Early pregnancy: how do stretch marks appear?
You've just learned that you're expecting a baby and are therefore returning from the deep end of the world of pregnancy and motherhood. Congratulations!
You've heard about stretch marks, those red marks that pregnant women often dread … and since you've never experienced them, you're wondering what they look like in early pregnancy , how they appear , and if there are any warning signs … Don't worry, in this article we'll tell you everything you need to know to keep those streaks at bay!
- How do stretch marks appear?
- What do stretch marks look like at first?
- How to treat stretch marks as soon as they appear?
How do stretch marks appear?
When pregnant, your body will undergo major changes in a very short time. You will gain weight and sport new shapes in a few weeks. Your stomach and chest in particular will experience a significant increase in volume, and the skin is not always prepared to undergo this stretching.
Add to this the hormones, which reduce the production of collagen and elastin – both responsible for the suppleness of the skin – when you are expecting a baby, and you combine all the factors which favor the appearance of stretch marks.
If your skin lacks suppleness and elasticity, it will inevitably end up cracking and stretch marks will appear. Initially red, their bright color reflects recent inflammation of the dermis. The stretch mark naturally fades over time to become pearly white. Good news ? Not necessarily, because at this stage, it is no longer possible to dislodge them without going through expensive, restrictive dermatological or aesthetic treatments with variable results.
However, you can reduce and contain them as soon as they appear, by using anti-stretch mark products (sheet mask, cream, oil or balm) specially designed for future mothers. But for that, we still have to recognize them ;)
What do stretch marks look like at first?
Stretch marks appear, outside of pregnancy, if you have experienced significant weight gain or loss – for example during adolescence, when hormones are acting up, or after a drastic diet. However, if you have never crossed paths with them in the past, it is difficult to recognize them at first glance.
You will first notice a small red mark, then another, and another, which will gradually expand in length and width. They can appear on the stomach and chest of course, and also on all the adjacent areas which are also subject to great tension: the buttocks, hips, upper thighs or lower back.
There are no real warning signs to warn you of the arrival of stretch marks. Most arrive without warning... However, some women have reported itching on the skin : stay vigilant and redouble your effort when applying your anti-stretch mark treatment if you notice tightness and scratchiness on your stomach!
How to treat stretch marks as soon as they appear?
If you haven't used anti-stretch mark creams or oils from the start of your pregnancy, or if you've skipped a bit too much on belly massage, it's time to start! An anti-stretch mark treatment acts as prevention but also improves the appearance of existing streaks. By paying particular attention to red stretch marks, you can improve their appearance, reduce their color, and prevent them from spreading in width and length.
If you have been a fan of anti-stretch mark treatments since the start of your pregnancy, don't give up! Stretch marks are partly hereditary, and by softening your skin daily, you have done the right thing. Continue your efforts to prevent them from spreading or multiplying and to already work on their appearance and erase their color. Good news: Daylily treatments ALSO work on red stretch marks!
Two treatments will pamper your skin with great softness: Lait Fondant and Huile Sensorielle. The first is an anti-stretch mark cream with a fluid and creamy texture, which penetrates quickly so you can get dressed without delay in the morning. The second is an oil with a sweet and feminine scent , which allows long massages of the skin. Our advices ? Apply Le Lait Fondant in the morning when you're in a hurry, and L'Huile Sensorielle in the evening when you have a little more time to devote to your body beauty routine.
If you also want to tackle cellulite, which can intensify during pregnancy, our Baume Onctueux is made for you! Its 3-in-1 action ( anti-stretch marks, anti-cellulite and firmness ) appeals to future mothers and young mothers alike. And to enhance the effectiveness of these treatments, we advise you to exfoliate your skin using the Gant Sublimateur before application. Both sides of the glove will scrub your skin and remove dead skin using Les Bulles Lavantes. Your skin will be ready to welcome and absorb the treatments!
In terms of ingredients, don't worry: we have a very strict formulation charter which bans ingredients that are harmful or suspected of being harmful to the health of pregnant women and their babies. Here there are no allergens, criticized preservatives, essential oils or even caffeine – all substances not recommended during pregnancy. Our treatments are therefore compatible from the first month of pregnancy, but you can start at 2 or 3 months of pregnancy, or more, if you have just discovered the importance of anti-stretch mark treatments/
Le Lait Fondant and L'Huile Sensorielle contain a complex of five organic vegetable oils – the most natural, but also the most effective for softening and nourishing the skin! Macadamia Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive and Muscat Rose Oil are second to none for regenerating and softening the epidermis. These organic oils are cold extracted to preserve their incredible properties. A powerful anti-stretch mark active ingredient, Dermochlorella, completes the formula. This marine active ingredient stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to strengthen the suppleness of the skin.
Good to know: pregnancy is not the only period conducive to the appearance of stretch marks. After childbirth, stretch marks may appear or become more pronounced because rapid weight loss puts the same strain on the fibers as when you gain weight. It is therefore more than advisable to continue your twice-daily body massage until you regain your figure :)
Photo Credit: @anitz80 (Instagram)
