5 STEPS TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS

Has pregnancy left you with ‘tiger stripes’?

Stretch marks are usually caused by rapid weight gain/loss or pregnancy. This is because in both cases, the skin is put under a great deal of strain and can’t compensate for the rapid stretching by producing more skin cells. Stretch marks are extremely common in both men and women. While most stretch marks should fade slowly over time, they don’t often vanish completely.

 

HOW TO PREVENT PREGNANCY STRETCH MARKS?

Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy and affect around 80% of expectant mothers. During pregnancy, hormones are produced that soften the ligaments in the pelvis to make it easier to give birth – these often soften your skin fibres too, making you prone to stretch marks. Stretch marks during pregnancy have a lot to do with genetics as well - so if your mother was prone to getting stretch marks when she was pregnant, then it’s likely that you will too. People with lighter skin tones are also more likely to get obvious stretch marks, as stretchmarks on darker skin are less visible.

 

Reduce the amount of pregnancy stretch marks you get:

  • Moisturise - there is no miracle moisturiser to help with pregnancy stretch marks as the body is under so much strain, however, moisturising will help to prevent dryness and itchiness that comes along with a pregnant belly growing in size, and it will help to keep the skin nourished so that it doesn’t become sore. Try NIVEA Q10 PLUS Rich Firming Body Lotion which intensively moisturises for smooth and supple skin.
  • Eat lots of vitamins - eating food and drink rich in vitamin C such as fruits including strawberries, mangoes, and tomatoes, and veggies such as asparagus, and peppers - this will help to keep skin healthy, as well as giving valuable nutrition to your baby.
  • Don’t gain weight too fast - although weight gain is a guaranteed side effect of pregnancy, try not to gain it too quickly, you should make sure you’re gaining weight at a steady pace rather than sporadically.

4 STEPS TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS

1. APPLY A RICH BODY OIL OR LOTION

There are a number of body oils on the market which have been formulated to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and even out skin tone. NIVEA Multipower 7-In-1 Body Oil has firming power and intense nourishment to treat stretch marks to make them less visible. NIVEA Q10 Plus Firming Argan Oil firms skin and also treats stretch marks.

 

2. KEEP HYDRATED

Keeping hydrated is essential for maintaining your skin’s strength and renewable properties. It also ensures that the skin maintains elasticity and stays as supple as possible. This puts you in the right direction in making sure you get rid of stretch marks.

 

3. EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

Having the right diet can have a great impact on your skin. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin E and C, zinc and silica, helps to form collagen and maintain the elasticity and strength of your skin. Load your diet full of foods such as:

  • Kale and other leafy greens
  • Oily fish
  • Avocado
  • Berries
  • All vegetables

 

4. EXERCISE TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS

The right exercises can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Try this exercise for hip and thigh stretch marks:

  • Get down on all fours and extend your right leg straight out to the side.
  • Lift your right leg and slowly make small circular movements. Try to keep your hips as still as possible.
  • Complete a total of 10 circles going forward, followed by 10 circles going backwards. Switch legs.

NIVEA PRODUCTS TO HELP MINIMISE THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS