Preserving female beauty is sometimes so difficult. External stimuli and too abrupt changes can destroy data that are magnificent by nature. Unfortunately, many have heard of 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 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 strips. Outwardly, these are strip-shaped scars on the skin of various sizes.
Immediately after the appearance, they are bright burgundy, sometimes even with a blue, but over time they always turn pale until white. Most often formed in the abdomen, chest and hips. Appear on the skin due to too much tension. The skin does not keep pace with the increase in the subcutaneous fat layer and begins to crack, tear. Places of tears are tightened with the help of connective tissue, as it is able to form much faster than the skin.
The main causes of stretch marks are as follows:
- too fast weight gain;
- teenage body changes;
- professional sports;
- hormonal disruptions;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.
No matter how terrible they look, they do no harm to health and are only a cosmetic defect. But they can completely spoil the mood and underestimate self-esteem.
How can they be prevented
Getting rid of existing stretch marks is almost impossible. In order to make them less visible, the most effective methods are scrubbing and laser resurfacing. And in this case, they will simply become less noticeable.
Therefore, it is much wiser to warn them. To do this, observe the following recommendations:
- make up for the lack of elastin and collagen from the inside;
- consume enough fluid;
- Do not gain or lose weight sharply;
- Moisturize the skin thoroughly on the outside.
It is impossible to prevent the growth of the abdomen during pregnancy, there is all hope for skin elasticity. Most often, the sharpest growth of the abdomen occurs during the period from the 7th to the 9th month of pregnancy. The abdomen can grow so sharply that literally overnight it is completely covered with stretch marks. This happens, of course, not with everyone. The lucky ones were either lucky with genetics, or they properly looked after their skin with the help of special creams and oils from stretch marks for pregnant women. You can use natural base oils as well as ready-made oil mixtures. The advantages of ready-made mixtures are that you do not need to select the dosage and ratio of oils and other components to obtain a cosmetic product of maximum effectiveness. And also do not need to sterilize and pour into jars. All this has already been done by the manufacturer.
Weleda
One of these finished oils is Weleda's Stretch Mark Massage Oil. Oil from stretch marks and oil for preparing the intimate area for childbirth from this brand are some of the most popular products for expectant mothers around the world.
It is especially popular in the USA. In Russia, many are scared away by the price - about 1.5 thousand rubles. per bottle 100 ml. But the cost is fully justified by Swiss quality and the use of high-level organic raw materials in the manufacture. The compositions at Weleda are always natural, they will never meet:
- preservatives;
- mineral oils;
- synthetic and toxic components;
- chemical dyes.
The oil is packaged in a laconic design bottle made of dark green glass; there is a plastic dispenser on the neck. And it is an ideal packaging for storing oils. 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 that not all pregnant women may like. The composition includes the following oils:
- almond;
- jojoba;
- wheat germ;
- Arnica flower oil extract.
As well as excipients:
- limonene;
- linalool;
- citronellol;
- geraniol;
- citral;
- eugenol;
- farnesol.
It is important to follow the instructions and apply it with massage movements at least 2-3 times a day and after each shower. This is the only way to achieve complete preventive care. According to reviews, if you follow this rule and eat fully, then stretch marks do not appear, and the skin becomes nourished and moisturized.
The product is primarily aimed at preventing the appearance, and not the elimination of striae and miracles in this regard should not be expected. But still the 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 from stretch marks in the finished form.
Bio oil
Another popular remedy is Bio-Oil's “Oil for stretch marks, scars and uneven tones”. It will cost less than Weleda. For 125 ml, you will need to give a little more than 800 p. Also available in volumes of 60 ml and 200 ml.
In the first positions in the composition of this product are quite effective oils:
- calendula
- lavender;
- rosemary;
- daisies.
At 5 and 6 places in the composition are vitamins necessary for the production of elastin and collagen. The following chemical components begin to dazzle with the composition
- paraffinum liquidum;
- cetearyl ethylhexanoate;
- isopropyl myrostat;
- bisabolol;
- coumarin;
- eugenol;
- geraniol;
- hydroxyisoexyl;
- carboxaldehydes;
- limonene;
- linalol.
Paraffinum liquidum is liquid paraffin; it is also a well-known petroleum jelly, a product of oil refining. It really has a softening and moisturizing property. This and its low cost make it such a popular component in low-cost care products. The remaining components are also products of the chemical industry. Whether such substances will benefit during pregnancy is a big question.
Johnson's Baby
In general, this oil was created to moisten children's buttocks, but future mothers are actively using it to prevent stretch marks. Many are attracted by the price. But if you study the composition, it is even worse than the oil from Bio-Oil. Natural oils are not there at all, it is replaced by paraffin liquidum. And in addition to it, the following components are included:
- glycerol;
- PEG-75;
- Lanolin;
- Ceteareth-6,
- stearyl alcohol;
- carbomer;
- lemon acid;
- sodium citrate;
- sodium hydroxide;
- phenoxyethanol,
- disodium edta;
- methyl paraben;
- ethyl paraben;
- propyl paraben;
- butylparaben;
- isobutylparaben.
As you can see, the composition does not have a single natural component, only oil products and parabens. Putting it on 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 containers.
It is best stored in a dark glass bottle on a wall shelf in the refrigerator or just in a dark, cool place.
Almond oil
It is obtained from the stone fruit of a bush called almonds. This is a base oil, that is, it is allowed for pure use, unlike essential oils. Typically, essential oils are added to enhance the effect. But not all of them can be used by girls in position. And if the pregnancy is difficult, then you should abandon them altogether.
Promotes regeneration and stimulates collagen production. In many anti-aging creams, it can be found in the composition of almond oil, as it perfectly improves skin elasticity. This happens due to hydration and stimulation of collagen production. Its composition is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as B vitamins. Oleic and linoleic acids are in the first place.
Almond seed oil is very pleasant in consistency and smell. It is instantly absorbed and leaves no residue on bedding and clothes. Using it is very comfortable. Effectively according to reviews, this oil is against stretch marks already existing.
Olive oil
It is squeezed from the fruits of the olive tree. It is easiest to find, you can buy a fairly large bottle for relatively little money in a regular grocery store. But it is important to see 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, antioxidant vitamins. All of these beneficial substances, when used regularly, will help prevent stretch marks.
Oil has a specific smell and absorbs longer than almond. It may leave yellow marks on clothing. But this is a good budget option for the 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 even by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, who were famous for carefully thought-out personal care.
It is a universal base oil in cosmetology. It can be used to remove makeup, and as a mask for hair, and to moisturize 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 firm and supple. It is absorbed very quickly and leaves no stains. Another plus of it is that it is stored much longer than the previous two. He also has a minus - this is accessibility. It is not so easy to find pure 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, the jojoba oil will harden in 30-40 minutes. If it is still in a liquid state, then this is a synthetic fake. But such a test can be done after the purchase, so it is better to buy jojoba oil already verified brands.