How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

First, we'll need to analyze your skin: is it fragile, damaged or supple? Have you ever had stretch marks ?

Stretch marks are caused by rapid distension of the skin due to a reduction in the production of elastin and collagen by fibroblasts, the main cells of the dermis.

our skin is made up of 3 superimposed layers, each with a different appearance and role: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Stretch marks are lesions in the dermis, which lies beneath the epidermis and is thicker than the latter. Stretch marks can appear at different times in our lives: pregnancy, childbirth, weight gain, weight loss, menopause, etc ., but they appear more frequently during pregnancy.

Good habits:

To effectively prevent stretch marks:

- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

- Avoid smoking

- Reduce sugar intake

- Moisturize yourself and your skin withAloe Vera or Moisturizing Milk Base

- Drink plenty of water

- Regular physical activity

Pregnant women's number 1 enemy is stretch marks. And to combat them, it's best to be armed with the best products. Your best friend will be: hydration. During pregnancy, it's important to moisturize your skin with the right products, i.e. those rich in water. Massage stretch mark-prone areas (thighs, buttocks, stomach) regularly, ideally twice a day in the morning and evening, to stimulate the skin.

- Shea butter : Extracted pure from the shea tree, this irreplaceable butter in African traditions is particularly recommended for everyone and everything. Highly effective in preventing stretch marks, it is traditionally used by pregnant women in Africa.

- Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil ranks among the vegetable oils with the highest concentration of essential fatty acids. This oil reduces scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and age spots. Its emollient and soothing action nourishes even the most dehydrated skin and maintains its elasticity, thanks to a combination of omegas 3, 6 and 9 and vitamins such as E and K. You can also try our Stretch Mark Balm recipe!

- Fenugreek oil : Fenugreek oil, a beauty treasure for centuries! Fenugreek originates from North Africa and is renowned for its many cosmetic benefits. Applied to the skin, it helps to prevent the signs of skin ageing and to soften the skin. Rich in antioxidants, this vegetable oil is particularly nourishing and firming.

- Baobab oil: Particularly effective for dry, tight or chapped skin, Baobab vegetable oil has protective properties. It restores the skin's elasticity.

Apply these oils by massaging them into your skin. Massaging stimulates the skin, blood circulation and collagen production.

Keep your skin moisturized.

After childbirth, there's no question of slacking off. It's important to continue taking care of your skin - in fact, this is when it will need it most. You can reduce the number of massages to one a day, and don't hesitate to massage the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks and breasts, which are sensitive areas prone to stretch marks.

Scrub

Use once a week to eliminate dead skin cells, promote regeneration and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Here are some scrub recipes to try:

Cocooning Body Scrub

Lalo Body Scrub

Hibiscus Body Scrub

In addition, using the 100% natural Loofah glove is ideal for gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead cells, toxins and impurities.

Play sports

To stay in shape, there's nothing like regular exercise. After perineal re-education, it's easy to get back into the swing of things. Start with simple muscle-strengthening exercises such as the crunch, plank, vacuum (a breathing technique that deepens the abdomen to work the abdominal muscles) or walking.