How To Avoid Or Embrace Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are anatomical signs that skin has stretched or shrunk more quickly than normal. So, it makes sense that pregnancy is a leading cause of stretch marks for women. Some of my photography clients are upset and mourn some of the ways pregnancy changed their bodies, and stretch marks are frequently treated like “the enemy.” I hope my work in the world does something to shift that.
Medical experts state that 50% to 90% of all pregnant women develop some type of stretch marks. However, some are more visible than others. For example, stretch marks are more visible on women of color, and the scars run the gamut from sunken lines on the skin to silvery or glossy white streaks to larger areas of discoloration that can be black, blue, red, pink, brown, purple, or grayish. They often fade over time, but many remain a permanent fixture for the rest of a woman’s life.
Stretch Marks: Proof That You’re a Mother
I find stretch marks to be beautiful; they are the marks of a female body that performed one of life’s most sacred acts. It’s heartbreaking that somehow the marks are cast as “the bad guys” rather than another road on the body’s map of life (giving) experiences. I’m always thrilled when a mother in a maternity session asks explicitly to have her stretch marks visible - “no retouching, please!”
That said, I absolutely honor that it’s not easy to watch (and feel) your body change before your very eyes and to remain altered in ways you didn’t choose. So, we’ll start with some basic tips on how to prevent or minimize the severity of pregnancy-related stretch marks. Then, we’ll carry on to ideas on how to embrace them and feel proud of your good work.
Tips To Prevent Or Minimize Stretch Marks
Genetics plays a significant role in whether or not you’ll get pregnancy stretch marks. If your mother and sister got them, you’re more likely to get them too. However, stretch marks are also related to collagen levels and skin elasticity, both of which are impacted by diet and lifestyle.
So, it won’t be a surprise to learn that the only way to physically minimize the chance or severity of stretch marks is to make healthy pregnancy lifestyle choices.
Stay hydrated
The skin is more radiant and malleable when hydrated. Drier skin is less stretchy. So, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water during pregnancy, even if it does make you pee more frequently. That part will pass. Aim to drink at least two liters of water per day. Infuse water with lemon slices, cucumber, mint, or other tempting fruit or herbs if you’re tired of the plain stuff.
Also, minimize caffeine intake. Most doctors agree that a cup of regular coffee or tea daily is just fine. However, caffeine intake is associated with an increased risk of stretch marks, so you may want to give it up altogether while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Follow healthy pregnancy nutrition guidelines
Your diet plays an important role in skin remaining elastic and collagen-rich. The nutrients most connected to skin health and elasticity are:
Vitamin c
Vitamin e
Vitamin d
Zinc
Protein
I know collagen supplements are all the rage these days, but processed supplements are never as good as nutrients ingested through whole foods. Speak to your doctor about whether or not collagen supplements are safe (or recommended) during pregnancy. You can also work with a pregnancy and postpartum nutritionist who can provide foods and recipes that are chock full of everything you need - including rich bone broths for a collagen-rich diet.
Focus on pregnancy weight management
Rapid weight gain or loss is a common cause of stretch marks whether you’re pregnant or not. However, pregnant women must gain weight to have a healthy baby. So, work closely with your doctor to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight - trying to avoid gaining weight too quickly. Slow and steady, with a balanced diet and exercise plan, are keys to slowing any stretch mark development.
Treat stretch marks as they appear
There are ways to diminish stretch marks in real-time, none of which involve most of the fad creams or treatments out there. Current studies do not show any improvement in stretch mark reduction by using cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. However, some topical skin treatments have been shown to help. These include:
Aloe vera
Hyaluronic acid
Centella asiatical herb
Again, always speak to your doctor before using any treatment while pregnant. The skin is like a sponge, so you don’t want any chemical interference with your baby. I recommend using aloe vera gel to massage apparent marks on the skin. Most other treatments (everything from laser removal and dermabrasion to micro-needling and skin peels) should probably wait until you’ve settled into your postpartum body, so you don’t have to repeat the processes unnecessarily.
What About The Idea Of Embracing Stretch Marks As Part Of You?
Last month I posted an article on how to be present with the reality of a gender reveal that disappoints. One thing I’ve learned from photographing pregnant mothers and their babies is that parenthood is a continuous journey of surrendering to reality. If you can embrace reality, you’re another step ahead.
Here are ideas on how to embrace stretch marks that arise when you wish they wouldn’t.
Keep that camera handy (or hire a newborn photographer)
Taking artistic photographs in flattering poses and with authentic expression allows you to see your stretch marks as a part of your beautiful female form. I’ve never had a single mother- or father-to-be look at my maternity portfolio with anything other than awe and admiration. Stretch marks are just one of many changes the body physically undergoes due to life changes and aging. The sooner we all learn to embrace that, the better we step into ourselves with empowered energy and vibrancy.
Turn them into a tattoo
Some women only have a single or series of stretch marks in the same general region. This makes them readily available to become part of a local work of art. Visit a local tattoo shop and see what’s possible. You may find stretch marks are the inspiration to get that tattoo you’ve always contemplated.
Take a look at yourtango.com’s post highlighting 16 Best Stretch Mark Tattoos…for inspiration. As with laser removal or other more permanent skin alterations, it’s best to wait until you’re done with family building, or the tattoo itself may be stretched.
Remember, they have nothing to do with being out of shape
Some women equate stretch marks with being out of shape. Not at all. Look around, and you’ll see plenty of fit women laden with stretch marks. Stretch marks are 100% about the speed at which skin has to stretch, expand, and then shrink again - combined with genetics. If, however, they inspire you to get in better shape, you’ll love your body that much more.
Have a stretch mark show and tell with close friends
Have a group of sisters, friends, or a bonded book club that brings up stretch marks from time to time? Maybe it’s time to have a stretch mark show-and-tell party. Not sure you’re up for that yet? Then take heart and take a peek at these 17 strong, courageous, and gorgeous celebrities who were willing to show us what they got.
Talk about embracing. Some of the words these women used to describe their stretch marks included “natural glitter,” “babe marks,” and positive-body image reminders like, “I am a woman, and I’m proud to be one and wear these marks!”
Let Me Help You Embrace Your Beautiful Pregnancy Body (Stretch Marks & All)
I would love to help you learn to embrace your beautiful pregnant body, including learning how to embrace those stretch marks. I hesitate to call them “battle scars,” but they are most certainly a physical symbol of the hard work and sacrifices you made to bring a miraculous human life into the world.
Contact me, Marcela Limon of Lemonshoots, and let’s schedule an unforgettable maternity session together.