The lowdown on stretch marks
Understanding where stretch marks come from and how to reduce them
Stretch marks are common in pregnancy, but there’s a lot you can do to ward them off. And the good news is, even if they do make an appearance, they tend to fade away in time.
Popping up on your bump, bum and thighs, stretch marks often start off as long, thin pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple narrow streaks or lines. They don’t stay that colour for long though – soon they’ll fade to a silvery-white colour.
The stretch marks you get in pregnancy are usually due to hormonal changes that affect your skin. But they can also pop up simply because your skin is being stretched as your bump grows and you gain a bit of pregnancy weight. Slowly, the middle layer of your skin (the dermis) breaks down in places, allowing the deeper layers to show through.
Can I get rid of stretch marks?
There’s no magic cure for stretch marks, but you can reduce the risk of developing them by eating skin-friendly foods and trying a daily massage.
Get rubbing
Massaging your skin every day with moisturiser or a massage glove can help improve your circulation and encourage new tissue growth.
Stretch marks and scars are the less glamorous side of pregnancy and birth – but there are products that can help. Check out our favourites
Eat a skin-friendly diet
It is also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals - particularly vitamin E, vitamin C, and the minerals zinc and silicon. These lovely vitamins and minerals will help keep your skin healthy and supple.