When I fell pregnant with my now 14 year old daughter, my main concern were stretch marks. I was already dealing with the ones I had before pregnancy, and I couldn’t even begin to imagine what the pregnancy would leave me with. I went all out using all types of oils and moisturizers.
Pure Beginnings’ certified organic baby massage oil is primarily a baby product, but they believe it’s the best choice for moms-to-be to use on their own bodies (most especially their bellies) during pregnancy. The blend of moisturising and calming oils used to nurture and protect baby’s skin is also ideal for dry or stretch-mark prone skin.
Avocado oil is rich in healthy fatty acids and has been proven to soothe the skin. Almond oil is a mild, hypoallergenic oil. Light and thin in consistency, it spreads easily and is fully absorbed when gently rubbed into the skin. Jojoba seed oil acts as a natural skin conditioner. The oil closely resembles sebum (which our skin glands produce naturally), so it’s well recognised by the skin and is readily absorbed.
This wonderfully versatile oil is also certified organic by Ecocert – which means it is incredibly safe for both mom and baby.
The pregnancy stretch-mark debate. Can those ‘tiger stripes’ be prevented?
Multitudes of people have debated this, and it would be irresponsible to give a definitive yes or no answer. While stretch marks are understood to be genetic, you can reduce your likelihood of getting them with the following tips:
- Moisturise. This is your first port of call! Nourish your skin with health-inspiring and moisturising fatty oils! Dry skin is much more susceptible to damage, so lather up!
- Control your weight: This is one of the most helpful (and obvious) tips you can abide by to prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks develop when your skin pulls apart quickly due to rapid weight gain. Gaining weight is expected and healthy in pregnancy, but the speed at which you gain it is the issue. Maintaining a healthy weight means that your chances of developing stretch marks decrease dramatically.
- Hydration. Drinking water is essential in pregnancy. Along with the many other benefits it provides, water makes the skin soft and supple. Supple, well hydrated skin has a lower chance of ‘stretching’ compared to tight skin.
- Eat your colours. Eating foods that boost skin health may help. Make sure your diet includes foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc and protein. A boiled egg on whole-wheat toast is a great breakfast option. To up the nutritional content of a smoothie, add some brightly coloured berries and green leafy goodness. Also, be sure to eat enough quality fats from healthy sources, like pasteurized butter, coconut oil, virgin olive oil, etc.
Before you get too glum about stretch marks, let’s not forget that they often fade to become less noticeable with time. Growing a baby is an incredible privilege and your body is doing something utterly miraculous, so stretch marks or no stretch marks… celebrate this amazing event!
*content supplied by Pure Beginnings)
By @KikiMarli
kiki@ossifymedia.com