The doctor talked about ways to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy.

It is impossible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy. However, preparing the skin and body for pregnancy will help to make them less pronounced. Oksana Reshetnyak, a plastic surgeon at the Semeynaya Clinic in the Beauty department, told Izvestia about this on June 22.

Stretch marks (or striae) are not just red or white stripes on the skin. These are, in fact, microscopic scars in the dermis that appear due to ruptures of elastin and collagen fibers. At first they may be pinkish-blue, then they lighten and turn whitish, but, alas, they do not disappear completely.

"During pregnancy, the skin undergoes serious stress, especially in the abdomen, chest, thighs and buttocks. The body is actively changing: the stomach is growing, hormones affect the strength of connective tissue, and body weight is increasing. All this creates ideal conditions for the appearance of striae," the doctor explained.

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According to her, the main culprits are hormones. Increased cortisol levels reduce the elasticity of the skin, and rapid body growth leaves it no time to adapt. As a result, the skin simply cannot stand it and "tears".

It is impossible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks 100%. The plastic surgeon noted that even the most well-groomed skin may not be able to cope with the load. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to reduce the risk and severity of striae.

"As a doctor, I always recommend starting before pregnancy. Skin preparation is like preventing cracks on the lips in winter: it's easier to prevent than to treat later. Regular hydration helps — use oils (shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil) and creams with vitamin E and panthenol. It is better to apply on wet skin immediately after a shower," Reshetnyak advised.

In addition, it is necessary to control weight gain. The doctor explained that a sharp jump in body weight is one of the main factors in the formation of stretch marks. The weight should increase smoothly. Swimming, yoga for pregnant women, stretching — anything that gently warms up the tissues and improves microcirculation will also be a good prevention.

At the same time, the doctor recommended wearing a bandage, especially from the second trimester — it mechanically reduces the load on the abdominal skin.

"It is also necessary to observe the drinking regime. Hydration from the inside is no less important than from the outside. I often advise women to treat the skin as a "tissue" that needs to be softened and moisturized in advance before it begins to stretch," the specialist shared.

If stretch marks did appear, the doctor warned: even the most disciplined and "greasy" patients are not insured. Sometimes genetics, skin density, hormone levels, and individual characteristics play a role.

Meanwhile, when stretch marks are fresh (pink, purple), the chances of reducing their severity are higher. During this period, you can continue to apply oils and creams, use cosmetics with acids and vitamin C — if the doctor allows, connect a light massage, soft brushes.

After childbirth and the end of breastfeeding, professional methods can be considered: laser resurfacing, fractional rejuvenation, mesotherapy, microneedling, peels.

"As a plastic surgeon, I often see how the skin recovers — not perfectly, but much better — after proper comprehensive care," said Reshetnyak.

On June 11, Izvestia reported on the causes of hair loss in women after childbirth. Tatiana Berezhkova, a leading obstetrician-gynecologist at the Women's Doctor Reproductive Health Clinic, attributed hormonal changes to factors that provoke hair loss in the postpartum period. The specialist added that a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements can also affect the hairstyle.