Those stretch marks are something else!
I had some since I was 15 years old. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I could avoid them since I have a genetic predisposition (mom and sister have them too), plus all the weight I suddenly gained when I went to High School.
So when I got pregnant, my thighs and butt already looked like a tiger. Then I thought: Oh boy! This tummy is going to be a mess after delivery!
Often we hear that stretch marks come naturally with pregnancy. However, from woman to woman, it’s different. It depends on how much weight you put on or your skin type.
My skin type ranges from super dry areas (especially legs and hands) to some oily patches on my face, neck, arms, and scalp. And I gained some beautiful 20 kilos during pregnancy! Oh yes, almost twice as recommended. Thus my bump was pretty huge at the end.
So I believe that what I did, worked great!
Stay with me because I want to share my home remedies to avoid stretch marks on the belly during and after pregnancy.
The sooner, the better.
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I started applying oils to my belly. I did not wait for the bump to start growing, but I began to prepare my skin for the coming changes early in my pregnancy.
In my first trimester, I added moisturizing and massaging my tummy to my morning and night routine.
Fancy creams to avoid stretch marks?
In my case, I didn’t want to use any commercial cream because of all the contraindication skincare products have, especially during the first trimester.
After some research, I decided to use natural oils to benefit my skin without hurting the fetus. So, I thought it was the perfect time to apply the “don’t put it on your skin if you can’t eat it” thing.
Please keep reading to know my favorite oils during pregnancy that helped me stay stretch marks-free.
My favorite oils to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy.
As I mentioned before, I started applying natural oils in the morning and night during my first trimester.
I took some cooking oils from my kitchen cabinet and put them in the bathroom.
My routine was quite simple. After taking a shower, I would take a teaspoon of the oil and massage my belly until it was absorbed.
I chose oils that had highly moisturizing properties and didn’t make me sick, an critical matter since I was surprised with the smells that made me nauseous during this time.
#1 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil was one of my great favorites. And for those who have followed me for a while, you know that I love to cook and use it as much as possible for hair masks, oil pulling, etc.
I already used it to make oil pullings in the morning since it’s a formidable remedy to keep oral health. (So important during pregnancy) So, I just took a little in my hand and rubbed it gently on my belly for around 1 minute.
Coconut oil has remarkable antifungal properties. And even cooking with it is marvelous. It tastes fantastic!
It’s anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamin E, and highly antimicrobial, thanks to the amounts of lauric acid it contains. Something curious: Just breastmilk has more lauric acid than coconut oil. It’s that good! Anyway, it’s a beautiful natural product to keep your skin healthy during pregnancy, and it even provides some UV protection.
#2 Shea Butter: Marvelous to Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy.
This one works miracles for hair and skin. I ordered a jar from Amazon, and as soon as I got it, I started using it. I still have some. It last forever!
Since its texture is a little thicker, I liked to put it on in the morning because the skin absorbs it well but slower than other oils. So, I was not too fond of the feel of the oil at bedtime. But you know how picky a pregnant woman can be.
Anyway, shea butter has excellent nourishing and moisturizing benefits. It preserves the skin’s natural oils. And it’s anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant. In any case, quite a wonder!
#3 Olive Oil
The main moisturizers I used were coconut oil and shea butter. But sometimes, I rotated with other oils.
Olive oil was one of them. It is a classic, and you probably already know all the antioxidant and anti-aging properties attributed to it.
Olive oil cleanses the skin while restoring moisture at the same time. In addition, it contains Vitamins A and E. These vitamins boost collagen production, which is needed for healthy hair and skin, especially during pregnancy since your body is working hard to give life to your little bundle of joy.
#4 Castor Oil
Before reading on, I want to comment on something. PLEASE DO NOT INGEST CASTOR OIL DURING PREGNANCY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
Traditionally, castor oil is used orally to induce labor. Still, it’s a powerful laxative, so if you don’t want to give birth in the middle of a diarrhea storm, don’t try it without asking your physician or midwife before.
Although it is safe to use topically during pregnancy and breastfeeding, I only tried it in my last trimester and after childbirth.
Castor oil moisturizes the skin while cleansing it. It shows to be effective in removing dark spots, wrinkles, and dead skin. In addition, it eases stretch marks because it keeps the skin from becoming too dry.
It’s also anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and even supports hair growth.
#5 Essential oils
Some essential oils can have counterproductive effects during pregnancy.
After some research, I decided to use almond and lavender essential oils during my pregnancy. I used a few drops to mix the other oils to massage the bump one or two days a week.
I avoid them during my first trimester. But as soon as I hit my second trimester, I kept these essential oils on hand in my bathroom cabinet.
Let me warn you that the Daily Application of Almond Oil is Associated with Premature Labor.
I also want to disclose that I did not try anything new during my pregnancy, especially during the first three months.
I had already used these products in my skincare routine. Therefore, it is recommended that you do a skin patch test to see if you have an allergic reaction before diving into all these oils, especially Castor and essential oils.
#6 Nutrition and Collagen-rich food are essential in Avoiding Stretch Marks during Pregnancy.
Collagen-rich nutrition was a cornerstone in keeping my skin stretch marks free.
The skin reflects how we are doing inside; thus, what and how we eat affects our skin appearance and health. So we also need to nourish it from the inside out through nutrient-dense food. And likewise, keep it hydrated, drinking plenty of water.
Some of my favorite food during gestation were berries. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, essential elements in collagen production.
I also drank bone broth like there was no tomorrow. I even have a video explaining making a delicious and nutrient-dense bone broth. Check it out down below.
Bone broth is a collagen-rich food. And I also use to put hydrolyzed collagen in my smoothies. These two jewels are great at promoting skin elasticity and joint health.
No scratching
Don’t scratch your bump when it starts expanding and itching. When you feel you want to dig your nails into your belly, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s it pretty much.
You know that you are gorgeous anyway. And if your tummy gets some stretch marks, it’s worth it! Because anyway, it’s not that you will go showing your belly everywhere. So, there is nothing to be ashamed of in real life.
From the beginning of your pregnancy, hydrate, moisturize and nourish your tummy skin as much as you can. Eat healthy, nutrient-dense, and collagen-rich foods. Drink plenty of water and treat yourself with love.
I send you big hugs, momma! I hope these tips will help you stay sexy and keep your skin looking fresh and young.
Have a great day!
XOXO, Idania
🩺MEDICAL DISCLAIMER🧬💊
All information and resources found on www.wifenewlife.com are based on the author’s opinions as a Health Coach. My advice is intended to encourage readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their healthcare provider.
The information on this website, including medical matters, health issues, treatments, and products, serves only informational purposes. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician or specialist. Neither is intended to diagnose health problems or prescribe medications.
