Stretch marks affect so many women and are not something we should feel ashamed of. Forming as a result of many changes from pregancy to weight and muscle gain, stretch marks appear on our bodies and are impossible to get rid of completely.
How are stretch marks formed?
Although we are all prone to strech marks, some of us are more likely to have them form than others. Genetically, some people have thicker skin with lots of elasticity and stretch where as others have thin, taught skin making them more prone to stretch marks.
When there is a period of growth, such as during pregnancy or weight gain, our skin has to stretch to accomodate the change. In turn, the stretching causes collagen bundles in the dermis to tear away from one another causing what appears to be stretching or wrinkles on the top layer of our skin. The stretch appears as the skin underneath us not supported by the same collagen underneath as the rest of your skin due to the tears which form as we grow.
Although once formed it is impossible to completely remove stretch marks, we can make efforts to prevent them from forming and use products which can minimise their appearance once formed.
How to prevent stretch marks?
If you're conscious of forming stretch marks during pregnancy, taking steps to prevent them is key. Depending on your routine and needs, you can use creams or prevention systems to minimise the chances of forming stretch marks.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
The award-winning Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter helps to improve the elasticity of your skin whilst pregnant, helping to minimise the formation of stretch marks. Enriched with a nourishing blend of Coconut and Argan Oils with Shea Butter, Tummy Rub Butter helps to protect your tummy, breasts, thighs and bum from forming stretch marks.
Omega 3,6 and 9 boost the elasticity of the skin whilst Vitamin E deeply nourishes your skin, smoothing texture and ensuring your skin is hydrated all day long to help your body 'bounce back' after birth.
Secret Saviours Band Kit
Clinically proven to prevent stretch marks, the Secret Saviours Band Kit is quickly becoming a must-have for pregnant women. The stretch mark prevention system is made up of three key components which work together to keep you skin smooth, even in tone and stretch mark free.
The main focus of the system is the Stretch Mark Prevention Band. The lightweight and comfortable band wraps around the tummy and helps to prevent stretch marks from forming as your bump grows. Featuring revolutionary patented pads which are hand-printed on to the fabric, the Prevention Band gently grips the skin to diffuse and spread tension of stretching.
Completely safe for both mother and baby, the Band moulds to the body and is comfortable to wear in any temperature, giving you one less thing to worry about whilst pregnant.
When used in unison with the Day Gel and Night Cream in the Secret Saviours Band Kit, the Prevention Band has been proved to prevent 82% of women from getting stretch marks.
How to get rid of stretch marks?
As many of us know, it is impossible to completely get rid of stretch marks once they are formed but we can use products to help to repair the skin and minimise their appearance. Reducing the look of stretch marks all comes down to building collagen so opting for products aim to do so is important if you hope to reduce the appearance of stretched, wrinkled skin.
Products which include Retinoids are amongst the only products proven to minimise stretch marks. We've chosen out top products infused with this skin-perfecting ingredient to help you make the right choice when finding the best stretch mark treatment.
The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil
Targeting a range of skin issues from scarring to cellulite, The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil is the perfect product to use if you want to minimise your stretch marks. Combining skin-smoothing retinoids with nourishing lipids, the highly-concentrated oil will deeply hydrate your skin whilst smoothing uneven texture and discolouration.
Simply apply once a day to the areas you wish to treat.
Combined with smoothing emollients and plant oils to nourish and condition the skin, the treatment strengthens and repairs to leave your skin with a healthy glow.
