To accommodate a growing baby, it is only natural that our skin stretches during pregnancy. If your skin is well nourished, the elastin in it should help to slow this process down. However, sometimes your skin will grow beyond the ability of its elastin. This is when stretch marks appear on a women’s thighs, hips, stomach and breasts.
Stretch marks can be a sign that women are deficient in vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E or essential fatty acid. It is possible to minimise and, potentially, avoid stretch marks altogether by nourishing your skin through good nutrition and daily moisturisation during pregnancy.
Top Tips
- Stay hydrated – a well hydrated body will help increase the elasticity of your skin and keep it moisturised. Regular water intake also helps remove toxins from the body.
- Eat berries, green leafy vegetables, and avocado on a daily basis since they are a rich source of vitamin E & C. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen and is key for healing wounds and scar tissue.
- Take a multivitamin and an omega 3 supplement daily*. This will not only help your skin but are vital for baby’s brain development.
- Eat plenty of foods that are rich in zinc such as lamb, natural yogurt, and pumpkin seeds. Zinc is essential for healthy skin and the formation of collagen.
- Moisturise daily with a vitamin E rich oil
*Read more about ‘Recommended Pregnancy Supplements‘ here
