Stretch Marks in
Pregnancy
Stretch marks in pregnancy:
Where Do They Appear?
What do pregnancy stretch marks
Look Like?
When do stretch marks appear
During Pregnancy?
Stretch marks usually develop during the later stages of pregnancy, but this can vary from person to person. Most women start noticing them around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, as the abdomen and breasts expand, putting pressure on the skin's elasticity. The appearance varies due to genetics, skin type, and weight gain. Not all women experience them to the same extent during pregnancy.
2 main causes of
Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
- Skin stretching due to rapid weight gain:As your baby grows, your body undergoes changes, leading to quick weight gain, particularly in your abdomen, breasts, and thighs. This rapid stretching causes the skin's elastic fibres to break, resulting in stretch marks.
- How hormones affect skin elasticity:During pregnancy, increased levels of hormones such as cortisol and oestrogen can affect the dermis, the middle layer of your skin. These hormones cause the skin to become more fragile and less elastic, making it more prone to developing stretch marks when it’s stretched rapidly.
4 tips on how to prevent
Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
- Keep the skin hydrated:
Hydrated skin is more elastic and can better withstand the stretching that occurs during pregnancy.
- Recommended products:
Regularly applying moisturising products like Vitamin E and Almond Oil may help maintain your skin’s hydration and elasticity. Try the NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion. Enriched with a combination of caring ingredients, including NIVEA's Deep Moisture Serum, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E, this body lotion helps protect your skin and delivers intense deep moisture.
- Nutrients that support skin health:Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C and E, zinc, and protein can enhance your skin health and improve its ability to stretch without tearing.
- Daily physical activity:Practising a sport or physical activity adapted to your stage of pregnancy promotes blood circulation and helps to limit weight gain and the risk of diabetes.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks
What are pregnancy stretch marks:
They are streaks on your skin caused by the accelerated stretching of the skin.
What do they look like:
They initially appear as pink, red, or purple lines that typically fade to silvery-white over time.
Causes:
They develop when your skin stretches rapidly, which is often the case during pregnancy.
Prevention tips:
Stay hydrated, moisturise regularly, aim for gradual weight gain by maintaining a healthy diet, and incorporate regular exercise to support your skin’s elasticity.
How to treat stretch marks
In Pregnancy
Opt for a moisturiser that is formulated for sensitive skin and safe for use during pregnancy. Look for ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, or Vitamin E, which are known for their hydrating properties.
How to treat stretch marks
After Pregnancy
Post-pregnancy, you can experience the benefits of the NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Stretch Mark Body Oil Serum, designed to visibly reduce stretch marks from the first application and throughout 2 weeks.
The unique oil-serum formula, with the patented molecule Luminous 630, balances your skin's natural melanin production, softening the contrast between stretch marks and the surrounding skin.
Pair your Body Oil Serum with the NIVEA Luminous630 Anti-Stretch Mark & Dark Spots Cream to help further reduce the appearance of stretch marks, while also visibly reducing sun blemishes and pigment spots. This effective moisturising cream has a lightweight texture which gently moisturises your skin without leaving a greasy feel.