| As a woman, you have probably been "blessed" | | | | your pregnancy and strive for a more moderate |
| with a stretch mark or two. Whether it | | | | and even weight gain to the extent possible. |
| happened during puberty, as physiological | | | | |
| growth spurts stretched your skin beyond its | | | | Don't Forget to Hydrate Your Skin |
| tolerance, or during a previous pregnancy, | | | | |
| stretch marks are simply a normal part of | | | | The proper hydration of your skin during |
| life. But if you are ready to say, "No | | | | pregnancy is a key element of any skin care |
| More!", then you need to be aware of ways to | | | | program. As pregnancy will place more tension |
| prevent stretch marks during pregnancy or | | | | on your skin in the abdomen, thighs and |
| other periods of dramatic weight change. | | | | buttocks areas, your skin becomes more |
| | | | sensitive. You may experience sensations of |
| As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention | | | | itching and pressure as your skin expands. |
| is worth a pound of cure!" This little pearl | | | | This is where the application of a high |
| of wisdom also applies to the prevention of | | | | quality stretch mark cream or body lotion can |
| stretch marks. As you probably know, removing | | | | not only relieve some of these symptoms, but |
| stretch marks is not an easy process and can | | | | also enhance the skins ability to expand and |
| take months just to fade them enough so they | | | | flex. |
| are not quite as noticeable. There are | | | | |
| effective stretch mark creams and lotions | | | | Massage Your Skin |
| that do a pretty good job of repairing the | | | | |
| damaged skin, but they can be costly and time | | | | This is a practice that is often overlooked |
| consuming. | | | | but can really help with the prevention of |
| | | | stretch marks. Take a gentle brush or massage |
| So, if you are concerned about developing any | | | | glove and gently massage the skin in those |
| further stretch marks during pregnancy, try | | | | high risk areas, generally your abdomen and |
| following these helpful tips. Your odds of | | | | thighs. This will stimulate circulation to |
| avoiding further skin damage and scarring | | | | the skin and promote healthier and more |
| will be dramatically improved, and as an | | | | resilient skin tissue. |
| added bonus, the appearance your existing | | | | |
| stretch marks may benefit too! | | | | Eat Right and Take Vitamins |
| | | | |
| Establish a Skin Care Program | | | | Being as healthy as you possibly can during |
| | | | pregnancy has multiple benefits. Firstly and |
| The first step in preventing stretch marks is | | | | most importantly, it helps develop a strong |
| to develop a routine skin care program. | | | | and healthy baby. Secondly, it helps your |
| Don't make your program so complicated or | | | | body counter the stresses placed on it during |
| cumbersome that you will not stick with it. A | | | | and after your pregnancy. This also includes |
| simple plan that you will be able to follow | | | | your skin's health. Eating nutritional and |
| easily on a daily basis will prove far more | | | | healthy meals, complimented by a vitamin |
| effective than a more elaborate routine that | | | | prescribed by your doctor, will help keep |
| you will only follow on a hit and miss basis. | | | | your skin healthy and radiant. |
| | | | |
| Moderate Your Weight Gain | | | | These five helpful skin care tips, if |
| | | | practiced routinely, will help prevent |
| Though some weight gain is natural during | | | | stretch marks during pregnancy. Obviously, |
| pregnancy, the rate at which the additional | | | | there are no absolute guarantees due to the |
| pounds are added is very important. Remember | | | | variability of skin types and conditions, but |
| that the skin has a natural tendency to flex | | | | establishing a skin care program will |
| or stretch without damaging the skin tissue. | | | | definitely tip the odds in your favor of |
| However, sudden weight changes can stretch | | | | preventing any further stretch marks. So, |
| the skin beyond its tolerances and tearing | | | | don't be afraid of pampering yourself a |
| and scarring result, also known as stretch | | | | little, you truly deserve it! |
| marks. So, monitor your weight gain during | | | | |