Preserving a woman's beauty can sometimes be so difficult. External stimuli and too abrupt changes can ruin the data that is great by nature. Unfortunately, many have heard about such an unpleasant phenomenon as stretch marks during pregnancy. But this, fortunately, does not happen to everyone, but mainly to those who neglected preventive measures. As you know, who is warned - he is armed. And in this case, you need to arm yourself with special body oil.
What are stretch marks
According to medical terminology, they are also called striae. This word comes from the Latin word striae, which is translated into Russian as stripes. Outwardly, these are strip-like scars on the skin of various sizes.
Immediately after the appearance they are bright burgundy, sometimes even with blue, but over time they always fade to white. Most often formed in the abdomen, chest and thighs. Appear on the skin due to too much tension. The skin does not keep up with the increase in the subcutaneous fat layer and begins to crack and tear. The places of ruptures are tightened with the help of connective tissue, as it is able to form much faster,than leather.
The main causes of stretch marks are:
- weight gain too fast;
- teen body changes;
- professional sports;
- hormonal disruptions;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.
No matter how terrible they look, they do not cause any harm to he alth and are only a cosmetic defect. But they are quite capable of spoiling the mood and lowering self-esteem.
How can they be prevented
Get rid of existing stretch marks completely almost impossible. In order to make them less noticeable, the most effective methods are scrubbing and laser resurfacing. And in this case, they will simply become less noticeable
So much wiser to warn them. To do this, follow these recommendations:
- complete the lack of elastin and collagen from the inside;
- drink enough fluids;
- do not gain or lose weight abruptly;
- Thoroughly moisturize the skin from the outside.
It is impossible to prevent the growth of the abdomen during pregnancy, there is all hope for the elasticity of the skin. Most often, the sharpest growth of the abdomen occurs in the period from the 7th to the 9th month of pregnancy. The abdomen can grow so dramatically that literally overnight it is completely covered with stretch marks. This, of course, does not happen to everyone. The lucky women either got lucky with genetics, or they properly cared for their skin with special creams and oils for stretch marks for pregnant women. Can be usedboth natural base oils and ready-made blends of oils. The advantages of ready-made mixtures are that you do not need to select the dosage and ratio of oils and other components in order to obtain the maximum effectiveness of a cosmetic product. And also it is not necessary to sterilize and pour into jars. All this has already been done by the manufacturer.
Weleda
One such pre-packaged oil is Stretch Mark Massage Oil by Weleda. Stretch mark oil and prenatal oil from this brand are among the most popular products for expectant mothers around the world.
It is especially popular in the USA. In Russia, many are scared off by the price - about 1.5 thousand rubles. for a bottle of 100 ml. But the cost is fully justified by the Swiss quality and the use of high-level organic raw materials in the manufacture. Weleda's ingredients are always natural, they will never meet:
- preservatives;
- mineral oils;
- synthetic and toxic components;
- chemical dyes.
The oil is packaged in a laconic dark green glass bottle with a plastic dispenser on the neck. And it's the perfect packaging for storing oils. The dark glass will keep it longer, and the dispenser minimizes contact with air and hands. The oil itself is dark yellow in color with a rich coniferous-herbal aroma, which may not be to the taste of all pregnant women. Contains the following oils:
- almond;
- jojoba;
- wheat germ;
- oilyarnica flower extract.
As well as excipients:
- limonene;
- linalool;
- citronellol;
- geraniol;
- citral;
- eugenol;
- farnesol.
It is important to follow the instructions and massage it in at least 2-3 times a day and after every shower. This is the only way to achieve complete preventive care. According to reviews, if you follow this rule and eat well, then stretch marks do not appear, and the skin becomes nourished and hydrated.
The product is primarily aimed at the prevention of the appearance, and not the elimination of stretch marks, and miracles in this regard should not be expected. But still, reviews from those who applied it to existing stretch marks are also positive. Women note that after applying Stretch Mark Massage Oil, they quickly became less noticeable. And if there is a financial opportunity, then this is perhaps the best oil for stretch marks in finished form.
Bio-Oil
Another popular remedy is Bio-Oil's Stretch Marks, Scars & Uneven Skin Oil. It will cost less than Weleda. For 125 ml, you will need to pay a little more than 800 rubles. Also available in 60 ml and 200 ml.
In the first positions in the composition of this product are quite effective oils:
- calendula;
- lavender;
- rosemary;
- daisies.
At 5th and 6th places in the composition are vitamins necessary for the production of elastin and collagen. Next, the composition begins to dazzle the followingchemical components
- paraffinum liquidum;
- cetearyl ethylhexanoate;
- isopropyl myrostat;
- bisabolol;
- coumarin;
- eugenol;
- geraniol;
- hydroxyisoexyl;
- carboxaldehydes;
- limonene;
- linalol.
Parafinum liquidum is liquid paraffin, also known as Vaseline, a petroleum product. It really has softening and moisturizing properties. This and its low cost make it such a popular ingredient in inexpensive skin care products. The remaining components are also products of the chemical industry. Whether such substances will be beneficial during pregnancy is a big question.
Johnson's Baby
In general, this oil was created to moisturize children's buttocks, but future mothers actively use it to prevent stretch marks. Many are attracted by the price. But if you look at the composition, then it is even worse than Bio-Oil oil. There are no natural oils at all, it is replaced by paraffinum liquidum. And besides it, it contains the following components:
- glycerin;
- PEG-75;
- Lanoline;
- cetearet-6,
- stearyl alcohol;
- carbomer;
- citric acid;
- sodium citrate;
- sodium hydroxide;
- phenoxyethanol,
- disodium edta;
- methylparaben;
- ethylparaben;
- propylparaben;
- butylparaben;
- isobutylparaben.
As you can see, there is not a single natural component in the composition, only petroleum products and parabens. Applying this to the skin of babies and pregnant women is not the best idea. It is much safer to use natural pharmacy oil that is sterilized at home.
Natural oils
Oils for stretch marks during pregnancy can be prepared independently from base oils. Before using natural oils, sterilize them and their storage containers.
Keep best in a dark glass bottle on a wall shelf in the refrigerator or just in a dark, cool place.
Almond butter
It is obtained from the stone fruit of a shrub called almond. This is a base oil, that is, it is allowed for use in its pure form, unlike essential oils. Essential oils are usually added to enhance the effect. But girls in position can not use all of them. And if the pregnancy is difficult, then you should abandon them altogether.
Promotes regeneration and stimulates collagen production. Many anti-aging creams can be found in the composition of almond oil, as it perfectly improves skin elasticity. It does this by hydrating and stimulating collagen production. Its composition is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as B vitamins. Oleic and linoleic acids are in the first places.
Almond seed oil is very pleasant in texture and smell. It is instantly absorbed and does not leave marks on bed linen and clothes. They are very comfortable to use. According to reviews, this oil is effectiveagainst stretch marks already existing.
Olive oil
It is squeezed from the fruits of the olive tree. It is the easiest to find, you can get a fairly large bottle for relatively little money at a regular grocery store. But it is important to make sure that it is first and cold pressed oil. The hot method produces more oil, but many vitamins die.
The composition is similar to almond oil, also rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. All these nutrients, when used regularly, will help prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
Oil has a specific smell and takes longer to absorb than almond oil. It can leave yellow marks on clothes. But this is a good budget option for a base oil for stretch marks during pregnancy (according to many women).
Jojoba oil
This oil, unlike the previous ones, is obtained not by pressing, but by removing a special waxy substance from jojoba nuts and processing it into oil. Its healing properties were noted by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, who were famous for their carefully thought-out personal care.
Is a universal base oil in cosmetology. It can be used as a make-up remover, as a hair mask, and for moisturizing the skin of the face and body. Effectively, judging by the reviews, oil and stretch marks.
It has a lot of protein and collagen, which help to make the skin tight and elastic. It absorbs very quickly and leaves no stains behind. Another advantage is that it is stored for a long time.longer than the previous two. He also has a minus - this is accessibility. It is not so easy to find real jojoba oil in its pure form, and not its cheap fake. The most elementary test for determining naturalness is to put the vial in the refrigerator, jojoba oil will harden in 30-40 minutes. If it is still in a liquid state, then this is definitely a synthetic fake. But such a test can be done after purchase, so it is better to buy jojoba oil from already proven brands.