Stretch marks

• What are stretch marks?

• What causes stretch marks?

• Natural ways to help

What are stretch marks?

Most women develop stretch marks during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. They look like raised red or purple scratches on the skin but eventually, they settle down into flat silvery lines.

They happen when the skin is stretched quickly by rapid weight gain, such as that which occurs during pregnancy. Stretch marks are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, thighs and buttocks.

Stretch marks should begin to fade within 6 months of the birth, but unfortunately, rarely disappear completely.

What causes stretch marks?

As the skin stretches, it loses elasticity and the fibers of the skin weaken and break causing stretch marks. Some people are more susceptible to stretch marks than others, due to genetics, skin tone and colour, dehydration and a poor diet.

Natural ways to help

• Trilogy Rosehip Oil has been traditionally used to help with stretch marks.

• Drink plenty of water as keeping hydrated will help the skin retain its elasticity.

• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet as this will also make you less susceptible to stretch marks. 

• Eat a diet rich in Vitamin E and C, Zinc and Silica to help keep skin healthy. Lettuce, beans, wholegrain cereals, cabbage and strawberries are good sources of these.

• Try not to put on weight suddenly and eat a balanced diet that keeps your pregnancy weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds.

• Keep your skin well moisturized before and directly after giving birth to improve the elasticity of the skin, as sudden weight loss can also exacerbate the appearance of stretch marks.

• Go for regular massages to improve circulation and blood flow to the skin, which may help with stretch marks.