What To Use For Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Which Cream Is Best For Stretch Marks

Heres How To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and the formation of stretch marks is one change that most pregnant women have to deal with.

Stretch marks may look like red, purple or white indents in your skin and often appear on your stomach, hips, bottom, thighs and chest. If your family members have stretch marks, you may have an increased risk of getting stretch marks yourself.

In this article, we share the causes of stretch marks during pregnancy and what you can do to prevent stretch marks from forming.

Which Areas Are Most Affected

The belly area is the most common place women get stretch marks during pregnancy, which makes sense because the stomach has to stretch out so far to give your growing baby room.

But other popular areas for stretch marks to appear include your thighs, hips, lower back, butt, and breasts. If you gain enough weight during your pregnancy, they may also appear on your upper arms.

The majority of my stretch marks appeared on my belly, hips, and lower back. Thats also where most of my mom friends complain about theirs being too.

Unfortunately, few areas will remain unscathed by stretch marks during your pregnancy. The areas that wont get stretch marks will be the ones that dont put as much weight on, like the lower arms and legs.

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Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter

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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Can Stretch Marks Go Away With Cream

Stretch marks simply show that your body grew or shrank faster than your skin was able to produce collagen and elastin, the components that allow for the skin to be elastic. When the body changes rapidly but collagen and elastin production can’t keep pace, the skin is ruptured. As a result, you get stretch marks in the form of a scar.

In a perfect world, you could nod your head and blink your eyes like I Dream of Jeannie and banish your stretch marks with a wish. But the reality isn’t so simple. The truth is, there’s no over-the-counter topical solution that will make your stretch marks go away. However, some products are effective at reducing their appearance.

It’s also important to keep in mind that your body chemistry, as well as your willingness to regularly apply products, will affect how effectively they work. For this reason, it’s a good idea to purchase products targeting stretch marks with an open mind.

And for best results, you should begin applying a stretch mark cream before you get stretch markseven before you start to show. The goal is to keep the skin supple. Board-certified dermatologist Luke Maxfield, M.D., reminds us that “…the most important thing is to try to treat scars and stretch marks early while they are still maturing. Being proactive is always better than being reactive.”

How Do I Avoid Getting Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks are a common side effect of pregnancy, occurring in over 50% of all pregnant women. Though they are not painful or harmful, many women feel self-conscious about their appearance. There are a few things that you can do to help avoid getting stretch marks during pregnancy.

• Firstly, it is important to maintain healthy skin by drinking plenty of water and using a good body lotion. This will help to keep the skin elastic and more resistant to stretching.
• Secondly, you should try to gain weight gradually during pregnancy, as sudden weight gain is more likely to cause stretch marks.
• Finally, you can talk to your doctor about using a topical vitamin C cream, which has been shown to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

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Do Stretch Mark Creams Work

Stretch mark creams do not have any scientific evidence of working, Dr. Rabach says. But Dr. King points to one small-scale 2017 study that found stretch mark creams containing centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid, as well as daily massages, might help make a mild improvement in the appearance of stretch marks. However, there have been no clinical studies that prove ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, or almond oil can prevent or get rid of stretch marks.

However, the one at-home product that has the best chance at treating stretch marks is retinoids, says Dr. Ciraldo. Retinoids increase cell turnover and encourage collagen production, which can smooth the texture of bumpy stretch marks when used three times a week for three to six months. But remember: all retinoids can be drying and irritating , so make sure to layer on a thick moisturizer afterward, and start slow with your retinoid usage .

Causes What Can You Use For Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

The root cause of stretch marks is extending of the skin. Their severity is impacted by numerous elements, including your genetics and the degree of tension on the skin. Your level of the hormonal agent cortisol additionally may play a role. Cortisol a hormone generated by the adrenal glands weakens flexible fibers in the skin.

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What To Use For Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

The following are Healthline Parenthoods recommendations for the most effective stretch mark creams for pregnant women.

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil For Stretch Marks

Believe it or not, I never had any stretch marks on myentire pregnancy. Maybe my skin was just elastic, and the Weleda Pregnancy BodyOil might have helped me a lot too! I really loved the relaxing and calmingscent that this body oil diffuses, and it never irritates my nose.

During pregnancy, our body needs extra care, and this oilexactly gives that care to our skin. It has natural plant ingredients thatsoothe and heals our stretched skin.

This oil maintains the natural moisture of your stomach, sothe skin would not be too shocked about its abrupt stretching!

Other Features:

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Calcarea Fluorica And Silicea

Calcarea Fluorica and Silicea are contained in a tissue-salt-prevent that Lleaon talks about in the book Bump to Birth. Lleaon Rao, aromatherapist and herbalist quotes Calcarea Fluorica helps in bone development and maintains elasticity of skin. It works to prevent stretch marks,and to prevent hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

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Prevent Stretch Marks Cream

Preventing stretch marks doesnât have to start after you become pregnant. Developed to be used safely during and after pregnancy, Mustela Stretch Mark Cream contains all-natural ingredients such as avocado peptide and shea butter. The soft cream is quickly absorbed, nourishes and moisturizes the skin without leaving a greasy or greasy feeling.

The stretch mark tattooâs ink goes into your dermis, which is that the second layer of the skin next to the epidermis. Your dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, collagen fibers, glands, and dermal cells. Of these are critical for healing. Cells continuously die on the epidermis. Hence, the tattoo will fade if it stays only on the epidermis. What To Expect When Getting A Tattoo Over Stretch Marks? Here are a couple of belongings you must know and expect if youâre â¦

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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.

Glow Organics Belly Butter

Price: $$$ Made without parabens, sulfates, synthetics, or artificial fragrances, this organic skin butter is formulated to prevent stretch marks and improve skin elasticity. It contains macadamia nut, shea and cocoa butter along with grapeseed and sweet almond oil. These natural ingredients create a light, subtle scent, making it ideal for parents-to-be with sensitive noses.Fans of this butter say it locks in moisture and soothes dry, itchy skin. They also warn that, due to its thick, buttery consistency, you need to use the heat of your hands to melt it before applying it to your skin.

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Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Cream Best Stretch Mark Cream For Pregnancy

Mommy Knows stretch marks cream is affordable with a price range of $ ideal for pregnancy. It helps relieve the itchiness, reducing the redness, claiming to lighten stretch marks. It includes vitamin E, jojoba, cocoa butter, and shea butter reducing the appearance of scars, skin discolorations, and age spots

Most mom reviewers like the creamy texture of the stretch mark cream that hydrates the skin without feeling sticky due to stretch mark cream. Best known to be light, minty scented, and long-lasting.

Thats all friends! These were the top 8 best stretch mark creams that are our top picks for our mama bears to have stretch mark-free skin. Are you looking for some good pregnancy belts to help support your belly? Parenthood bliss has curated a list of the best maternity belts here. Click and explore!

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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Who Gets Stretch Marks

If you have them, youâre in good company. About 90% of women will get them sometime after their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

If your mother had stretch marks, then you’re more likely to have them too, since genetics plays a role.

If you have a lighter complexion, you will tend to develop pinkish stretch marks. Darker-skinned women tend to get stretch marks that are lighter than their skin tone.

Anatomy Of A Stretch Mark

Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks.

You gain about 30 pounds during the 9 months you are pregnant, says Heidi Waldorf, MD. She is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Growing that fast can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy they gradually fade to white or gray.

Experts say that women who are at a healthy weight should gain 25-35 pounds. âItâs not a bad idea to not only try to stay within that range but to also gain slowly and steadily, as opposed to in fast spurts,â says Mary Lupo, MD. She is a clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine.

In other words, when it comes to stretch marks, how quickly you gain may be as important as how much you gain.

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Massage Your Skin To Reduce The Appearance Of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Moisturizers and stretch mark creams only take a few minutes to apply. But if you take just 10 more minutes to massage these products into your skin, you can supercharge your bodys stretch mark prevention potential.Gently massaging stretch mark-prone areas offers four benefits:

• It keeps skin supple and elastic
• It pushes the cream deep into your skin where it can do the most good
• It breaks up any stretch marks that may have started to form
• It directs blood to the skin to keep everything healthy

To get the most from your stretch mark massage, we recommend first applying a healthy dollop of cream to your fingertips. Then, massage this cream into your skin using gentle pressure and small circular movements. Do this every day for amazing results.

When Should I Start Using Bio Oil In Pregnancy

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs.

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When Do Stretch Marks Appear In Pregnancy

You might be wondering when stretch marks appear during pregnancy, but it can be different for everyone. Stretch marks often appear later during pregnancy as the skin stretches as a result of weight gain and to accommodate the growing baby and uterus. Some women will start to get them in the second trimester, others might see them at around 30 weeks pregnant, and still others may not notice them until the last few weeks of the third trimester. Some women donât get any at all.

How Common Are Pregnancy Stretch Marks

As mentioned above, more than half of pregnant people develop stretch marks, meaning there’s a decent chance of having no pregnancy stretch marks. Likewise, itâs also possible to experience minimal pregnancy stretch marks on your stomach, breasts, thighs, or other parts of your body. Regardless, there are a few risk factors concerning pregnancy stretch marks:

• Being pregnant at a younger age

• Rapidly gaining weight during pregnancy

• Using corticosteroids during pregnancy

• Having certain genetic disorders .

If you fall into any of the categories above, you have a higher risk of developing pregnancy stretch marks.

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