Body

Get rid of stretch marks

Stretch marks are no ordinary wrinkles. They appear when the skin stretches too quickly as the baby grows. Stretch marks may first appear as red lines or bands on the stomach, which fade into smooth, white, shiny, flat marks that are difficult to get rid of. Fighting stretch marks should start even before you get pregnant.

Increase your skin's elasticity before getting pregnant by frequently massaging your stomach. Rotate between cold and hot water baths, and eat more vitamin and protein-rich food.

After you get pregnant, try not to overeat, and keep exercising moderately. Eat food rich in vitamin C to lighten pigment deposits.

Start applying cream for stretch marks from the second trimester and continue until three months after giving birth to the baby. Cream for stretch marks is rich in collagen, vitamin E and vitamin C with some moisturizing creams and must be applied both in the morning and evening. If the cream contains whitening essences, even better. Stretch marks usually appear on the abdomen, waist, hips and the inside and the outside of the thighs.

Regain a firm bustline

Pregnancy may upgrade the cups yet definitely is a huge disaster for bust elasticity. To regain firm bust after giving birth, try the following tips.

Don't apply beauty products to the bust while breastfeeding, but try to eat foods rich in protein and pectin like pig's feet and beef tendons.

After weaning the baby off the breast, mothers can use beauty products on their busts, as well as massaging them and strengthening the muscles underneath through yoga movements.

Get rid of Caesarean scars

Currently 70 percent of women give birth through Caesarean section. The size of the scar depends on how well the doctor stitches the wound together. If the doctor stitches well, the scar may be very light.

New mothers also have to watch their weight. Gaining too much weight can strain the skin next to the scar and interfere with healing. Some beauty plasters specially made for scar removal are now available in Hong Kong and abroad. Applying the plaster to the wound for three to six months can greatly reduce scarring.

Recommended products

Clarins
Body Treatment Oil (RMB 460)
Taiwan pop star Little S and many other celebrity mothers use this product. It's made from 100 percent pure plant extracts and is specially made for bodies going through dramatic changes.

Elancyl
Toning Shower Gel (RMB 160)
Another celebrity mother favorite, this shower gel helps tone your skin for a reasonable price. Just remember to use it liberally.

Estee Lauder
Anti-Cellulite Visible Contouring Serum (RMB 550)
There's no need to massage this cream into skin, and you can put your clothes on immediately after application. Especially suited for new mothers.

Fancl
Tense Up Fruit Drinks, collagen included (RMB 298)
The collagen in these tasty fruit drinks helps to fight stretch marks and perk up the bust.

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