The Truth About Stretch Marks- 4 Signs You May Get Them While Pregnant

Pregnancy brings with it a hoard of things to look forward to, right from feeling your baby’s first kick to seeing your face glow and light up as the months go by. However, like with all things, there are two sides to pregnancy. Most women dread the appearance of stretch marks, wonder if they’ll get them and how to prevent them. Read on for some lesser-known facts about stretch marks, as well as how to tell if you might develop some during pregnancy.

4 Surprising Facts About Stretch Marks

Whether you’re trying to treat or prevent stretch marks, knowing these interesting facts about stretch marks can help you prepare and deal with them better. After all, knowledge is wealth.

1. Weight-Loss Won’t Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Since stretch marks are usually caused by rapid weight gain or loss. When the skin stretches due to weight gain, many people wrongly assume that losing weight might help minimise the appearance of their stretch marks. However, losing weight rapidly can do the opposite, causing the stretch marks to look more prominent. The only way to minimise the appearance is to keep the area regularly moisturised so that the skin there maintains its elasticity. You will need treatment such as applying creams or oils to fade stretch marks effectively.

2. Stretch Marks Change Colour

Most people envision stretch marks as thin, white, faded lines on the body. While they do eventually fade to a silver or white colour, stretch marks initially appear as purple or red lines on the skin that develop a glossy sheen. This later turns into the whitish scar that most people relate stretch marks to. The good news is that stretch marks in the initial stages are easier to treat with creams and oils, as they haven’t progressed into the ‘scarring’ stage yet. The Luciara Stretch Mark Prevention Cream by Bayer provides 24- hour Moisturisation. It is especially recommended during pregnancy and works in preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Its hypoallergenic formula forms a protective barrier over the skin to retain moisture and heal the skin, without causing harm to you or the baby.

3. Anyone Can Get Stretch Marks

There’s no particular body type that is more prone to stretch marks. Anyone can get stretch marks, regardless of their size. Stretch marks can even be caused by a quick increase or decrease of muscle mass.

4. Stretch Marks Can Be Prevented

Consistency is vital when preventing, or even treating, stretch marks. The goal is to keep your skin hydrated and maintain elasticity, so the skin can accommodate the rapid weight gain without causing any scarring. Drink plenty of water and include Vitamin E and A, Omega 3, and antioxidants in your diet to keep your skin hydrated and boost collagen production. A daily massage with a good stretch mark cream can help stave off those pesky white lines by keeping your skin bouncy and healthy. Apply the Luciara Stretch Mark Cream by Bayer, preferably on damp skin, and massage until it’s absorbed for day-long moisturisation. The product does not contain hazardous ingredients, perfume, preservatives, or alcohol, making it suitable during pregnancy or for women with sensitive skin.

4 Signs You May Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks aren’t something that women look forward to during pregnancy, but they are almost inevitable; what with your tummy expanding to fit a baby in there! Especially during the last trimester, with 9 out of 10 women eventually developing stretch marks during this time, its good to know if you’re among the majority, so you can begin preparing today.

1. It Runs in the Family

Genetics plays a huge part in the appearance of stretch marks. If your mother or grandmother developed stretch marks during pregnancy, there are high chances that you will too. This is due to your skin genetically lacking elastin, the protein present in the connective tissue of the skin, responsible for preventing tears.

2. You Developed Stretch Marks During Puberty

Hormonal changes cause stretch marks in many women during puberty., which similarly occurs during pregnancy. Chances are if you developed stretch marks during puberty, you most likely will during pregnancy, too. If you can still see the stretch marks you got during puberty on your body, start taking steps to prevent them during pregnancy. Keep your skin hydrated with Bayer’s Luciara Stretch Mark Prevention Cream, designed to infuse your skin with hydration and prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy. Its ingredients allow for Dual Hydro-Action, which penetrates deep within the skin and hydrates from within, keeping your skin moisturised for 24 hours. This product is hypoallergenic and does not contain any harmful ingredients that could compromise the health of you and your baby.

3. You’re Prone to Quick Weight Gain

Your body develops stretch marks when the connective tissues in the skin tear due to rapid weight gain. If you are prone to packing on those pounds quickly, your skin may be unable to keep up with the weight gain, causing stretch marks. Hence, it is advisable to keep your skin hydrated to prevent or minimise scarring.

4. You are Young

Younger skin is firm and taut, making it more likely to tear if stretched far too much. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity, becoming thinner and less firm with ageing, so it is more likely to accommodate a rapid increase in weight. If you are young, the chances of developing stretch marks during pregnancy are higher. Fortunately, younger skin also heals faster, so with consistent treatment, your stretch marks are likely to fade.

Stretch marks are common during pregnancy and your best defence against them is to keep your skin as moisturised and healthy as possible. The above facts can help you identify if you’re at risk of developing stretch marks, so you can start taking preventative measures right away and avoid some stress in the future.

Also Read:

How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Tips for Using Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks While Pregnant
How to Remove Stretch Marks After Pregnancy