How I Avoided Stretch Marks While Pregnant

I managed to avoid stretch marks on my stomach for both pregnancies and to be honest I didn't have a meticulous regimen for it.

Stretch marks are technically scars that form when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. This fast change causes the collagen and elastin, which support the skin, to rupture. When the skin heals, stretch marks may appear.

What causes stretch marks?

There are a few things that affect skin elasticity and will put you at a greater risk of stretch marks:

Pregnancy: As the baby grows, the skin on the abdomen stretches to accommodate.
Rapid Weight Gain or Loss: Significant changes in weight can cause the skin to stretch or contract quickly.
Puberty: Rapid growth spurts during teenage years can lead to skin stretching.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can affect the skin's elasticity and resilience.
Genetics: Inherited traits can make some individuals more prone to developing stretch marks.

Once stretch marks form, they are a permanent part of our body.

However, many people dont realize that prevention is key when it comes to stretch marks and you don't have to have it (even if you are more genetically prone to them).

Even so, if you do get stretch marks they may become less noticeable over time if you follow an intentional regimen.

The key in the prevention of stretch marks is to keep the skin elastic.

During pregnancy, the skin stretches a lot. If the skin is naturally elastic, well-moisturized and flexible, it may be able to stretch without rupturing the skin.

The regimen below really helped me to reduce my risk.

Daily Stretch Mark Prevention Regimen

Start “belly care" before and throughout pregnancy by applying a mix of rose hip, vitamin E oil, and shea butter over the belly and any other areas you would want to avoid stretch marks (booty, breast, hips, thighs, etc)
Start an intentional massage of the pregnant belly starting at the end of the second trimester.
Hydrate with 2.5 to 3 L of fluid every day — because dehydrated skin is dry skin, and dry skin is prone to rupture.
Reduce toxins from processed foods, pollutants, and stress because they can break down collagen and elastin, making skin weaker and less elastic. Eat organic and reduce plastic use!
Take your prenatal vitamin daily before, during and after pregnancy and ensure it includes vitamin E (like the one below)!

Tried and Tested. I religiously incorporated each of those tips into my daily regimen, but my favorite that I think helped me best was daily use of my favorite belly care concotion. The main component is vitamin E oil, so if you are unable to buy other ingredients, at least prioritize that one.

Belly Care Recipe for Stretch Marks

1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup jojoba or sweet almond oil
70,000 I.U. vitamin E oil
10 drops of licorice root extract
DIY! Melt all ingredients together. You may wish to scent the mixture with your favorite essential oil, but I love the rich chocolatey smell as is. Rub this rich oil over the belly and breasts two or three times daily.

Even if you aren't pregnant or looking to get pregnant, these tips can still serve a great purpose in reducing old scarring and existing stretch marks, too.

Have you tried it? Leave a comment and tell me what you think! Or if you have your own regimen, please share!