Caring for stretchmarks naturally
Growing a baby can be hard work! You may notice changes in your body in the early weeks, closer to the end of pregnancy, or the changes may come and go throughout.
The majority of pregnant women will tell you that they got stretchmarks, mostly on their abdomen and some on their breasts, hips and thighs.
A stretchmark is a form of scarring. During pregnancy you will be affected by changes in hormone levels and your skin will be stretched by the growth of your baby and the enlargement of your breasts in preparation for breastfeeding.
Skin becomes more pliable and better able to stretch when it’s well hydrated. Wearing a supportive maternity bra will also help minimise stretchmarks to the breast area.
At first, stretchmarks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. Fortunately stretchmarks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time with daily massaging with a hydrating cream or body oil.
There is an assortment of products which claim to reduce your stretchmarks. While some claims are more legitimate than others, you can easily prevent and reduce your stretchmarks with time, persistence and great natural moisturisers.
Many natural oils, especially pure essential oils, are powerful stretchmark reducers because they contain highly moisturising essential fatty acids, skin healing and collagen regenerating minerals and enzymes, and natural antioxidants to repair damaged skin. If you consistently apply these oils to your skin, your stretch marks will fade or disappear naturally over time.
Look out for products containing the following oils, organic if possible:
Rosehip Oil – very hydrating and high in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, which encourage regeneration and repair of skin tissue, even out skin tone and reduce the redness and appearance of scars.
Jojoba Oil – similar properties to skin’s natural sebum, it’s easily absorbed with a nice texture and feel. Regenerative and firming, it is useful for improving the tone and condition of skin. It provides important nutrients, i.e. Vitamin E and B group, minerals and essential fatty acids.
Wheat Germ Oil – a very nourishing oil that contains very high amounts of vitamins E and A, as well as being high in essential fatty acids. Useful in healing damaged or scarred skin, reducing the appearance of scars and improving suppleness and elasticity.
Cocoa Butter – softening and protecting and is especially good for dry skin. Helps maintain suppleness and elasticity of skin and minimises stretchmarks.
Aloe Vera – a skin nutrient renowned for its soothing and hydrating action, it is used to soothe minor cuts and burns, moisturise dry damaged skin, reduce redness, and provide long-lasting moisturisation.
Vitamin E provides nourishment, hydration, helps reduce redness and smooths scars.
And the Pure Essential Oils of:
Lavender – known for its calming and soothing properties, encouraging relaxation. Used to provide relief for mild skin disorders, it contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate. Particularly soothing for inflamed skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis and is beneficial in relieving itchiness. It is considered suitable for use during pregnancy.
Frankincense – recommended for use on scars and dry skin. It’s regenerative and promotes the healing of wounds and the formation of scar tissue. It is considered suitable for use in pregnancy.
Mandarin and Tangerine – recommended in massage blends to prevent stretchmarks during pregnancy. It is often blended with Lavender or Neroli and considered suitab le for use in pregnancy.
Neroli – reputed to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin as it has an ability to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells. It is considered suitable for use in pregnancy.
Patchouli – recommended for treating conditions such as sores, fissures and scars due to the regenerating, moistening and cooling action is has on skin tissues. It is considered suitable for use in pregnancy.
Remember a stretchmark is a scar, it will take time to fade, just be consistent and the rewards will come.
Article written by Michelle Vogrinec – mum of three, creator of GAIA Natural Baby and GAIA SKIN+BODY Pregnancy + New Mum
