What To Use For Stretch Marks While Pregnant

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.

Why Do We Get Stretch Marks

We get stretch marks when our body grows too fast for our skin to keep up. “This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break,” explains Dr. Vergara-Wijangco.

When the skin fibers break, new collagen forms to replace the damaged parts, which is less firm and elastic.”The new collagen may have a different texture, resulting in raised or indented scars,” says Dr. Engleman.

Dr. Vergara-Wijangco points out that stretch marks are very common in pregnancy, a time when you need to gain weight over a relatively short period. And as Dr. Engelman explains, stretch marks are scars, meaning that you can’t make them disappear completely.

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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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!

Laser Or Light Therapy

Laser therapy is one of the newest treatments for stretch marks that appears to be effective in reducing their appearance.

Pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light can improve the appearance of stretch marks and increase collagen production over time.

A plastic, cosmetic, or skin surgeon will carry out these procedures.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommend laser or light therapy as ways to significantly improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Be sure to use a fully trained and licensed healthcare practitioner.

A person may need up to 20 treatments to see a 20- to 60-percent improvement in their stretch marks. Treatment can be costly.

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How Do Celebrities Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Lasers and NanaoFractional RF are the key secrets behind why celebrities dont have stretch marks. If youve ever wondered why, now you know. Stretch marks are caused by changes that occur in the dermis, which is the layer of the skin that is located in the center and is responsible for the structure of the skin.

How To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to completely prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, and thereâs no miracle stretch mark cream that makes them go away. Here are some ways to help reduce the risk of getting them and to help minimize their appearance:

• Keep weight gain at a moderate amount , and try to gain this weight gradually over the course of the pregnancy. Following a healthy pregnancy diet will help.

• Drink lots of water.

• Keep going with your pregnancy exercise regimen.

• Avoid too much sun exposure.

• To help prevent stretch marks on your breasts, wear a well-fitting, supportive bra.

• Although using creams and oils may not prevent stretch marks, they can help hydrate your skin and prevent itchy skin, a pregnancy symptom you might also notice as your skin stretches.

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Plenty Of Water And Exercise

Water, which is the cure for everything, takes its place on the stage when it is aimed to combat pregnancy stretch marks. 2-2.5 liters of water that you will consume every day during pregnancy will moisturize your skin and prevent the formation of stretch marks.

Water Consumption It is a point that should not be skipped because it directly affects your health as well as a balanced and regular diet. If your doctor does not mind doing it, you can also do small exercises and walks. Thus, by keeping your body alive and flexible, you can prevent cracks that occur especially in the legs.

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How To Take Control Of Your Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks during pregnancy. Commonly known as stretch marks, or striae distensae or striae gravidarum if youre smart like that! They come in all different sizes, colors, and shapes. Indented streaks in your skin that may be silver, purple, or red in color and can be found anywhere from:

You can find stretch marks on anyone anywhere from anything. But when it comes to pregnancy, they tend to be notorious for showing up to the party early. Some people are much more susceptible to them than others. Mostly through genetics. If a family member has stretch marks, youre more likely to get them. However, even with this increased risk for developing more stretch marks than the average there are things you can do to reduce your risk. As well as treating the stretch marks you already have.

Here are a few tips that might help manage the development of stretch marks:

Try to Control A Healthy Weight

Pregnant or not, one of the most helpful ways to avoid stretch marks is maintaining a healthy weight. Rapid weight gain can be the cause of stretch marks when your skin pulls apart really fast. This can lead to a type of scarring, a linear scar to the connective tissue. The change causes the elastin and collagen in your skin to rupture. Stretch marks are just the evidence of the skin healing.Even after rapid weight loss. Sometimes people develop stretch marks during growth spurts in puberty or after gaining muscle weight from working out or using steroids.

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The Best Stretch Mark Cream During Pregnancy

Getting your hands on the best stretch mark cream during your pregnancy is a must. Approximately 80% of pregnant women will end up with stretch marks due to their rapidly growing bellies. Although theyre a normal part of pregnancy, especially with twins or multiples, the majority of women would rather avoid stretch marks altogether if possible.

Stretch marks are an expected part of pregnancy. You will most likely start to see your first stretchmarks anywhere from thirteen to twenty-one weeks of being pregnant. They are typically seen on your stomach, but it isnt uncommon to get stretch marks on your breasts, lower back, thighs, buttocks, and hips. It may sound scary, but you dont know how your body will develop throughout your pregnancy. Some women get a very small amount of stretch marks while others can have quite a few.

When they first appear, your stretch marks may be pink and itchy. You might get some skin that looks flattened and thin directly around your stretch marks.

As the months progress, your stretch marks may become bigger and may change color to a purple or reddish color.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the stretch marks may lose their reddish color and after pregnancy, they typically become much less visible and smaller. It does take some time though, so expect them to stick around for a little while.

Natural Skin Care During Pregnancy

Weve given you several tips for treating stretch marks. But these pesky lines are just one of the changes your skin undergoes during pregnancy. And skin care is much more than only taking care of stretch marks!

You may notice that your skin is drier than its ever been. You can blame pregnancy hormones for this.

In addition to protecting and moisturizing your skin with Soothing Moisturizing Balm, treat dry skin by washing your face and showering with lukewarm water, avoiding rough fabrics, and exfoliating no more than once per week.

The other thing youll notice about your pregnancy skin is that its especially sensitive to the sun. That doesnt mean you cant enjoy the great outdoors or a day at the beach just take extra protective measures.

Armor up: wear sunscreen and a hat, stay in the shade, up your moisturizing game, and drink extra water.

Finally, when considering what products to use to care for your skin, make sure youre treating your skin with natural ingredients and not chemicals. This will also be important when it comes to the products you put on your babys delicate skin. Avocado oil is one natural ingredient that is great for both you and your baby!

Mustela is committed to skin health, and we use safe, effective, and natural ingredients in our products. Check out what we put in our products here.

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Massage Your Belly With Oil To Protect Your Skin

Massaging your skin with oil can break up the scar tissue that causes stretch marks to stick around long after pregnancy. You can use coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, or a serum specially formatted for pregnant people like Everedens Golden Belly Serum.

A lipid barrier is at the top-most layer of your skin, protecting you from harmful toxins. When the lipid barrier is weak or damaged, it can lead to skin issues like dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Applying oil to your belly rejuvenates your skins lipid barrier and helps create those natural oils that protect your skin.

Using oil on your itchy stretch marks also reduces the friction between your hands and your belly so you dont end up doing more damage. And massaging increases your skins elasticity, helping it to withstand further stretching.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Cheryl Lock is a Denver-based writer with expertise in parenting and family content. She uses both personal and professional experience in sourcing the best products. Key considerations she used when writing this include efficacy, price, and user reviews.

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of parenting products, including stretch mark creams for pregnancy and postpartum.

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Burts Bees 100% Natural Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil

Pregnant mamas are tired mamas too! Just imagine the weightand life that she carries on her tummy, so she deserves a pampering andsoothing body oil! The Burts Bees 100% Natural Mama Bee Body Oil is perfectfor moms who love to stroke her tummy with massage oil.

This oil is very lightweight, so it doesnt make your tummygrease like other oils. It prides about giving your belly bump a natural andstretch mark-free look!

After soaking on a warm bath, make sure to apply this bodyoil on your body and belly to lock in the moisture. It is made out of almondoil, lemon oil, and Vitamin E for the perfect nourishment and prevention ofthose tiger marks!

Other Features:

• 100% Natural Oil

Take a look at this best oil for stretch marks during pregnancy by Burts Bees below.

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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Choosing The Best Oil For Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

When looking for the best oil to use on your stretch marks during pregnancy, here are some of the things to consider to help you get an effective and safe oil.

The very first thing to consider when getting the best oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is its ingredients. Here are some of the common tasks of a stretch mark oil on skin:

• It boosts collagen production which is primarily responsible for bringing back the natural skin.
• Such oils are in charge to improve skin firmness and elasticity
• Stretch marks oil does wonders for hydrating the skin
• These oils plays a vital role to lessen skin inflammation

The above cited duties of stretch mark oils are not only responsible for giving you a healthy skin but also works in preventing and treating stretch marks.

Just a friendly reminder to avoid pregnancy stretch mark oil ingredients that may be harmful to your skin with the unsafe chemicals that it contains.

Aside from those tasks of stretch marks oil, we have listed the following safe ingredients which are also proven and tested to cure your stretch marks:

• Vitamin E. Helps in restoring skin collagen
• Coconut Oil. Enhances healing capacity of the skin
• Almond & Olive Oil. Improves skin elasticity and hydration
• Hyaluronic Acid. Fosters production of collagens
• Centella Asiatica Extract. Works well in producing cells and healing wounds.

Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy

Well, this is the bad news: Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent. Youll never be able to get rid of them completely.

We know this might be disappointing. It can be a hard thing to accept that your body has changed forever, even if the change occurred due to something as amazing as childbirth.

But heres some good news: Most stretch marks will fade naturally on their own after your baby is born. Not only that, but you can make them even less noticeable with different treatments.

. So, if you can, try to start your treatment early.

Dont get discouraged if you didnt know, though. Its not too late to start.

Not every treatment will work the same for everyone. Thats why its a good idea to talk with your dermatologist or doctor. They can discuss the different options with you and help you figure out what might work best for you and your skin.

Here are a few options that you might look into:

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What Exactly Is A Stretch Mark

Not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. You may also have a higher risk if people in your family get stretch marks.

If you develop stretch marks, youre most likely to do so during these times:

• Growth spurts that happen in puberty

• Rapid weight loss or gain

• Weight training when you have rapid muscle growth

Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time can also cause stretch marks. If you have Cushings disease or Marfan syndrome, you may see stretch marks.

When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color. Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy.

In time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin. If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight depression.