To avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, you should use moisturizing creams or body oils rich in vitamin E to promote blood circulation and hydrate the skin, in addition to drinking plenty of fluids and consuming foods rich in vitamin E and C.
However, if a woman has stretch marks during pregnancy, after giving birth it is possible to undergo some treatments recommended by the dermatologist to remove stretch marks, such as laser, microneedling or radiofrequency, for example, as they allow you to eliminate white or red stretch marks from the skin.
Read too: Stretch marks: what they are, types, causes, treatment and how to avoid
Stretch marks usually appear from the 25th week of pregnancy, when there is greater stretching of the skin due to weight gain and the baby’s growth and appear mainly on the belly, breasts and thighs. Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated to treat stretch marks.
How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy
Some ways to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy are:
1. Use creams
The use of creams rich in vitamin E promotes deep hydration of the skin during pregnancy, reducing the chances of stretch marks, as they increase skin elasticity.
Good options that can be used are Bio-Oil, Isdin Woman Antiestrias or Libbs Umiditá Gestante, which are rich in vitamin E, and should be applied during pregnancy to all areas prone to stretch marks, such as breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.
In addition, there are also other specific creams such as Materskin Body Lotion, Materskin Pregnant Body Lotion, for example.
2. Apply body oils
The application of oils rich in vitamins E, C and A is recommended to avoid red stretch marks during pregnancy because they increase collagen production, give the skin more elasticity and help in the production of new cells, repairing damaged skin.
Sweet almond oil and grape seed oil increase skin elasticity and hydration, reducing red stretch marks on the skin.
Rosehip oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin A and helps with skin regeneration, as it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, essential for keeping the skin firm and elastic, thus reducing red stretch marks during pregnancy.
3. Regularly massage your belly and breasts
Regularly massaging the belly and breasts also helps prevent stretch marks, as it activates blood circulation in these areas, providing greater elasticity to the skin.
It is important that these massages are performed daily, especially in areas most prone to the appearance of stretch marks, such as the abdomen, breasts and thighs. A good time to do this is when applying the cream or oil after a shower.
4. Wear appropriate clothing
It is important to wear suitable underwear that supports the weight of your belly and also helps support the weight of your breasts.
In some cases, a pregnancy belt can also be used to support the weight of the belly, this will prevent the skin from stretching and becoming even more saggy.
In addition, light, cotton clothing should also be worn, as it does not cause compression on the skin and facilitates blood circulation, and the use of belts, for example, should be avoided.
5. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and E
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, are foods rich in antioxidant substances, such as beta-carotene or flavonoids, which act as skin collagen stimulants, also contributing to combating stretch marks.
On the other hand, foods rich in vitamin E, such as whole grains, vegetable oils and seeds, serve to protect the body’s cells, with vitamin E being an antioxidant vitamin with anti-aging properties for the skin.
6. Increase water consumption
It is recommended to drink at least 2L of water per day to maintain skin hydration and elasticity, helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, as dehydrated skin is always more likely to form.
7. Control your weight during pregnancy
Controlling your weight during pregnancy is also very important to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
To do this, it is necessary for pregnant women to regularly monitor their weight and maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, white meat, fish and eggs, avoiding foods with excess fats and sugars. See what nutrition should be like during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is acceptable for a woman to gain between 11 and 15 kg throughout the pregnancy, however the maximum acceptable weight depends on each pregnant woman and her initial weight. Find out how to calculate how many kilos you can gain during pregnancy.
How to remove stretch marks during pregnancy
Some ways to remove pregnancy stretch marks after giving birth are:
1. Microneedling
Microneedling is indicated for the treatment of red or white stretch marks and consists of increasing the production of collagen, important in skin renewal, through microperforations of the skin with fine needles, similar to acupuncture.
This technique must be carried out by a dermatologist because it is important to carry out an assessment of the person’s stretch marks to adapt the treatment.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion, also known as peelingaims to remove damaged skin and promote cell renewal and can be divided into two types, physical peeling and chemical peeling.
O peeling Physical is a painless technique that can be done to remove stretch marks during postpartum pregnancy and consists of peeling the skin using suitable materials, such as sandpaper, creams and devices that use crystals or diamond sandpaper.
To complement the treatment and improve its effectiveness, exfoliants or creams with glycolic acid can be used. However, the peeling should be advised is done by the dermatologist taking into account the person’s skin and postpartum.
O peeling Chemical treatment consists of removing the superficial layers of the skin, through the application of chemical agents such as salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid or phenol, allowing it to regenerate. Find out what microdermabrasion is and how it is done.
3. Laser
Laser is a technique that can be used to remove stretch marks during postpartum pregnancy, which consists of producing electromagnetic radiation that helps renew the skin by stimulating collagen production.
This technique can be used to treat red stretch marks and white stretch marks, and must be performed by a dermatologist.
4. Intense pulsed light
Intense pulsed light is a treatment indicated for removing stretch marks and is done by emitting lights with various characteristics directly onto the skin, increasing the activity of fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for the production of elastin and collagen, allowing the skin to become more visible. elastic and renewed.
Intense pulsed light, due to the lights that are emitted, is not recommended during pregnancy and should only be used after the baby is born.
5. Carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy can be used to remove red stretch marks and white stretch marks and consists of injecting carbon dioxide into the location of the stretch mark, over several sessions, filling it and improving blood circulation.
The amount of carbon dioxide to use depends on the size and depth of the stretch mark and usually shows results after the fourth session.
The technique is not recommended during pregnancy due to the need to use carbon dioxide, as it can cause malformations in the baby, and should be a procedure performed by a dermatologist, postpartum, after a more appropriate assessment. See what carboxytherapy is and what it is for.
6. Radio frequency
Radiofrequency is a technique used to treat stretch marks that generates a high frequency current, reaching the deepest layers of the skin and improving blood circulation.
Furthermore, radiofrequency stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, responsible for skin renewal and elasticity.
However, due to the currents required to carry out the treatment, this technique cannot be carried out during pregnancy and can be started after birth and with the advice of a dermatologist for better effectiveness.
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