<tc>Stretch Marks & Motherhood: how to understand, prevent, and care for your skin.</tc>

Hey mama,

Let’s talk about something many of us are familiar with, yet don’t always fully understand: Stretch marks.

Some embrace them as a symbol of growth, change, or a meaningful chapter in their lives. Others would rather avoid them altogether and do everything they can to prevent or reduce their appearance.

Today, we’re sharing what you need to know to better understand stretch marks, along with our best tips to help prevent them, if that’s what you’re looking for.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE STRETCH MARKS?

Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches rapidly, beyond its ability to adapt, causing tiny tears in the collagen and elastin fibers that give it strength and elasticity. These microtears beneath the surface eventually appear as pink, red, or purple streaks on the skin (known as immature or “inflammatory” stretch marks). Over time, these marks fade into white or silvery lines, also called mature or “scarred” stretch marks.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Nearly 90 % of pregnant women notice stretch marks during the third trimester, the time when the skin experiences its most rapid stretching.
• Stretch marks affect around 70% of teenagers during puberty. They most commonly appear on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, and lower back, areas where the skin stretches the most during major physical changes.
• A consistent moisturizing routine during pregnancy can support skin elasticity and keep your skin feeling more comfortable. The key: consistency + effective ingredients.
• New stretch marks often appear pink or purple and this is when targeted care is most effective. Over time, they fade to white, meaning they’ve scarred and become more difficult to diminish.

CAN YOU PREVENT STRETCH MARKS DURING PREGNANCY? 

While there’s no way to guarantee you won’t get stretch marks, a few simple habits can help minimize their appearance and support your skin’s elasticity:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Keeping your skin deeply hydrated is one of the most effective ways to support its glow.

• Apply an ultra-nourishing cream to keep skin supple and resilient.

• Drink plenty of water each day, hydration starts from within. 

2. Nourish your body with a nutrient-rich diet

A balanced diet can do wonders for your skin’s health and elasticity, especially during pregnancy.

Here are a few essential nutrients that support skin repair and suppleness:

• Vitamin A : carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach

• Vitamin C : kiwis, bell peppers, strawberries

• Vitamin E : almonds, avocados, sunflower seeds

• Zinc and silica : lentils, meat, oats

3.Stay active

Moderate physical activity during pregnancy, like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming, doesn’t just keep your body and mind in shape. It also plays a key role in boosting blood circulation, which helps oxygenate your tissues and supports healthy cell renewal.

In other words, staying active helps your skin adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy by supporting its natural ability to repair and regenerate.

4. Protect your skin from the sun

Sun exposure can weaken your skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, making it more vulnerable to stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, and even more so in the third trimester.

To effectively protect your skin:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.

• Avoid products with retinyl palmitate (a derivative of vitamin A). When exposed to sunlight, this ingredient can react with UV rays, generate free radicals, and make your skin more sensitive. Most importantly, it's not recommended during pregnancy, as it may pose risks to your baby’s development.Seek shade during peak sun exposure hours.

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if your skin is directly exposed to the sun.

5. Choose gentle, pregnancy-safe products

Avoid harsh formulas that may irritate sensitive skin. Choose gentle, nourishing products designed to care for and protect your skin throughout pregnancy.

Flowerchild Soins du Corps stretch mark cream is formulated with clean, gentle ingredients known for their moisturizing and protective properties :

• Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid : Attract and retain moisture within the skin.

• Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Castor Oil : Deeply nourish and help strengthen the skin barrier.

• Squalane and Sunflower Wax : Naturally lock in hydration and help prevent moisture loss.

6. The sooner, the better

Prevention is key when it comes to stretch marks. Start incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine as early as possible, especially if you’re pregnant or planning to be.

7. Embracing your stretch marks with kindness

Even with the best care, stretch marks may still become part of your journey, and that’s perfectly ok.

Remember: these marks tell your story, one of strength, transformation, and growth.

Every journey is unique and beautiful xoxo