How do I get rid of pregnancy stretch marks?
As a new mom, you may be bothered by the presence of abdominal stretch marks, even though they pose no health risk. Though they are most noticeable on the stomach and breasts, they can also be found on the thighs and upper arms. Remember that these marks will vanish with time and will not harm you permanently.
Stretch marks are one of several physical changes that a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy. Stretch marks are common among pregnant women, with up to 90% of them experiencing them. Stretch marks appear around 13 to 21 weeks of pregnancy as brown, pink, red, or purplish stripes across the abdomen, butt, hips, thighs, or breasts. Stretch marks are caused by rapid weight gain during pregnancy, which produces small tears in the supporting layers of the tissue beneath the skin. Genetics, on the other hand, has a part in whether or not you get stretch marks. If your mother had stretch marks, you’re more more likely to get them as well.
As a result, it’s critical to incorporate natural body care products into your pregnancy belly care routine to avoid stretch marks.
When stretch marks are first appearing, it is the optimum time to lessen their appearance. Stretch marks typically progress through three stages. Stretch marks in stage 1 are pink in color, and the skin around them may be itchy and flattened or thin. Stretch marks will turn red or purplish in color and will expand in length and width in stage 2. Stretch marks in stage 3 begin to disappear and becoming white or silvery in appearance. Stretch marks are tough to remove at this point. When stretch marks are first appearing, using excellent maternal care products can help lessen their appearance.
What to use after pregnancy?
If you want to eliminate stretch marks after pregnancy, utilize a natural product that contains Shea butter. You can ensure that your skin receives the optimum nourishment and moisturization by using shea butter for stretch marks. While stretch marks cannot be removed naturally, Shea butter can help to reduce their appearance. Shea butter is high in essential fatty acids and fatty acids, which assist to alleviate inflammation and hydrate the skin deeply. Cocoa butter is another natural ingredient to seek for in stretch mark products, along with Shea butter.
Stretch marks can be reduced even more by using a stretch marks oil in combination with body butter. Ingredients like Sea Buckthorn oil, Rosehip oil, Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Wheatgerm oil, and Almond oil are known to boost skin hydration, improve skin elasticity, prevent skin damage, and stimulate collagen formation, all of which assist to diminish the appearance of stretch oils.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is high in Vitamins E and A and is known for its ability to heal damaged skin. It also aids in the improvement of skin suppleness. Rosehip oil, on the other hand, is high in Vitamin C and has been shown to aid in the production of collagen, which helps to lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
How to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks?
Stretch marks, like any scar, are permanent. You’ll never be able to entirely eliminate them. After your baby is born, most stretch marks will vanish on their own. Not only that, but various treatments can make them even less obvious. According to another 2017 study, treating early stretch marks is more successful than treating older stretch marks. So, if at all possible, begin your treatment as soon as possible. Every treatment will not be effective for everyone. That’s why consulting your dermatologist or doctor is an excellent idea. They can talk you through the various alternatives and help you figure out what is best for you and your skin.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are skin-exfoliating cosmetic procedures. Your doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon can perform them. Glycolic acid peels help your skin produce more collagen. This type of peel has been reported to be beneficial in reducing stretch marks in studies dating back to 1998. Although more — and more recent — study is needed specifically for stretch marks, newer research has showed glycolic acid to be useful for scars in general.
Laser therapy
Laser therapies are medical treatments that use certain wavelengths of light to reduce pain, swelling and scarring.
Laser therapy has been shown in numerous studies to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by enhancing collagen formation, repairing elastin fibres, and strengthening the epidermal layer. Before speaking with your doctor or dermatologist, keep in mind that laser therapy is costly and will most likely require multiple treatments before you notice benefits.
Microdermabrasion
Dermatologists employ microdermabrasion to improve skin tone and texture with a minimally invasive technique. Microdermabrasion was found to be relatively effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks in two studies published in 2015 and 2014.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is a skin-care technique that claims to decrease wrinkles and scars. It punctures the skin with small needles. Skin can be rejuvenated as these little injuries heal. It normally takes four to six sessions to complete. Micro-needling improved early and late stretch marks over a 4-week period, according to a 2012 pilot research.
Radio-frequency
Radiofrequency is a noninvasive method that involves the use of radiofrequency waves to heat deeper layers of the skin in order to:
- Trigger your body’s natural wound healing mechanism,
- Increase collagen production,
- Tighten your skin
Radiofrequency and multipolar-pulsed electromagnetic fields were reported to minimize the length and width of stretch marks in a brief 2014 pilot study. A 2012 pilot research discovered that combining radiofrequency with ultrasound reduced the appearance of stretch marks.
Topical creams or gels with hyaluronic acid
Applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks may make them less apparent, according to research. In a 2017 study, for example, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica (a medicinal herb commonly used in traditional medicine), and daily massages were found to help minimize stretch marks.
Creams with Tretinoin
Several studies, including one published in 2014, suggest that creams containing Tretinoin can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, especially when applied early and frequently. Tretinoin is a retinoid that promotes collagen growth and speeds up skin cell turnover. A tretinoin cream can only be prescribed by your dermatologist. Retinoids, on the other hand, should not be used while pregnant since they can cause birth abnormalities. If you’re breastfeeding, you should avoid them because they can be absorbed into your milk.
Because everyone’s body heals differently, it’s critical to practice patience. Recovery will also be determined by the severity of your stretch marks and the treatment approach you choose. Not all treatment options will be as effective for you as they are for others. However, if you’re concerned, speak with your doctor.
Your age, diet, the length of time you've had stretch marks, the number of therapy sessions you've had, and the healing process of your skin can all influence the outcome. Get treatment as soon as stretch marks appear for the greatest outcomes. To determine the best solutions for you, consult a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic and laser treatments.
Stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy, and many women suffer from them. There are no fast remedies for stretch marks, and the greatest treatments for stretch marks after delivery mentioned, require time to work. So, if you want a long-term remedy, you’ll have to be patient. It is feasible to avoid stretch marks after childbirth by eating a balanced diet, limiting weight gain, and staying hydrated.
Sources:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-stretch-marks-and-how-can-i-get-rid-of-them-2759982
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/stretch-marks-after-pregnancy
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/stretch-marks.aspx