10 best creams for stretch marks during pregnancy – which cream for stretch marks should a pregnant woman choose?

One of the most “popular” reasons for the formation of stretch marks in women is, as you know, pregnancy. Typically, stretch marks appear in the second trimester of pregnancy (in most expectant mothers or after childbirth due to severe stretching of the skin.

However, it is worth understanding that the appearance of stretch marks is most often associated with genetic characteristics (not all expectant mothers are prone to stretch marks), and with proper self-care, these unsightly “scars” can be completely avoided.

How to choose the right cream for stretch marks during pregnancy?

In the process of bearing a child, significant changes occur in the mother’s body, many of which create the basis for the appearance of “scars”.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?

Stretch marks - or, as they are called in medicine, stretch marks - are essentially tissue tears (namely, collagen and elastin fibers) that appear in the form of stripes on the skin. They can be of different lengths, depths and widths, and be pink or red in color.

Over time, stretch marks acquire a blue tint, then turn white, and then remain in the form of scars - or, if small in size, become almost invisible.

The main areas of manifestation of stretch marks are the abdomen, chest and thighs with buttocks.

There are many reasons for the appearance of stretch marks, but the main one remains genetic.

Risk factors for stretch marks

There are a number of reasons why a woman may be predisposed to developing stretch marks during pregnancy.

• Hereditary factor. It is much more likely that a woman will have stretch marks if someone in her family has already had them during pregnancy. It must be borne in mind that the volume of the abdomen is not the key point here. Sometimes women, even with a small belly, can experience very noticeable marks on the skin. And vice versa, if a woman does not have a predisposition to stretch marks, they will not appear even with a huge belly.
• Physiological features. Some women have more flaccid abdominal muscles than others, making them more prone to stretch marks. Skin properties can also be affected by metabolism. If it is violated, the likelihood of scarring on the skin during pregnancy greatly increases.
• The risk increases with dry skin, as well as if a woman gains weight very rapidly.
• Food quality. A balanced diet, in which a pregnant woman’s body receives the substances it needs, can reduce the likelihood of stretch marks or significantly reduce their number and size.
• Woman's age and lifestyle. Young mothers' skin is usually more elastic, so they are less likely to suffer from these problems. The appearance of stretch marks is also influenced by a woman’s physical activity and her tendency to bad habits - for example, smoking significantly impairs the division of skin cells, as a result of which it becomes weaker and more susceptible to connective tissue ruptures.

In addition, the following factors influence the formation of striae:

• Highly dry skin.
• Rapid weight gain or, conversely, rapid weight loss.
• Hormonal "jumps".
• Prolonged stretching of the skin.
• A small amount of elastin fibers with collagen. The older the expectant mother, the higher the risk of stretch marks.
• Humidity level. The more intensely the collagen fibers are hydrated, the higher their elasticity and the lower the risk of stretch marks.
• Medicines taken.
• Age of the expectant mother.

Many manufacturers promise naive mothers 100% results after using stretch mark cream. But you should understand that no cream gives such guarantees if you are genetically predisposed to the appearance of stretch marks.

However, a woman is quite capable of reducing the risk of their occurrence, or at least reducing the intensity.

What cosmetics for newborns will you need?

As I said above, by and large, a baby doesn’t have to buy any cosmetics at all, except for baby soap and baby cream (the price is less than 100 rubles).

But know: the better and more complete your baby cosmetics bag, the easier your life as a young mother will be.

Now let's go through the list. There are a lot of different cool cosmetics for children, but I won’t tell you about everything, but only about what is directly necessary. You can purchase the rest of the “nice things” as you wish.

Gel - soap for washing the butt

The butt is our everything. A thoroughly washed baby's bottom is the key to mother's peace of mind.

And the better the butt gel, the easier it will be to wash off the sticky poop.

Of course, the gel for washing the butt must be hypoallergenic, suitable in composition for babies, and without a strong odor.

• 
  Mustela Soft bathing gel 500 ml, 1130 rub.

• 
  AQA baby Cream-gel for baby bathing 400 ml, 239 rub.

Take the gel with a pump: pressing with your hand is much more convenient than unscrewing the cap when you have a baby with a dirty bottom hanging on your arm.

Anti-stretch mark cream – how does it work?

When the skin stretches for a long time, the degree of hydration of the dermal layer of the skin . After all, the full hydration of collagen fibers and, of course, elastin will depend on the presence of moisture in the dermis. Minimal hydration leads to loss of elasticity and, as a result, to the risk of fiber breakage.

The purpose of the stretch mark remedy is...

1. Intensive skin hydration.
2. Acceleration of metabolic processes and blood circulation.
3. Retains moisture in the skin.
4. Increasing elasticity, softness and firmness of the skin.

Cream with what concentration of retinol to choose

Another study showed that for adequate penetration into the skin and metabolism into retinoic acid (it is this that has the necessary therapeutic effect), the threshold concentration of retinol should be at least 0.025% .

Different forms of retinol have different strengths, the approximate strength ratio of retinoids is: 1% Retinol = 0.1% Retinaldehyde = 0.02-0.05% Retinoic acid

Important: after application to the skin, retinoids continue to work for 72 hours.

DermaQuest uses a special transport system - KemSphers R8 - which allows: gradual release of Retinol and prevents the development of retinoic dermatitis.

Summary: the concentration of retinoids in the drug should be at least 0.025%, however, the use of significantly higher concentrations does not enhance the expected result and is not justified.

The composition of the cream for stretch marks - what should it be?

Naturally, first of all, it should include components whose task is to intensively moisturize the skin , deeply saturate it with moisture and retain this moisture in the epidermis.

• Natural oils – one of the most popular components of the cream. Oils penetrate perfectly through the intercellular substance, but only to the depth of the epidermis (note - they cannot penetrate through water near the basal layer, lacking the ability to dissolve). Oils increase the hydrophobic layer, protect against moisture evaporation, retain water in the dermis, and help increase the number of cells in the epidermis.

  
  When choosing an oil for stretch marks, pay attention to the composition. It is advisable that he:

• was hypoallergenic and without fragrance (it can provoke an unwanted skin reaction and increase toxicosis);

contained ingredients of natural origin;

• was tested on volunteers under the supervision of dermatologists (for example, look for the phrase “safe for mom and baby”).

Mustela stretch mark oil is certified organic, contains 100% ingredients of natural origin and meets all the above characteristics.

***It is worth noting that there are two types of retinol: fat-soluble vitamin A and water-soluble provitamin A, a carotenoid.

If a person receives a fat-soluble vitamin from products of animal origin, from which it is immediately absorbed by the body, then the carotenoid supplied with vegetables, fruits and herbs is absorbed only after it is processed in the human gastrointestinal tract and converted into ready-made vitamin A.

Consequently, an overdose of vitamin A is possible only when it is consumed in a fat-soluble form, and in the case of a carotenoid, an overdose is practically impossible - the body absorbs it as much as required and no more.

An overdose of this vitamin is especially likely if a pregnant woman uses it in the form of a pharmaceutical oil solution - or when using cosmetics containing pure vitamin A, retinol, for a long time.

Care products

Cosmetics with an organic composition can help expectant mothers maintain their beauty and femininity, as well as prevent many other negative consequences after the birth of a child.

During pregnancy, the condition of the skin noticeably worsens. Hormonal imbalance is usually reflected in the condition of the facial skin:

• Skin type may change. Increased con reduces the production of fat in the glands. As a result, oily skin can become normal, and dry skin can become even more dry;
• She may become more sensitive;
• Vessels may expand and appear, and as a result, “stars”;
• Pigmentation on the face is possible and, unfortunately, these pigment spots are very difficult to remove later;
• Disturbed functioning of the sebaceous glands is the cause of acne in many pregnant women. Dry skin needs hydration, while oily skin needs nutrition;
• When choosing care products, it is worth remembering the level of UV protection; it is better to have as high an SPF as possible.

It is important for maternity hair care products to contain gentle cleansing ingredients. To color and strengthen your hair, we recommend using henna or basma. It’s good to make masks with vegetable oils twice a week. Pregnant women also need to massage their scalp with a soft brush. This will help activate blood flow and stimulate hair growth. If your hair becomes brittle and falls out, for treatment and prevention you need to pay attention to shampoos with an organic composition.

To prevent and combat stretch marks, you should choose a set of moisturizing body milk and firming cream or gel for stretch marks. Before this, you can use a nourishing cream with a thick consistency. It would be great to have the following components:

• Shea butter and jojoba are less likely to cause allergies than essential oils;
• amino acids that accelerate skin cell regeneration;
• Collagen will help repair damaged tissue.

What are the dangers of retinol during pregnancy?

1. Teratogenic effect on the internal organs of the fetus - kidneys, liver, heart. A child may be born with pathology in the development of these organs.
2. Negative effect on the central nervous system and brain of the fetus.
3. Causes pathologies in the development of the child’s limbs.
4. Excess vitamin A leads to improper development of the genital organs of the unborn child.
5. Chronic overdose of vitamin A causes vitamin D deficiency.

But it is also worth understanding that fears of overdosing on vitamin A should not lead to the other extreme - completely excluding it from a pregnant woman’s diet. The lack of this vitamin entails even more serious consequences for the mother and unborn child.

There is only one way out - take vitamin A only with food, focusing on freshly prepared and raw vegetables and fruits. Any vitamin intake should be agreed with your doctor. During pregnancy, it is better not to use cosmetics containing pure retinol - look for carotenoids on the labels of cosmetics for pregnant women, but not retinol. Trust only certified products, buying them in specialized stores or pharmacies.

It is worth remembering that the daily requirement of vitamin A for a pregnant woman is 2500-3200 IU. It is this norm that must be relied upon when choosing a menu and vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Acceptable types of massage

Only manual massage is recommended for pregnant women. The use of any electrical devices such as massagers or vibration mats is strictly prohibited. A woman can regularly perform self-massage. In this case, you need to give preference to local effects on areas of the body, paying special attention to the arms, legs and abdomen. It is not necessary for a woman to reach her feet - she can simply walk a little on the inside and outside of her feet. You can improve blood circulation in your hands, relieve swelling and stretch them if you forcefully clench your fingers into fists several times.

Perineal massage

Massaging the perineum helps prevent ruptures. During childbirth, the perineum experiences excessive stress, so any careless movement or improper obstetric care can cause damage to it. During a massage, an osteopathic doctor or massage therapist must follow several basic rules. You can achieve elasticity of the perineum if you perform the procedure regularly. Before the session, the woman should empty her bladder and bowels, take a warm bath or shower to relax the perineal tissue.

During the session, sterile oil must be used. You can choose calendula, chamomile, sprouted wheat, olive or sunflower oil. Castor oil is not recommended for use as it stimulates uterine contractions. The procedure can be prescribed at different stages of pregnancy. But the longer the period becomes, the more frequent the sessions become. Starting from 28 weeks, the procedure is carried out once every 5-7 days, from 32 weeks - once every 3 days, from 36 weeks - every other day, and from 38 - every day.

The optimal position for a pregnant woman during the procedure: lying on her back, placing a small pillow under her lower back. Before starting the session, you need to pour massage oil over your fingers, the skin of the perineum and a third of the vagina. Then the index finger or thumb is inserted to a depth of 3-4 centimeters, with which you need to press on the back wall of the vagina until a feeling of tingling and tension appears. It is worth continuing the movements for 5-7 minutes. At the end of the session, you can apply a warm heating pad to the perineum, which will only enhance the effect of the procedure.

Breast massage

During pregnancy, a woman's breast size increases significantly in preparation for lactation. In the first days after the birth of a baby, young mothers often encounter the following problems: cracked nipples, the baby refuses to breastfeed, etc. It is quite possible to avoid all these troubles if, even during pregnancy, you begin to prepare your breasts for feeding.

You can avoid the appearance of cracked nipples in the future by massaging your breasts. It is necessary to perform circular movements directed from top to bottom. However, such a procedure can only be performed after consultation with your doctor. In early pregnancy, the procedure is contraindicated.

Foot massage

Often pregnancy is accompanied by problems such as swelling of the legs and the appearance of subcutaneous vascular mesh on them. These problems that cause discomfort to a woman can be eliminated by massaging the legs. However, the massage therapist must take into account the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. The volume of blood increases by a third, while its outflow from the legs weakens, which leads to stagnation, the level of coagulants increases, and the walls of the blood vessels relax.

Because of these changes, deep and strong massage movements are contraindicated. Massaging the legs should be done very carefully and carefully - it should be light and slow stroking from bottom to top. It is strictly forbidden to massage the ankles and inner thighs, as well as areas with pronounced dilation of blood vessels. The best way to massage your feet is to walk barefoot on small pebbles or sand.

Back, lumbar, neck massage

The longer the pregnancy, the more the woman’s back begins to hurt. This is due not only to an increase in the abdomen, but also to an increase in the hormone relaxin, which prepares the pregnant woman’s musculoskeletal system for childbirth. Under the influence of this hormone, the mobility of the pelvic joints increases and the ligaments of the spinal column relax, as a result of which the vertebrae move. You can eliminate lower back pain by gently rubbing and stroking your back. The massage therapist applies light pressure to the intertransverse lumbar muscles.

Massaging the neck is necessary to eliminate pain in the back, cervical spine and even headaches. Pregnant women often complain of neck pain after sleeping or sitting for a long time. Lightly massaging the collar area will disperse the blood and eliminate discomfort. It is done by stroking and kneading the muscles from the spine to the trapezius muscles.

Cream for stretch marks - rules for choosing wisely:

• Hypoallergenic composition! One of the most important rules of choice is the absence of “harmful chemicals” in your cream. That is, the absence of parabens, fragrances and dyes, and also, preferably, silicones. Remember that the components of the product can penetrate into the blood and be transmitted to the baby.
• Cream for use after childbirth or during pregnancy? These are 2 different groups of products with different compositions - warning stretch marks or masking them. The first products are used during pregnancy to significantly increase skin elasticity and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. After childbirth, the skin should return to its original state. And the second option should help reduce the intensity of stretch marks that appear after childbirth, make them less noticeable, and lighten them. In addition, there are universal remedies used in both periods.
• Allergy test. This is a mandatory measure to avoid unpleasant consequences associated with individual intolerance to the components. First, smell the cream and apply a drop of the product to a sensitive area of ​​the skin. If there is no negative reaction, use it.
• Best before date. Naturally, it should not be violated.
• Period of use. Read the instructions carefully! If the cream is intended for use after childbirth, then it makes no sense to use it during pregnancy (and vice versa). The specific period of use is also important - for example, “only from the 2nd trimester until childbirth.”
• Harm to the components of the cream for the fetus. Everyone knows that the baby’s organs in the womb are formed during different periods of pregnancy. And the effect of specific components of cosmetics can become dangerous for the baby’s health and development. In particular, some essential oils can cause serious problems with their constant use (this applies to creams, massages, baths and wraps). Read the ingredients and do not neglect the instructions. In addition, it is important to consult your doctor in a timely manner about the use of a particular product.
• Regular cream during pregnancy or a special remedy for stretch marks? A traditional moisturizer for an expectant mother is, of course, better than nothing (if it has a safe composition). But stretch mark cream doesn't just moisturize the skin - it helps increase its elasticity and protects against weakening of collagen fibers. The choice is obvious.

Facial treatment for the expectant mother

Your whole body goes through changes during pregnancy, and your skin is no exception. While some women simply glow with beauty, others experience a range of dermatological problems ranging from facial redness and broken blood vessels to stretch marks and acne.

Such changes are not a myth at all; a pregnant woman’s blood volume increases by almost 50%. Increased blood circulation in the tissues of the body leads to the fact that the cheeks become rosy, the capillaries, which cannot cope with such volume, become brittle, in addition to this, the sebaceous glands begin to work more actively and the face looks “shiny”. But this does not mean that the expectant mother should endure all these joys.

Alas, a common opinion about which ingredients are dangerous for pregnant women has not yet been fully formed. Sometimes women, in an effort not to harm, do not use anything at all, you never know. As soon as some article appears on the Internet about the potential harm of a “vitamin”, the jar goes into the trash. As a result, problems accumulate like a snowball, and after pregnancy, the amount spent in beauty clinics increases tenfold.

The main thing you should remember when taking care of yourself:

• The most important is the first trimester. It is the first weeks of pregnancy, when you still have no idea about future motherhood, that are very important for the development of the child. During these periods, the tissues and vital systems of a new person are formed. It is at this time that you should be meticulous in your skincare procedures and lifestyle (give up bad habits).
• Throughout pregnancy, care should be pleasant and comfortable; endorphins are very important. Avoid any ingredients or treatments that make you feel uncomfortable, even if they work. Stress, pain, etc. provoke the release of cortisol, which constricts blood vessels. Believe me, this is not good for your future baby.

Hyperpigmentation - a mask of pregnancy

What is this:

Melasma is one of the most common skin changes associated with pregnancy. These are light or dark brown spots that appear in 70% of pregnant women. A surge in the hormones estrogen, progesterone and melanostimulating hormone leads to the appearance of spots on the upper lip, chin, cheeks or forehead.

What to do:

Melasma cannot be completely prevented, but the intensity can be reduced with the help of lightening serums. If you regularly performed superficial chemical peels with AHA acids before pregnancy and they do not cause you any discomfort, you can carry out a course of procedures with lactic acid - it only affects the stratum corneum and does not have a systemic effect.

Look for vitamin C, niacinamide and oligopeptides 34 and 51 in the composition. Use products with SPF 30+, give preference to sunblocks, i.e. titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, they reflect heat from the skin and are ideal for pregnant women.

Avoid:

Hydroquinone should not be used. The risk of cellular toxicity is too great.

Psoriasis, eczema or rosacea

What is this:

Pregnancy can be stressful for the body, and this fact will aggravate existing or emerging problems. According to one theory, the immune system and all cellular responses switch to maintaining the health of the child and the mother no longer has enough strength. However, sometimes pregnant women, on the contrary, experience allergic itching and rashes.

What to do:

Be more gentle with your skin. Mild cleansers (hydrophilic oils or creamy textures, cold creams), lamellar creams (imitating the natural lipid layer) and simple moisturizing serums.

Key Ingredients Panthenol, Bisabolol, Beta Glucan, Oat Extract or Oat Powder, Colloidal Oatmeal, Borage, Sunflower or Olive Seed Oil. You may need a concealer with a green tint to mask any redness. Don't be afraid of silicones, they are inert, do not cause allergic reactions and do not penetrate deep into the skin.

Avoid:

Abrasive peelings, even with the smallest particles (polishes). Heat and friction can provoke inflammatory reactions. Also, stay away from scented products—even if your shower gel smells nice of “dark chocolate and orange,” it’s best not to take risks. Fragrances aggravate skin sensitization.

Acne

What is this:

Increased levels of the hormones progesterone, estrogen and androgens during pregnancy stimulate the sebaceous and sweat glands. The skin becomes oily, follicles become blocked, and acne can appear on the face, chest and back. Studies have recorded maximum hormone levels in the earliest stages of pregnancy, a subsidence in the second and a final surge in the third semester.

What to do:

We need clay masks that absorb excess sebum; it’s good if they contain sulfur.

In creams, look for sebum-regulating and antibacterial components - niacinamide, zinc gluconate, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Salix alba (white willow) bark extract. If you have pustular or papular lesions, low concentrations of benzoyl peroxide may be used. 2% salicylic acid and peels with lactic acid are acceptable.

Avoid:

Retinol is harmful for pregnant women - it easily passes through the deep layers of the skin and enters the systemic bloodstream, has a teratogenic effect, and can cause cell mutations.

Some say that salicylic acid is also dangerous because it affects red blood cells and thins the blood, similar to aspirin. I believe that even a 20% peel with salicylic acid will only work in the sebaceous glands and will not go deeper. Therefore, all the horror stories about stimulation of bleeding are unfounded. But ultrasonic cleanings are really best avoided; their effect on the body of pregnant women has not been well studied.

Becoming a mother is not an easy task; you shouldn’t complicate your life with “cosmetic” horror stories and panic. The simple tips in the article will help you maintain and even improve the condition of your skin.

Tatiana Morrison

Photo thinkstockphotos.com, collage by Alina Trout

Products by topic: [product](cream) for face, [product](serum) for face

How to choose “the one”, your remedy that will really help?

1. Consider the condition of your skin, age, and allergies to specific components.
2. Study the composition of the cream - the presence of useful components (their order in the list of ingredients; the closer to the beginning of the list, the greater the percentage of the component in the composition), the presence of harmful components, the presence of components responsible for the strength of collagen fibers.
3. Study the reviews of expectant mothers on the selected cream.
4. Find a sample of the product - do an allergy test.
5. Evaluate the smell of the cream. It may be too intense, and you may need to use it every day throughout your pregnancy.
6. Read the instructions! If you are pregnant, look for a cream that is used specifically during pregnancy, and not after childbirth, otherwise you simply will not be able to evaluate its effectiveness.

And, of course, consult your doctor!

Here are the most effective remedies for stretch marks, according to future and established mothers:

Can pregnant women fly on an airplane?

Airlines consider the optimal time for flights to be between 14 and 27 weeks. But after 36 weeks, flights are not recommended due to the risk of premature birth in an unequipped place. Otherwise, there are no strict contraindications to flying, although traveling by plane in the first trimester can aggravate the symptoms of toxicosis.

Feel free to plan visits to relatives and friends, vacations for the New Year (or other) holidays, get-togethers with intimate conversations over a cup of mint tea, your favorite color for healthy hair in photographs and remember that health and beauty do not always require sacrifice!

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISING. THE MATERIAL WAS PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS.

Weleda oil

• Price: about 1000 rub.
• Used from 1 week to 3 months after birth.
• Properties: prevention of the formation of stretch marks and reduction of the intensity of existing ones; increasing tissue elasticity; retaining moisture in the skin.

• Ingredients: almond oil and jojoba oil, arnica flower extract, wheat germ oil.
• 2 international quality certificates: NaTrue (organic and natural products) and Vegan Label (guarantee of the absence of components of animal origin).

Cream Sanosan

• Price: about 500 rub.
• Form: oil, cream and lotion.
• Used from 1st week of pregnancy.

• Properties: protection against the appearance of stretch marks; increasing skin elasticity; correction of existing stretch marks; activation of the regenerating properties of the epidermis; its nutrition, intensive hydration and strengthening.
• Ingredients: natural lanolin (from sheep wool), milk proteins, wheat proteins (activate the production of your own collagen), chitosan, hibiscus seed extract (increases elasticity), jojoba oil, olive oil, beeswax.

Cream Mama comfort

• Price: about 350 rub.
• Form: light balm-gel and thick cream.
• Used during pregnancy and also after childbirth.
• Properties: normalizes the functioning of the epidermis, prevents the occurrence of stretch marks and reduces the intensity of existing ones; increases skin elasticity; deeply moisturizes and retains moisture for a long time; intensively nourishes.

• The cream contains: Regy-Stretch complex (note - restoration of damaged fibers), hyaluronic acid (increasing collagen production) and olive oil (moisturizing), chamomile extract, tea tree (tonic effect) and horse chestnut.
• The balm contains: horsetail and green coffee extracts, ivy and nettle extracts, as well as fucus, hyaluronic acid, green tea and meadowsweet extracts, and, of course, the Regy-Stretch complex.

Recommendation 2: Avoid strenuous physical activity

Is it possible to play sports in the first trimester? Not only is it possible, but it is necessary! Exercising during pregnancy is the key to excellent mood, good physical shape, normal weight, absence of constipation and swelling. In addition, sports allows you to prepare your body for the upcoming birth.

If before pregnancy you did Pilates, yoga, or swimming, then in the first trimester of gestation you don’t have to give up your favorite activities. But it’s not worth learning new sports. Unusual exercises and loads for the body can negatively affect the course of pregnancy.

Heavy physical activity is prohibited in both early and late stages of pregnancy. For example, you cannot jump into water from a tower, ride horses, or go rock climbing. If you were previously into running, then during pregnancy it is better to replace running with brisk walking.

Hendel`s Garden pomegranate emulsion

• Price: about 1200 rub.
• Used: during pregnancy, when losing weight, after childbirth.
• Long lasting effect!

• Properties: acceleration of tissue recovery; stimulation of skin self-rejuvenation; restoration of moisture levels and elasticity of the skin; anti-inflammatory, smoothing and whitening properties; protection against the appearance of stretch marks and reduction in their intensity.
• Ingredients: pomegranate extract, shea butter, walnut oil, green coffee extract, panthenol, jojoba oil, rapeseed oil.

Avent cream

• Price: about 800 rub.
• Properties: replenishes moisture in the epidermis; deep cell nutrition; strengthening skin fibers; softening and restoration of elasticity; assistance in adaptation to skin overstretching; reducing the intensity of existing stretch marks and protecting against the appearance of new ones.

• Without parabens, dyes and harmful petroleum products.
• Ingredients: seaweed extract (for skin elasticity), almond oil (moisture restoration), papaya oil, shea butter, lemon and grapefruit extracts.

Emulsion Bepantol, Bayer

• Price: about 1300 rub.
• Form: cream and emulsion (emulsion is more effective!).
• Used from 1 month of pregnancy and after childbirth.
• Properties: deep skin nutrition; intensive hydration with prolonged stretching of the skin; smoothing and restoration of elasticity; prevention of stretch marks formation.
• Free from dyes, parabens and preservatives.
• Ingredients: centella asiatica (stimulation of collagen production), glycerin, provitamin B5, lipids, olive oil, dexpanthenol (note - in cells it is transformed into pantothenic acid), vitamins C and E.

Lotion/skin rub

Continuing the topic of washing, in addition to napkins, I recommend buying a bottle of the following washing liquid:

Cleansing water for newborns and children Mustela

I was taught how to use this kind of water in the maternity hospital.

Firstly, it is much more convenient for washing your face than water. I applied it to a cotton swab and wiped the baby’s face: nothing extra got into the ears or nose, no splashes, no unnecessary discomfort for the baby. There is no need to wash it off.

Secondly, with the same water you wash away from your butt what was not picked up with a napkin. Changing your baby's clothes at night makes life a lot easier.

Buying it is not very easy - it is not sold everywhere (under the picture there is a link where to buy it). And it's not cheap at all. But when you wash your baby with this water in the morning, you will definitely thank me.

Cream 9 months

• Price: about 400 rub.
• It is used in any trimester of pregnancy, as well as before and after childbirth.
• Properties: correction of existing stretch marks and protection from new ones; increasing the elasticity of the epidermis, deep hydration; stimulation of blood circulation and tonic effect; prevention of cellulite.

• Ingredients: lipid system with active soybean and elastin peptides, natural antioxidants, complex of oils (jojoba, shea, wheat germ), natural grapefruit oil, echinacea extract, dimethicone, glycerin, vitamin PP.

Bepanten

The same greenhouse effect occurs in the hollows: in the armpits, in the groin, in the crook of the neck, in the “interpopia”.

But there it is better to smear it not with diaper cream, but with bepanthen. Just not with ointment, but with cream (ointment is more effective, but very greasy and disgusting - this is not necessary for children’s purposes):

Bepanthen cream 5%

Why do you need bepanten? Diaper cream - white. If you smear it everywhere, the baby will look untidy. And bepanten is transparent and very effective.

And also: if something goes wrong with the diaper cream - diaper rash has happened, and your life begins to turn into hell from a screaming baby - bepanten will save you!

We rinse the diaper rash with water every time we change the diaper and apply Bepanthen generously. After 2-3 days everything goes away as if by magic.