Your stretch mark journey may feel like it’s gone viral. Suddenly, out of nowhere, lines running across your body that look completely different to your natural skin tone. And also, perhaps strange sensations. Itchiness or discomfort are perfectly normal feelings that team up with the appearance of stretch marks. Plus, the actual texture of these stripes may change the way your skin looks. Are yours bumpy or uneven to the touch? Slight ridges in the skin aren’t harmful, they are just another sign your skin has been stretched. So, what’s doing this pulling and how can you reduce their appearance? It’s an internal process that’s making your skin react and this can be caused by your age, stage and yes, ladies, your hormones.
The Life Cycle of Stretch Marks
Firstly, if you’re seeing stretch marks, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that around 90 percent of us – and especially women – suffer from them. It’s because we’re going through the various stages of life and all the work the body needs to do. As young as puberty, you could see these stripes start to form. They are caused thanks to rapid changes in growth or weight gain or loss (in other words, stretching skin) as well as the hormone cortisone. They start out looking darker in colour, dependent on your skin tone. Eventually they fade to a silvery-white shade. So, a brown or purple stretch mark goes through a life cycle, from new to older when it ends up silver or white – kind of like the hair on your head. But does it ever go away completely? Unfortunately not, but with the right care you can help fade and reduce their appearance, especially if you start as early as possible.
Why Natural Nourishers Work Best
Why do stretch marks respond well to both massage action and natural nourishes like plant oils? Massage increases blood circulation, which helps your skin to receive nutrients faster and boosts the healing process.
Next up, choose the right blend of ingredients to apply to your skin. Hydrating oils deeply moisturise and remove any ashy-looking skin texture. Avocado oil is a must, together with other deep hydrators like Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil and Olive Oil. To give your skin the extra health support to help with reducing stretch marks – a mix of vitamins like Vitamin B3, C, E and Provitamin B5 – are known to be anti-inflammatory. Think of them like the ultimate booster shot for your body skin to restore and repair.
Find all these ingredients in:
NIVEA Radiant & Beauty Advanced Care Lotion
The Time is Now: Prevention is Better Than Cure
As stretch mark treatment isn’t a waiting game, if you feel some of those signs of stripe-onset – tingling or discomfort – or if your Mom or older sister suffers from stretch marks, start moisturising. Stretch marks can be genetic so you could be prone to them. Make sure you have a good hydration routine during pregnancy when the body naturally expands to stretch in zoned areas like breasts, tummy and thighs. If they’re appearing but you’re not expecting, it could be due to hormonal changes, like during puberty for example. Your skin’s wellbeing needs hydration for happy elasticity, so a body moisturiser with deeply nourishing oils is a smart step!
