Skin Care Tips To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Waiting for the arrival of your bundle of joy could be a pleasant feeling for any women but with impending motherhood also comes a large number of worries and skin related problems especially the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks are nothing but the fine lines found on the outer layer of skin due to the rupturing of underlying skin layers.

Though pregnant women are the easiest target of getting stretch marks, these hateful lines could also be seen in obese children, growing adolescents during puberty and even in bodybuilders and athletes that are into some serious iron pumping. In the beginning stretch marks are reddish lines which slowly fade away to grey or white. These marks can be seen on different body parts like hips, thighs, buttocks, breasts and abdomen.

People with heredity of dry skin are most likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Also if your mother developed these marks there is a high probability that you too will be affected by them. In majority of cases stretch marks usually fade away gradually once your deliver the child. However it better to prevent the appearance of these stretch marks rather than looking for the cure. So here are some skin care tips for mothers which will help in preventing the appearance of stretch marks:

• Your skin care regime during pregnancy should include regular massage of your abdomen using olive or Vitamin E oil from the beginning of your second trimester. Pregnant woman can also prepare an oil by mixing one ounce of jojoba or sweet almond oil with 7-10 drops of chamomile or lavender oil for applying on their stomach. Apply these oils with gentle hands on your abdomen after you have taken a shower or you can even wipe your abdomen with a wet cloth before applying these oils.

• During pregnancy keep your skin properly hydrated by consuming lots of water and fresh fruit juices. Have a diet which is rich in vitamin C, A and E and also contains minerals such as zinc and silica. Regular exercise will not only tone your muscles and prevent excessive weight gain but will also maintain the firmness of your skin during pregnancy. However one must not overstrain themselves while exercising.

• Cocoa butter is also an effective remedy in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. You can also prevent or treat stretch marks by massaging your body using cod liver oil, coconut oil as well as almond oil after bath or even before you hit the bed at night.

• One can also prepare an effective stretch mark removal cream at home by mixing together 1tsp wheat germ oil, ½ cup cocoa butter, 1tsp apricot kernel oil, 2tsp grated beeswax and some Vitamin E oil. This solution can be used for 2 weeks by storing it an airtight container.

Lastly wear maternity bra to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your breasts. These simple tips to avoid stretch marks will make your motherhood less painful and more pleasurable.