Your growing belly making room for baby is one of the most beautiful bodily changes that occurs during pregnancy, but of course alongside this comes the visual indicators of stretching skin. Some women appear to go through pregnancy with none, whilst many of us are not as lucky!

Many people are of the view that stretch marks are genetic or unavoidable, but there are a few things you can do to ensure your skin is kept as smooth and supple during pregnancy as possible.  Below, I share my tried and tested tips for naturally preventing and reducing stretch marks during pregnancy.

1. Be consistent with hydration

Keeping the skin hydrated is key. When it is hydrated when the skin’s moisture lipid barrier is intact, the skin is stronger and more pliable, causing less injury and trauma to the skin when slowly stretched over the course of nine months. Get into a routine with this so you are consistently hydrating and firming the skin without even thinking about. Most women do this after showering. Moisturise using hydrating lotions such as shea or cocoa butter, which are great emollients and work well to further nourish and seal the skin and keep it ultra-hydrated.

2. Massage your belly with a good quality oil

Massage with a nutrient-rich oil –rich in vitamin A, and E (jojoba, olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil all work great). You will find these in the Edible Beauty Phyto Stretch Mark Oil. You won't find any parrafin in this oil, instead you will find over 14 beautiful plant-based oils including an active clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These oils help to repair the skin’s protective barrier to help keep the skin strong and less resistant to injury of the skin tissue.

These wonder plants help to promote skin elasticity and boost collagen production. Massage in a circular clockwise motion, which follows your stomach’s natural digestive tract. Remember the tummy, thighs, lower back and legs. Follow the massage with a sealing and nourishing moisturiser.

Shop Edible Beauty’s Phyto Stretch Mark Oil here.

3. Enhance skin elasticity from the inside-out

Keeping well hydrated and drinking lots of water ensures the skin’s elasticity is kept intact!

I also recommend eating lots of Vitamin C rich foods such as kiwis, capsicums, berries and broccoli to promote collagen production and keep skin elastic. You will find an abundance of Vitamin C in the Edible Beauty Native Collagen Booster. The antioxidants and amino acids in this blend are proven to promote collagen production, keeping skin supple and enhancing elasticity so it can stretch without damage.

Keep up your Vitamin A levels to assist in skin tissue repair. My favourite Vit A sources are carrots and sweet potatoes! 

Shop Edible Beauty’s Native Collagen Booster here.