Growing a human in your belly is a remarkable phenomenon. The human body goes through a wide variety of changes in the process — from sensory to hormonal, circulatory to physical — but the easiest to identify and track is the size of your stomach.
And while there’s no doubt that the body performs wonders in pregnancy, there can be some lasting changes that you’re not so keen on.
Enter stretch marks.
What are stretch marks?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stretch marks are indented streaks or colored lines on your skin. They’re common during pregnancy due to skin that expands and stretches, as well as a result of weight gain and loss.
Let’s make one thing super clear: Stretch marks are extremely common and completely natural.
However, it’s also totally okay if you have a strong desire to prevent them. There are plenty of stretch mark creams available that work to keep them at bay as your body changes throughout your pregnancy.
Why use a preventative stretch mark cream?
During pregnancy, stretch marks can develop on your breasts, belly, hips, butt, and thighs.
The truth is, while there’s not a ton of research on the effectiveness of topical treatments, it’s easier to prevent stretch marks than to minimize them once they’re fully formed.
You can start to apply a stretch mark cream as a preventative measure — for best results, start as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and continue after you give birth.
Using a stretch mark cream may not prevent or eliminate stretch marks entirely, but it might help to make them less pronounced and noticeable by improving skin elasticity and smoothing your skin.
Plus, using a stretch mark cream can be a fantastic way for you to get in touch with your body and give yourself some TLC throughout your pregnancy.
Try incorporating stretch mark cream application into an indulgent self-care routine, which may include self-massage, exfoliation, or a good old-fashioned bubble bath.
