for the skin
Collagen and elastin fibres in the skin are necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. So eating foods that are rich in vitamin E and C, zinc and silica can help with collagen production and act as antioxidants.
· Vitamin C is a key antioxidant that helps protect tissue from damage. Try citrus fruits, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries, papaya, potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes
· Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) helps to promote healthy skin. Try meats, poultry, fish (not shellfish), dairy product, fortified cereals, eggs
· Vitamin B3 (Niacin) also helps skin health. Try high proteins such as fortified cereals and breads, eggs and peanuts
· Zinc is key for alleviating skin problems and digestive complaints. Try red meats, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, dairy products
Exercise
Not only is exercise great for boosting energy levels, reducing mood swings and improving sleep but it can also help prevent stretch marks. Exercise improves the circulation, which keeps skin elastic and able to stretch as it grows. The improved circulation also reduces the possibility of varicose veins and swollen ankles during pregnancy.
Recommended pregnancy exercises include:
· Swimming – raises your heart rate and keeps your body toned without adding weight or stress to your joints
· Walking – good for your knees and easy! Make sure you stretch out before and after
· Jogging – if you are a usual jogger you can continue during pregnancy while you still feel comfortable, just make sure your well hydrated
· Cycling – this places less stress on your body as the bicycle supports your weight
· Yoga – most forms of yoga will be safe for you and your baby, as long as they are not excessively vigorous. There are also specially designed classes
· Avoid high impact or potentially dangerous sports like skiing, water skiing and horseriding
Keeping skin supple
As well as eating right and exercising you can use a topically-applied product that is specially formulated to maximise the skin’s elasticity. By starting this in your second trimester twice daily throughout pregnancy, your skin will remain well-hydrated and better able to stretch.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies