How to target stretch marks during pregnancy?

Pregnancy pushes your body – and especially your skin – to its limits. That’s why stretch marks often go hand-in-hand with pregnancy, as your body expands to accommodate a beautiful new life. While you can’t entirely prevent stretch marks from forming, regularly soothing and nourishing your baby bump with a stretch mark cream and/or body treatment oil is the best way to promote firmness and elasticity to help reduce their appearance. 

Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Cream is a lightweight, fast-absorbing, mom-friendly formula that safely targets stretch marks and soothes the skin, while relieving feelings of tightness associated with pregnancy. Tested and recommended by pregnant women, this nourishing, plant-based cream contains Clarins’ exclusive Phyto-Stretch Complex—a powerful blend of Centella Asiatica and Organic Green Banana* extracts—to visibly boost skin’s elasticity and firmness. 

Because the keys to limiting stretch marks during pregnancy are hydration and the maintenance of your skin’s elasticity, we also recommend using a Clarins body oil. Our top choice is Tonic Body Treatment Oil. Formulated with 100% pure plant extracts, this nourishing blend of essential oils—including Organic Geranium,* Mint, Rosemary and Hazelnut—helps visibly firm, tone, and target stretch marks caused by pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Combine a few drops with Body Partner Stretch Mark Cream for optimal results. Lightly massage onto damp skin after bathing, focusing on the areas most prone to stretch marks: stomach, thighs, breasts and hips.

Is there a way to exfoliate safely during pregnancy?

Yes! Gentle prenatal exfoliation with Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub For Smooth Skin polishes away dull, dry surface cells and impurities, revealing the radiant skin beneath. This refreshing, moisture-rich scrub—with naturally exfoliating Bamboo Powders, soothing Mimosa Tenuiflora extract, and nourishing Shea Butter—leaves body skin soft, smooth and comfortable, while clearing the way for the treatments to come. We suggest following with Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Cream + Tonic Body Treatment Oil to promote your skin’s elasticity, and relieve any feelings of tightness or discomfort.  

How do I relieve tired legs and feet during pregnancy?

Changes in the body during pregnancy--including water retention, weight gain, and poor blood circulation--can lead to uncomfortable heaviness and swelling in legs, feet and ankles. Not to worry -- it’s hormonal and normal!

To provide soothing relief to tired legs and feet: 

• When seated or lying down, prop your legs up on a cushion to improve blood circulation.

• Opt for showers instead of baths.

• Finish your shower with a blast of cool water from your ankles to hips.

• To relieve water retention, massage Clarins Contour Body Treatment Oil, from feet to thighs. 

• Treat tired legs and feet with Clarins’ refreshing Energizing Emulsion. A blend of Camomile, Basil, and Bitter Orange essential oils bring an immediate feeling of relaxation and comfort, while hydrating and softening the skin. 

While it’s best to avoid doing anything too strenuous, gentle activities such as walking, swimming, and stretching your legs are great for boosting your circulation. Carving out some dedicated “me” time by regularly exercising while pregnant helps strengthen your muscles, ease stress, relieve tired legs, and increase your lung capacity--essential for the health of both you and your baby. Before undertaking any exercise, always make sure to consult with your doctor first.¹

Any tips for avoiding skin pigmentation changes during pregnancy?

“Pregnancy mask”--the appearance of brown or gray-brown patches on cheeks, forehead, nose and chin--can result from a sudden change in hormonal levels, especially when combined with sun exposure. That’s why it’s essential to wear a very high SPF 50+ facial sun screen to help prevent hyperpigmentation during pregnancy--even if you live somewhere that is not particularly sunny. UVA rays can penetrate glass, car windows and clouds, so make a habit of applying it each morning over your moisturizer to help maintain a clear, even complexion. Try to avoid UV exposure from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. If you are outside during this time, wear a wide brim hat or stay in the shade.

How do I achieve healthy, glowing skin during pregnancy?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all routine for skin challenged by the drying hormonal effects of pregnancy--a good rule of thumb is to opt for intensive hydrating and nourishing treatments that will meet your skin’s new needs. Clarins’ super-quenching Hydra-Essentiel range is formulated with Organic Leaf of Life* extract to power the skin’s natural hydration for a soft, smooth, comfortable complexion. A double dose of Hyaluronic Acid [HA²] supports the skin’s barrier--keeping moisture in, and locking environmental aggressors out. 

To reveal your natural inner glow:

• After cleansing in the morning and at night, gently smooth on Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Bi-Phase Serum to boost skin’s radiance, refine skin texture, and visibly minimize pores.  

• Depending on your skin type, follow with Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream for very dry skin, Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream for normal to dry skin, or Hydra-Essentiel Matte Gel for normal to combination skin.

When you feel radiant and beautiful, you glow from the inside, out. Having a positive, loving outlook on life has enormous benefits for both yourself and your baby, so make self-care a commitment, and be sure to find time to pamper yourself daily.