5x reduce stretch marks during and after pregnancy

Stretch marks, stretch marks or growth marks: there is no such thing as the success formula or the stretch mark cream to remove these purple/red stretch marks. Something that pregnant women often look for when the first stripes appear on their bellies. Products or stretch mark treatment do not work for everyone. However, you can get better results by keeping the skin on your stomach in top condition. Reducing stretch marks therefore starts during and even before your pregnancy.

Stretch marks are very normal; almost everyone gets them, and there is certainly nothing to be ashamed of! Think of yourself as a tiger who has earned her stripes by carrying a child. Still, we understand that you are looking for ways to reduce stretch marks. That is why you can read more below about what you can do to combat stretch marks and the role natural skincare plays in this.

1. Hydration
2. Oil massage
3. Scrub and peel
4. Stretch mark cream with vitamin A and hyaluronic acid
5. Laser treatment or microneedling

Stretch marks due to pregnancy: stretch marks on your stomach

Stretch marks, also known as stretch marks or stripes, occur when the skin stretches over a relatively short period of time. This (logically) occurs in many women during pregnancy. During this special period, a lot changes, including your hormone balance and the size of your belly. Your skin cannot keep up with the pace of growth, causing it to crack and develop purple or red streaks. Sometimes the stretch marks fade or turn into white scars after a few years.

There is no official scientifically proven way to remove stretch marks. However, you can reduce stretch marks by keeping your skin in the best condition. This starts at the very beginning of pregnancy.

How can you reduce stretch marks and get rid of them as much as possible?

Removing pregnancy stretch marks is very difficult in some cases, but reducing them is possible. The extent to which you develop stretch marks is primarily determined by heredity. Your skin condition also plays a major role. Although there are unfortunately no studies yet that officially show how you can reduce stretch marks, you can at least ensure the best skincare during pregnancy . Below, we explain how you can do everything possible to reduce stretch marks.

1. Hydrate your skin: preventing stretch marks is better than curing them

Just as fine lines appear more quickly on dry skin, this skin type is also more prone to stretch marks. Therefore, it is important to adequately hydrate your skin from the inside and out. You can do this by drinking enough water and using products for dry skin . Additionally, pay attention to a healthy diet for weight gain appropriate for your pregnancy trimester. Through fruits and vegetables, you get antioxidants that protect your skin and can thus help prevent stretch marks.

Body butter protective stretch mark cream

Our natural body butter consists of 100% pure organic shea butter, without additives or perfume. This product is multifunctional for skin care from head to toe and is even suitable for atopic skin or delicate baby skin (handy ;-)). Organic shea butter is naturally full of skin-friendly vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Apply daily to your belly during and after pregnancy to safely protect and care for the skin.

Rose water spray for moisture and refreshment

Our multifunctional hydrating face sprays are ideal for caring for and cleansing your décolleté, where stretch marks can also develop. They hydrate, provide the skin with valuable nutrients, and the rose water spray is also wonderfully refreshing! Tip: keep the product in the fridge during warm (sweaty) summer days for a (skin) boost in between. Would you prefer a calming effect instead? Then choose the lavender water spray.

2. Massage the skin smoothly with oil

Massaging the belly with natural oil keeps the skin soft and the tissue supple. This allows it to stretch more easily and reduces the chance of stretch marks. You can, of course, also use the oil on your breasts and thighs. Through massage, you simultaneously stimulate blood circulation, which could also help against stretch marks. Organic argan oil is excellent for reducing stretch marks. Argan oil is often called a miracle cure for removing wrinkles naturally , partly thanks to its protective and healing properties.

You can use argan oil during pregnancy on the skin of your belly, legs, and breasts. Continue using the oil for at least three months after giving birth. This keeps the skin supple as your belly returns to its original shape. Additionally, stretch marks are less noticeable on smooth skin.

Rosehip oil is also known for its ability to reduce redness and effectively repair the skin. Gently massage the oil into your stretch marks until it is well absorbed. Rosehip oil is also a good natural remedy for treating a C-section scar. Curious about this miracle remedy for scars ? Read more in our blog!

Finally, research suggests that lavender essential oil may have a positive effect on wound healing. Further scientific research is needed to definitively state this, but it certainly won't hurt to try. Moreover, lavender is known for its calming effect. You can, for example, add a few drops to a natural carrier oil, such as argan oil.

Please note: some essential oils are not recommended for use during pregnancy, such as pure tea tree oil. Always read the product description before use.

3. Stimulate recovery by scrubbing and peeling

While we primarily recommend using the mildest products for a facial peel , other parts of the body can handle a bit more because the skin is less sensitive. Nevertheless, be careful. Due to pregnancy hormones, you have increased blood flow and blood vessels become more flexible. This can be a contributing cause of couperose.

Body scrubs contain a large amount of Himalayan salt. This provides a gentle exfoliation and increases the skin's moisture content. This helps keep the skin in good condition and thus reduces the risk of stretch marks. Added essential oils pamper your mind, relieve stress, and balance the skin.

Be careful with a BHA peel or a stretch mark cream containing salicylic acid, as this ingredient is not recommended during and immediately after pregnancy. For a mild peel, it is better to choose a fruit acid mask containing vitamin C and antioxidants, among other things. Exfoliants with glycolic acid (AHA) are also okay to use during pregnancy. One study suggests that this glycolic acid in a peel may help reduce stretch marks. However, there is unfortunately no official evidence to support this.

4. Use stretch mark cream with (natural) vitamin A or hyaluronic acid

If you had to name two ingredients that you want in a stretch mark cream, they would be vitamin A and hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid (as in our best hyaluronic acid serum ): is a real powerhouse among moisturizing ingredients. It also aids in wound healing and skin repair. You can safely use a stretch mark cream with hyaluronic acid during pregnancy, so also on your face.

Vitamin A: Topically applying stretch mark cream containing the acid of this vitamin can lead to various positive skin results. A study showed that stretch marks became narrower and shorter after six months of applying vitamin A acid. Vitamin A is also known as retinol and renews the skin. This makes it a popular ingredient in anti-aging products . Normally, you cannot use retinol during pregnancy, as it can cause flaking and redness due to skin renewal. That is why we use NovoRetin™ in our best retinol serum . This is a natural form of retinol with effective action, without unpleasant side effects. You can therefore even use this form of vitamin A in a stretch mark cream during pregnancy!

A skincare routine with hyaluronic acid and natural retinol can help maintain collagen levels in the skin, promoting skin elasticity.

5. Stretch mark treatment with a laser or microneedling

Certain stretch mark treatments, such as those using a laser or small needles (microneedling), are claimed to visibly fade stretch marks and thus reduce them. While this yields results for some, it is difficult to predict beforehand. Furthermore, multiple treatments are required, making it a costly option for stretch mark treatment. After any cosmetic treatment, it is important that the skin is carefully cared for to ensure optimal recovery. Pigmentation spots can also develop on damaged skin due to the influence of pregnancy hormones (read more about removing pigmentation spots here ).