Why does the skin tear?
Tearing of the skin during pregnancy is not the nicest thing. However, it is important to remember that this tearing is not a sign of illness or poor health. The skin simply cannot keep up with the growth of the abdomen. Unfortunately, the cosmetic problem remains. Every third woman is affected by stretch marks, which are caused by cracks in the dermis from overstretching. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin.
If the expectant mom gains weight too fast and belly-, breast- or leg circumference increase faster than the skin can accommodate in that time frame, it may tear. The longer the skin has time to gently stretch and compensate for the larger volume, the lower the likelihood of stretch marks. The connective tissue, which is often characterized by your genetic predisposition, plays an important role. Depending on this predisposition, it responds more or less to changes in the body; body type affects baby stripes.
Preventing Stretch Marks: 5 Tips for relaxed Skin
Don’t worry, you do not have to accept stretch marks from the beginning. With the right methods, you can prevent them or at least alleviate them. You can help your skin regenerate after pregnancy and increase the likelihood of the streaks fading quickly.
1. Pay attention to a balanced and vitamin-rich diet
We now know that the faster you grow, the faster the skin tears. Obviously, this can’t be avoided when a baby is on the way. But with the right diet, you can avoid accumulating fat too quickly, which causes additional stress for the skin. A balanced and vitamin-rich diet is therefore not only generally important for you and your baby, but also benefits your skin. Plenty of vitamin C and protein support the tissue and enables the skin to regenerate faster and reduce tension. Steer clear of that chocolate bar and have a colorful fruit salad with nuts instead.
Give this Keleya smoothie with lots of vitamin C a try! – Green smoothie
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 apple, with peel
- 1 banana, peeled
- ¼ avocado
- ⅛ piece of lemon without peel
- Juice of 1 large orange
- A dash of ginger
- 200 ml water
Thoroughly wash the spinach and unpeeled ingredients, squeeze out the orange. Add the banana and avocado to the blender, then add the remaining ingredients. Mix until the smoothie has a creamy texture. Follow the recipe link at the bottom to check this recipe off your cooking list.
2. The right care does the trick
From the third month on, when your stomach begins to grow faster, you should moisturize daily. Apply an oil or cream both in the morning and evening. Any area that could potentially tear faster should be cared for with moisturizing creams or oils. These vulnerable areas include the stomach, breasts and thighs. There are special oils made for this purpose; they are rich in vitamin E and extra nourishing. It is important that the products used are free from perfumes and thus do not put additional stress on the skin.
3. Stimulate blood circulation
The right products can only fulfil their purpose if they are used correctly. An evening plucking massage helps the skin prepare and become more elastic. Also, a gentle brush massage under the shower coupled with careful alternating showers is suitable, as these actions stimulate circulation. After showering, you should massage a high-quality oil, preferably a pregnancy oil, directly into the moist skin. Maybe your partner can take over this evening ritual, or perhaps there are already older siblings that are eager to help and want to get in contact with their baby sibling?
4. Sports as a remedy for stretch marks
Through balanced and sufficient exercise, you not only prepare your body better for childbirth, but also support its recovery process. The benefits of exercise also apply to the connective tissue in the abdomen: it regenerates faster and the skin thereby becomes less stressed. Don’t worry, you do not have to run a marathon to achieve this! Yoga, Pilates, swimming, moderate running or walking are perfect sports for moms-to-be.
5. Wear your new stripes with pride
You followed all these tips and your skin is still torn? You’re not alone. Due to genetic predispositions, one in every three women get stretch marks in pregnancy. But that’s no reason to stop caring for your skin. On the contrary, you should definitely continue to moisturize and massage to keep the skin elastic. The existing stripes or cracks don’t always go away completely. Nonetheless, over time they become thinner and less dark. Accept these markings and view them as a sign of what your body has achieved. Maybe someday you will guide your child’s fingers over the faded lines and tell him or her about their journey? The question Why does mommy have lines on her belly? will come. Tell your children about it with pride; you are a tigress that earned her stripes.
