Stretchmarks on the beach help

[SadGirl6]

My partner suggested we book a beach holiday for the summer and my initial excitement soon turned to anxiety when I thought of wearing a bikini or swimsuit at the beach.

I’ve had three children, the youngest is just 7 months, and my body is covered in deep stretch marks. My breasts, bottom and thighs having the worst. The skin is crepey and just horrible tbh! My stomach has stretchmarks surrounding my belly button. I hide these parts away day to day and try not to think about them as they make me upset. I’m a size 8 so it’s a shame I feel I have to cover myself so much but I can’t imagine that changing unless I had some kind of surgery or laser treatment which I can’t afford.

would I be unreasonable to say I don’t want to go on holiday because of my low self esteem? What can I do between now and then to improve their appearance. The ones on my breasts are the worst I’ve seen, my skin sags and dimples, but I’m still breastfeeding so I don’t even think I can do anything to help them right now. I’m in my 20s, help! What has worked for you?

You would be unreasonable to say you won't go on holiday for this. Wear a full swimsuit or a tankini bikini if you prefer. Honestly no one will be looking at you.

Some people have them. Some people don't. Like freckles.

Fake or gradual tan is your friend.

Moisturise well for a few nights with your usual nosy moisturiser and the add some tanning drops or switch to a gradual tanning lotion.

But be honest who stares at anyone else when they are in a beach or holiday these days? You'd soon get a slap!

No one will be looking at you, they'll all be sucking in their own stomachs or crossing their legs worrying about crotch and then the penny drops that they're their to enjoy themselves and who gives a flying fig what they look like.

Unless you are a celebrity no one is going to take any notice of guy whatsoever.

Just enjoy yourself.

Blimey of course you can’t not go on holiday cos of stretch marks!

Most women on the beach will have them, and many will also be overweight to a degree, many will be older with all the delights of varicose veins, loose skin etc.

And as for the blokes… pot bellies and random hair sprouts will abound.

All life is on the beach.

Get a tan done before you go, it makes everything look better.

I don’t quite understand why a swimsuit doesn’t cover the bits that are worrying you? - but anyway look at normal swimsuits, tankinis, boy shorts, Tankini tops and board shots, 50s style high knickers bikinis. Take your time and try lots of things on.

But don’t over cover up, all you need for a beach body is to have a body and take it to the beach.

Have a great holiday

Literally NOBODY will notice except for you. And you will look back on photos and think a) why aren't there more photos of me with my children and b) why did I care so much?! So, if it will make you more confident, work out a bit and get a slight fake tan. I am a big fan of Summersalt for flattering swimsuits {they really do suck you in but are still comfortable) but I think there are a billion and one copies now.

But even if you don't do any of that, NOBODY will care. So go get that beach and have the best time!

I’m my experience, more people have them than don’t . They’re a normal feature of a body. Gradual fake tan works wonders, the dove one and the garnier one are both good.start using it now so you see the effects and get good at applying it. You dont need to have everything exposed if you don’t want either, there are lovely swimsuit sets with wraps that look absolutely gorgeous and more classy than mincing about in a skimpy two piece. Match it with nice sandals and a good hat and you’ll look a million dollars.
Nobody there will be scrutinising your body for imperfections. There’ll be about 2 model perfect women there, the rest will be normal and chubby or skinny or bumpy or stripey like the rest of us.
I wasted a good part of my twenties obsessing over my perfectly lovely ( but not quite perfect) body.
at 40 I rock a mum tum and some stripes and a bloody horrendous old tattoo.
nobody gives a shit, including me now. See also, wear something practical so you can splash about in the water and build some wicked sandcastles, it’s waaaaay more fun than just tag teaming with your husband to keep the kids alive. Have a second childhood, but with an afternoon cocktail it’s the best!

People on the beach come in all shapes and sizes OP. Relax and enjoy your holiday. I’m in my 40s and still go topless.

I've always been prone to stretch marks - I get them quite easily from weight loss / gain. I've had 4 children but my stretch marks have healed over time.

It does help to use intensely moisturising products like this one

https://www.lookfantastic.com/elemis-japanese-camellia-body-oil-100ml/14547274.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&affil=thgppc&kwds=&thgppcccampaign=71700000114615813&adtype=pla&productid=14547274&gbraid=0AAAAAD-fXiqmoR3g64r39U3y24krIUqaP&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkeSsBhDUARIsAK3tieesragrV8xCbVGDIc9KhkCs5d9oVsXYQl03XoOEEUZU6xuj6n8XmEaAhIsEALww_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

But honestly, one day you won't be so self conscious about this because your skin will heal itself over time.

Most people have them even if you are thin and never had kids.
Please go and enjoy yourself.
I'd focus pn finding a nice and comfortable swimsuit.

Also swimsuits are far more fashionable than bikinis these days.

Imagine being on your deathbed and thinking “I wish I’d gone on that holiday instead of caring about bloody stretch marks”!
Wear a one piece and a sarong if you must, but don’t let them stop you from living your life.

You are in your 20s and a size eight, you are going to look better than most people on the beach! I am twice your age and twice your size and go to the beach all the time (I live in a hot country beside the beach), I don't give two hoots, no one cares! Seriously, don't miss out on a holiday because of this, when you are older you will kick yourself for not realising how lovely you looked when younger!

Please don't worry and let it spoil a holiday. Your family love you for what caused the stretch marks and nobody else matters. Look into different swim suits/shorts and a spray tan if it will make you more comfortable but they just want to have fun with their mum. I'm 72 and had a mastectomy (with no recon or foob) a year ago and it took a bit of courage to wear a half-flat bikini but I soon realised that nobody was looking! Say yes please with a smile and enjoy yourself!

Bio oil makes a difference but honestly after five kids my belly is covered. I also have a 23cm scar across my upper abdomen from cancer surgery. I wore a bikini last summer, I'm proud of my body and what it's been through. Try to work on your self esteem

On the beaches l was on last year, people came in all shapes, sizes and ages and nobody cared. But there was hardly a one piece in sight.

From a practical level, Pilates helped the appearance of my body. I don't think much helped my stretch marks apart from time so I'm sorry I can't offer more help with that.
The main thing that has helped is improving my attitude to my body. Try and think about how your body has grown and nurtured 3 babies, it gets you where you want to go. You are strong enough to carry your kids and do lots of things. Your husband wants to see you on holiday having fun and doesn't care about the stretch marks. Neither does anyone else on the beach.
I follow this body positive influencer on Instagram and her honesty and transparency has been amazing for changing how I try and think about my body. www.instagram.com/danaemercer?igsh=ZDE1MWVjZGVmZQ==

OP this makes me so sad! You go and enjoy a lovely holiday. Life is short, we need to make the most of it.

Definitely have a look at Danae Mercer for body confidence.

The best thing about being on a beach abroad is all of the different body types and the fact that you will never see those people again!