It’s important to embrace the changes your body goes through and to be accepting of what those changes represent. However, it’s a lot easier to say that than it is to actually do it. Women can be very hard on themselves, and it’s hard not to feel under pressure when faced with images in the media of various celebrities back in their bikinis after six weeks with no visible signs of pregnancy. The truth is that few women come out of pregnancy ‘unscathed’, and it’s unnatural to expect that we’ll look exactly the same as we did pre-pregnancy.
Stretch Marks – The Truth
They are indiscriminate things, stretch marks. They affect women of every shape, size and skin colour. It’s thought that as many as nine out of ten women have them – some get them from the outset of pregnancy, and others think they’ve got away with it, only to develop them in the last few weeks.
There’s an element of genetics involved. If your mother had them, or if you’ve previously had stretch marks from weight fluctuation, there’s a good chance you’ll see them return during pregnancy. Sudden, rapid weight gain is also likely to be a contributing factor, so it makes sense to eat sensibly throughout pregnancy, even when cravings or exhaustion are challenging those good intentions.
Moisturising your body during pregnancy will help keep your skin hydrated and supple, and it’s a good idea to get into the habit of applying moisturisers or oils daily. This can also help with feelings of tightness, itching and dryness as the skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby. However, it’s generally accepted that it’s very difficult to prevent stretch marks.
The Good News
Happily, advances in the science of skincare products are allowing us to create treatments that are clinically proven to improve the appearance of and reduce stretch marks.
Nior’s Revive cream is formulated from active ingredients to visibly reduce stretch marks as well as scars by boosting collagen production. Registril TM helps to restore the fibre network under the skin and Regu®-Stretch was created specifically to treat stretch marks. It works by supporting the structure of the skin as well as reducing existing stretch marks. Shea butter has been used for hundreds of years by people in West Africa to protect and soothe their skin, and it helps Revive rehydrate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
And as all Nior’s skincare products are rigorously tested, you can rest assured that you’ll start to see improvements after just a few applications, restoring strength to both your skin and your confidence.