Are Stretch Marks Permanent
While they will fade with time and become much less noticeable, stretch marks wont ever go away on their own. You can think of them as scars because thats essentially what they are.
If you cut your arm, for instance, the wound would eventually heal, but the resulting scar would never fully disappear. Thats the same with your stretch marks its a wound under the skin, in a way. And although it will heal and fade, the mark isnt going anywhere.
The only possible way to get those scars to fully disappear is through surgery. And even then, there is no guarantee the surgical procedure could also lead to scarring even though it might remove the scarring from the stretch marks.
When And Where Do They Form
While stretch marks generally become visible during the later trimesters of pregnancy , some women will start to see them forming as soon as their bellies start growing. Most lighter-skinned women tend to develop pinkish stretch marks, whereas darker-skinned women tend to have stretch marks that are lighter than the surrounding skin. Their pattern of development follows three stages.
Why Use A Preventive Stretch Mark Cream
During pregnancy, stretch marks can develop on your breasts, belly, hips, butt, and thighs.
From a dermatology perspective, there arent that many stretch mark creams that are effective, Davis states. The theory behind them is helping to rebuild some of the collagen and elastin in our skin that is distorted as a result of the stretch marks developing.
While theres not a ton of research on the effectiveness of topical treatments, its still worth trying to prevent stretch marks since it can be difficult to minimize them once theyre fully formed.
You can start to apply a stretch mark cream as a preventive measure. For best results, start as soon as you find out youre pregnant and continue after you give birth.
Using a stretch mark cream may not prevent or eliminate stretch marks entirely, but it might help make them less pronounced and noticeable by improving skin elasticity and smoothing your skin.
Plus, using a stretch mark cream can be a fantastic way for you to get in touch with your body and give yourself some TLC throughout your pregnancy.
Try incorporating stretch mark cream application into an indulgent self-care routine, which may include self-massage, exfoliation, or a good old-fashioned bubble bath.
Decide if you want a cream that is scented or fragrance-free. Scan the ingredients list for potential irritants, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities. And while pregnant and nursing, avoid products that contain retinoids.
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Which Skincare Brand Is Safe For Pregnancy
Some of those brands include Promise, Earth Mama, Mambino Organics, Previse, Humble, Bella B, and Timeless Beauty Bar. Of course, we’ve thoroughly vetted every product on our site and all of the ingredients in them so we can be certain what we’re offering to our mamas is 100 percent safe for her and baby.
Can Anything Prevent Stretch Marks
Short answer: Maybe.
Researchers have discovered that many remedies said to prevent stretch marks dont actually work. In studies, neither almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, nor vitamin E prevented stretch marks.
Other ingredients may work. Researchers have found that products containing centella or hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks. Centella is an herb, and our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid.
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Can You Take Collagen Peptides Postpartum While Breastfeeding
Again, we believe that this should be safe. And in fact, there is a 2016 study that found pregnant and postpartum women demonstrated improved protein levels and quality of life after collagen supplementation . More specifically, the collagen supplement subjects showed no impact on breastfeeding or post-delivery or newborn problems. But again, please consult your physician or midwife for any supplement you take while breastfeeding.
When Do Stretch Marks Start
For some women, they can begin appearing in the first trimester. Thats especially true for women who were on strict diets before becoming pregnant and took that positive pregnancy test as a green light to start eating everything in sight.
Since rapid weight gain is one reason for stretch mark development, that may be enough to convince you to eat sensibly throughout your pregnancy.
Its healthy to gain weight throughout your pregnancy however. Dont try to avoid weight gain. You still might dodge stretch marks if you do it slowly and sensibly.
Doctors say women only need about an extra 340 calories per day beginning in the second trimester and an additional 450 calories per day in the last trimester . If youre a healthy weight to begin with and youre not underweight, you dont actually need to eat any additional calories in the first trimester.
While some women may have those stretch marks show up during the first trimester, for most women they come later. For many of us, the majority of the stretch marks will appear or enlarge during the last trimester. Thats when a lot of women start seeing them show up.
I remember seeing some in the second half of my second trimester and they kept coming until I was ready to deliver.
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How Can You Prevent Stretch Marks
Standing in the mirror, many women inspect old or new stretch marks that may have formed throughout their pregnancy. While some women may feel they are alone in their struggle with stretch marks, its essential to understand that this is a common problem many individuals experience.
However, by better understanding the causes of stretch marks, you can do your best to prevent them with the right lifestyle choices and health practices.
The key to preventing pregnancy stretch marks lies in keeping your skin elastic and well-hydrated. This way, your skin stays supple during pregnancy as your body changes rapidly. To do this, a woman must eat nourishing and well-balanced meals that keep her healthy. These habits will support her health and her babys health throughout the pregnancy.
Foods that naturally help boost your bodys collagen production are bestâ such as:
What Are Stretch Marks And How Do They Form
Stretch marks are basically small scars located in the middle layer of your skin that are visible in the top layer of skin . They form when rapid weight gain or hormonal changes stretch the skin beyond its ability to repair itself. Thats why theyre called stretch marks.Your skin has an amazing ability to stretch and adapt thanks to its collagen and elastin fibers. But when your skin stretches too fast or too far, it can tear slightly. When this happens, your body will immediately start working to heal the new scars. Despite our bodys natural defense mechanisms, small scars can still show up once everything is healed.
Any sort of quick weight gain or rapid growth spurt can lead to stretch marks, which means stretch marks arent just for pregnant womenStretch marks are most often associated with pregnancy because pregnancy hormones, like cortisol and estrogen, reduce the activity and effectiveness of the fibroblasts in your skin. This, in turn, reduces the collagen and elastin that give your skin its stretchiness. Couple that with your growing belly, thighs, and chest, and conditions are just right for stretch marks to form.
Every womans body and every pregnancy is different, but if you do develop stretch marks, youll probably start noticing them at the end of the second trimester or sometime during the third trimester. They usually form on a pregnant moms stomach, thighs, bottom, hips, and chest.
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How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks With Laser Removal
Laser treatments are considered the most effective for stretch mark removal, and theres a good reason why: They force healing. Doctors use a microfine laser to reach deep into the skins sublayers. This kick-starts the bodys natural healing process, removing damaged tissue and rebuilding it using fresh collagenand revealing fresh, smooth skin in the process. That collagen will improve both skin texture and skin color, making stretch marks slowly disappear.
While laser treatments are the best way to get rid of stretch marksor more accurately, to help them fadeneither doctor relies on laser removal treatment alone. Fractional resurfacing lasers with microneedling can build collagen and improve the texture of skin, making it a little thicker, MacGregor says. Stretch marks will never resolve , but they will be less noticeable if the color and texture are blended to look more similar to the surrounding skin.
Imber adds: The most effective treatment we use is the use of platelet-rich plasma with microneedling or just injecting PRP directly into the area. As Imber explains, PRP is a high concentration of cellular elements from your own blood that promote cell growth, tissue repair and collagen production.
As for anything more serious, like surgery? While Imber isnt against the idea entirely, he does note that surgery will inevitably lead to additional scars, small as they may be. So keep that in mind while deciding which stretch mark removal route is best for you.
Other Tips To Avoid Stretch Marks
And to hydrate our skin much more and prepare it for this great stage, we should drink much water a day, follow a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and exercise, which will also help control weight gain during pregnancy. It is necessary to keep a close eye on your weight during pregnancy, As one of the maximum not unusual place reasons of stretch marks in the course of this degree is unexpected weight gain. In addition, if we tone our body with gentle exercise such as yoga or Pilates, the likelihood of stretch marks will also be lower.
The whole problem of stretch marks is quite complex because it depends upon plenty on genetics and the kind of pores and skin you have, but what is clear is that the sooner you start using them, the better. However, before applying any anti-stretch mark cream, you should be aware that you should ask your obstetrician about the best time to start applying cosmetics.
Choosing the best and safe stretch marks cream is a great way to keep your skin looking beautiful! For more information aboutThe Best Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy .
Do the best you can for yourself as a mother by using the best anti stretch mark cream available on the market. Choosing the best and safe cream is a great way to keep your baby safe during your pregnancy, and your skin will look and feel beautiful!
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What Do Midwives Have To Say About Using Collagen Peptides During Pregnancy
Studies have shown that pregnant women who choose a midwife have fewer medical interventions with no negative health implications on mom or baby . Moms who give birth with midwives are also more likely to breastfeed . All this to say, midwives have a reputation for putting the mother first, and being by her side throughout the entire pregnancy. A good midwifeis completely immersed in the prenatal and postnatal world. They know their stuff.
Maura Winkler, CNM at FIKA Midwifery is a proponent of collagen peptides during pregnancy. She says,
Collagen peptides are not just safe for pregnancy, theyre beneficial! Collagen helps support skin elasticity and joint healthtwo body systems that are pushed to the max during pregnancy. Collagen also contains amino acids that may help to seal the gut and promote gut health, a trait youll likely pass on to your baby through vaginal birth.
Heather McCullough, CPM, a Certified Professional Midwife in Chicago, says,
How Do You Control Stretch Marks Does Vitamin E Oil Help Stretch Marks
The adage prevention is better than cure is true, even for stretch marks. While stretch marks are common during pregnancy, you can prevent stretch marks from fully forming on your growing belly or on other parts of your body. And yes, including vitamin E oil in your skincare regimen is one of the natural ways that can help control stretch marks.
There are other natural remedies for stretch marks you can try besides using topical vitamin E oil. To avoid having stretch marks during pregnancy, you can:
- Stay hydrated – Make sure that youre getting enough water in the course of your pregnancy, because this may help your skin stay well-hydrated and soft. As opposed to well-hydrated skin, dry skin tends to develop stretch marks easily.
- Include healthy food in your diet – Including vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet will help make your skin healthier. Healthy skin is less susceptible to stretch marks, so its important to make sure that your skin is getting all the nutrients it needs.
- Supplement – You can also add vitamins and minerals to your diet through supplementation. You can ask your doctor which supplements are good for skin elasticity and safe to take during pregnancy.
- Gain weight slowly – Stretch marks are a result of rapid stretching of the skin which happens during a period of excessive weight gain . Gaining weight slowly in the course of pregnancy may help the skin stretch slower and may help control stretch marks.
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Take Care Of The Rest Of Your Skin
When youre on a mission to eliminate the stretch marks left over from pregnancy, its important not to neglect the rest of your skin in the meantime! Your new-mom body is still going through a lot and under a lot of stress.
As you figure out breastfeeding, dont forget to take care of your tender nipples with Nursing Comfort Balm. Also, show some TLC to your breasts, neck, and neckline with Mustelas Bust Firming Serum, which hydrates to tone and give your skin a firmer look and feel.
Trilastin Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
Why its great: This nourishing blend of botanical oils using plant-based extracts and shea butter to prevent the appearance of visible scars and stretch marks that develop through pregnancy. Paraben-free and hypoallergenic, TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream is safe to use throughout your pregnancy. The specifically designed recipe is moisturizing without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
Keep in mind: This stretch mark lotion works best on lighter skin tones according to some users.
Good for: Pregnant women who want a lotion they can use immediately to prevent stretch marks.
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What Do They Look Like
When stretch marks first appear, they look pink. As they begin to grow, getting longer and wider, theyll take on a reddish or purple appearance.
After you deliver your baby, they will fade months down the road. Theyll eventually become white or even silvery. They may also end up looking a little sunken in although not dramatically.
For lighter-skinned women, fresh stretch marks will be darker than the surrounding skin, but for darker-skinned women, they will be lighter than the nearby skin.
Though they can cause you to feel self-conscious, you should keep in mind that no one will notice them as much as you do.
Hatch Collection Belly Oil
This belly oil intensely hydrates the skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Created with moms in mind, the oil is free from parabens, phthalates, dyes and fragrances. The nourishing blend of calendula, sweet almond and grapefruit oil is packed full of antioxidants and skin-boosting goodness. Add a couple of drops to a warm bath or apply it directly to the bum, bust, belly or thighs to combat stretch marks.
What we love:
- Some customers found the citrus scent off-putting
- Takes several pumps to get enough product
Buy it: $17, Walmart.com
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Does Frankincense Oil Fade Stretch Marks
- Some vitamins found in frankincense essential oil may help soften your skin.
- This oil contains antioxidants that may keep your skin healthy.
- It may also help promote skin cell regeneration.
- May cause skin sensitization after exposure to sunlight
- Its safe to use during pregnancy
- Its safe for children 2+ years old
Are Stretch Marks During Pregnancy Different
Anyone can get stretch marks just from periods of rapid weight gain because of the tearing of the skin as it has to stretch quickly for the added girth. And since most women are urged to gain between 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight, its easy to see why women get so many stretch marks at this phase of their lives.
But during pregnancy, some experts believe its even easier to form stretch marks.
Thats because of those pesky pregnancy hormones. The hormones bring more water than usual into the skin, which makes the collagen more relaxed than it normally is . Because it is more relaxed, the skin is easier to tear.
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Stretch Marks In Pregnancy
Stretch marks are narrow, streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of the skin. They can be pink, red, purple or brown, depending on your skin colour. They are common in pregnancy, affecting around 8 out of 10 pregnant women.
They usually appear on your tummy, or sometimes on your upper thighs and breasts, as your pregnancy progresses and your bump starts to grow. When stretch marks appear will be different from woman to woman.
The first sign you notice might be itchiness around an area where the skin is becoming thinner.
Stretch marks are not harmful. They do not cause medical problems and there is no specific treatment for them.
After your baby is born, the marks may gradually fade into paler scars and become less noticeable. They probably will not go away completely.
