I’ve always been a cosmetic addict, so one of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was researching anti-stretch mark products and then making a good stockpile. I was so disciplined in this matter, that I managed to get away with two babies: I don’t have a single one , despite having had an exaggeratedly large belly and my mother and grandmother having a lot. Today I tell you exactly how I took care of my skin and what products I definitely recommend.
Why leave stretch marks?
Stretch marks are the result of the breakage and consequent scarring of the fibers of the connective tissue of the skin, basically due to a sudden increase in weight. Although the exact cause of why some people develop them and others not is not known, the main reason is the genetic factor and an obvious lack of elasticity in the skin.
Taking into account that during pregnancy it is impossible to avoid weight gain and stretching of the skin, it is vital to keep it very well hydrated, so that during the process the skin suffers as little as possible and we avoid (or relieve) the characteristic itching from that moment , since scratching us can make them appear.
Step 1: shower and bath
I think this step is one of the great forgotten ones in body care. In the shower, if we do not use the appropriate products, we may be attacking the hydrolipidic layer of the skin , so it is very important to pay attention to the gels and soaps that we choose.
In my pregnancies I always used shower oils , which are ideal for those of us who have dry skin and want to prevent further dehydration. They are generally very nice and lather (although not as much as traditional gels). Its price is 11.95 euros / 400 ml.
- pH5 Eucerin Shower Oil : This is one of my favorites, as it contains a combination of pH5 Citrate Buffer and extra-gentle moisturizers that take care of the skin’s natural protective barrier. When applied, it leaves a feeling of silky and plump skin and also has a pleasant and subtle aroma, so it is perfect for this time of “sensitive nose”.
- L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil : it is a basic that I continue to use because I love its aroma, because it is very effective and because it is high in almond oil, an ingredient that helps to take care of the skin when we do not have time to apply cream. Its price is 19 euros / 250 ml.
2nd Step: Exfoliation
Exfoliating is very important to help the skin to renew itself and we should not stop doing it during pregnancy , as it is the most effective way to remove dead cells and make moisturizing products work better.
In this case, I recommend choosing a natural scrub (that does not contain microplastics) , and that has a very fine granule because sometimes the skin on the abdomen can become very sensitive. In my case I recommend two:
- The Ritual of Jing by Rituals : I am addicted to this brand and during the two pregnancies I used different ranges, but I think this is a safe bet, as it contains microspheres within a very nice cream texture, so it is smooth, effective and It has a relaxing aroma that will help you have a real restful night’s sleep (which we are sorely missing at that time). Its price is 14.90 euros / 200 ml.
- mySKINHero by Miya : is a natural sugar scrub for face and body made from bamboo, macadamia and rice particles. If you have not tried the brand, I recommend that you do so because its formulas are wonderful.
Step 3: Double hydration
This moment, which includes two steps , aims to give the skin everything it needs for the stretching process that it is going to undergo, in such a way that we avoid the breakage and subsequent healing of the connective tissue (which is how stretch marks are ).
The idea, based on Japanese beauty routines , basically consists of applying two types of products with different complementary active ingredients: one aqueous (cream), and one oily (oil). In my case, and although during my two pregnancies I tried many products, without a doubt I would stick with these:
- Biotherm Biovergetures: it is a gel-cream containing a cocktail of active principles (hydroxyproline and something-silicon) selected for their action on the support fibers of the skin, associated with vegetable oils (shea and soy) that hydrate the skin and increase their flexibility. Its price is 43.80 euros / 450 ml.
- Lierac Phytolastil Gel Prevention Vergetures : This gel is also very fresh and is formulated from natural ingredients (alchemy, ivy and horsetail). Its price is 20.57 euros / 200 ml.
- Eucerin Anti-Stretch Oil – During my pregnancy I chose this one because it is formulated specifically for pregnancy. Contains sunflower seed, jojoba and almond oil, plus pure vitamin E. It has no paraffin, preservatives or colorants. Its price is 22.90 euros / 125 ml.
In Babies and More | Anti-stretch mark creams during pregnancy
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