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.
Supplement Your Skin From The Inside
Healthy skin is the result of collagen, a natural-occurring substance in your body, which keeps skin firm and elastic.
To keep a healthy supply of collagen, you need to each a nutritious diet and get enough vitamin C in your diet, as its important for boosting your own production of collagen. Vitamin C is found in many vegetables and fruits, which are also part of a healthy diet.
Vitamin D is also important for reducing stretch mark risks. You get vitamin D naturally from spending time in the sun or from dairy products and supplements.
Stretch Mark Colors How Do Stretch Marks Differ
Stretch marks can appear in different colors. From pink and red, to bluish purple, to grayish and white but what can be identified based on these colors?
When fresh stretch marks appear, they usually appear reddish to bluish. This is the acute stage of stretch marks, which is called striae rubrae. Due to the fresh tears of the collagen and elastin fibers, the capillaries are stretched and blood accumulates. Capillaries are very thin blood vessels that form a branched network. The reddish glow of the stretch marks is therefore due to increased blood flow. Mostly, the cracks are only very small at the beginning and show a slight pink color, because the blood accumulation is still very small. If the tension on the skin becomes greater and the cracks expand, the blood accumulations also become larger and more visible, whereby the color of the stretch marks becomes darker and can go into the bluish, purple. At this stage, stretch marks are usually still easily treatable.
If stretch marks shimmer whitish, they are older stretch marks. This type of stretch marks is also called striae albae. The tears in the connective tissue have already matured and the capillaries have narrowed again. Thus, the blood circulation in older stretch marks is poorer. Due to this low blood circulation, older stretch marks therefore have a light, whitish color.
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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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Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum 30 Ml
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Make way for Herbivores Bakuchiol Serum a silky-smooth, gel-textured, water-based formula that absorbs quickly to brighten, even texture, reduce the appearance of lines and soothe dryness. Giving a wealth of smoothing, brightening and fine line-reducing benefits, the serum contains bakuchiol, a natural ingredient derived from the babchi plant thats also known as psoralea corylifolia seed extract.
Scientifically proven to be just as effective as retinol in its ability to lessen hyperpigmentation and fine lines, bakuchiol does it all without the redness-inducing irritation and peeling skin that is common with retinol use.
A 1% polyhydroxy acid blend even exfoliates the surface of your skin to gently even texture and minimise fine lines while boosting serum absorption and hydrating. Empowered by tremella mushroom extract, this serum then infuses skin with deep hydration and encourages moisture retention to give plump and radiant looking skin.
Rich in antioxidants, blueberry stem cells strengthen your skin and protect against environmental aggressors that contribute to premature signs of ageing. Best of all, this natural and vegan serum is suitable for all skin types even the most sensitive but dont just take our word for it! In a blind test where 106 women used this elixir twice-daily for four weeks, 91% agreed it didnt cause irritation and 85% agreed that skin looked smoother and less dull.
| SPF 0 |
Reviews From Real Customers
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Use Invasive Treatments Only As A Last Resort
For stubborn stretch marks, you might want to consider invasive treatments like microdermabrasion and laser therapy. But try everything else first and use these treatments only as a last resort.Microdermabrasion is essentially a super powerful exfoliant. It uses a spray of microcrystals to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells. Laser treatments also use small bursts of light directed into the middle layers of skin.
Both treatments, while uncomfortable, will reduce the appearance of stretch marks by revealing younger, healthier skin.
Stretch Marks Are The Bodys Normal Reaction To Many Physical Changes They Appear Most Often When The Skin Stretches Or Even Shrinks Too Quickly They Can Appear On Almost Any Part Of The Body Whether The Abdomen Arms Legs
Stretch marks are the bodys normal reaction to many physical changes. They appear most often when the skin stretches or even shrinks too quickly.
They can appear on almost any part of the body, whether the abdomen, arms, legs, and even hips. Although everyone has then, not everyone likes the way they look.
Existing stretch marks can cause many self-esteem issues, especially in pregnant women. But, this doesnt have to be the case anymore.
With these creams that weve chosen, anyone can treat stretch marks in no time and improve their skin elasticity. Here are the Best Stretch Mark Creams in 2021.
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Best Overall: Burts Bees Mama Belly Butter With Shea Butter And Vitamin E
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Thick texture takes time to rub in
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Requires three applications a day to see results
For something sensual and hard-working, check out Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. Another Amazons Choice product, this crowd favorite is made with a special skin-strengthening formula thats safe for all skin types and has the results to back it up. Let the vitamin E work its magic while you enjoy a massage that smells great, thanks to shea butter and cocoa extracts.
Formula Type: Lotion | Quantity: 8.5 oz
Burts Bees Belly Butter With Shea Butter & Vitamin E Mama Bee 65 Oz
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Pamper yourself with this extra rich belly butter specially blended to nourish and moisturize skin during your nine month stretch. Our natural fragrance-free formula contains a combination of Cocoa, Shea and Jojoba Butters that will keep your belly feeling soft and smooth before and after your new arrival.
No phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS. Nourish & moisturize skin during pregnancy Fragrance free No phthalates, parabens, petrolatum or SLS. Your skin is beautifully alive. Its a living, breathing thingyour bodys largest, loveliest organand when its healthy, it shows.
Just as the right mix of foods from the earth nourish your body, the right mix of ingredients from the earth help nourish your skin, giving it a fresh vitality that comes from balance. From the care taken in selecting each ingredient, to the feeling you get from using them, our formulas nurture the life of your skin.
Burts Bees harnesses the power of nature to help your skin work beautifully.
| Nitrate Free |
Reviews From Real Customers
I have been using this every morning since being about 12 weeks pregnant, teamed with another branded serum which I apply at night before bed. Im now 36 weeks pregnant. I cant say how effective this product is on its own as I have been using it alongside another product.
I would definitely say this cream has helped and its nicely priced which is always an advantage! 100% recommend.
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Calendula Infused Sweet Almond Oil
Calendula is a standout herb for skin support in both traditional use and in modern clinical research. From infusions to tinctures, ointments to creams and salves, powders, and washes, calendula is among the more versatile and powerful herbs, suitable for a range of skin preparations and skin types, including its use in minimizing scarring .
The gentle sweet almond oil works wonderfully as a carrier oil infused with the calendula. It can be easily absorbed by the skin and contains vitamins B1, B2, and B6. It has anti-inflammatory properties and improves the skin tone .
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.
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What Should You Look For In A Stretch Mark Cream
Mostly, its a personal preference. If youre sensitive to fragrance, you can find plenty of fragrance-free options. Look for formulas with gentle but nourishing ingredients like nut butters and coconut oil to moisturize, vitamins A and E which heal and protect the skin, and botanicals like calendula to soothe and calm irritated skin. Most importantly, while retinol can be an effective treatment for damaged skin, do not use retinol during your pregnancy. There is plenty of pregnancy-safe skincare out there instead.
Rest assured that everyone has stretch marks. There is nothing you need to do about them if you dont want to, nor should you feel vain if you want to address them. If youre the latter, weve done the research to help you find a formula that works for you.
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.
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Is It Safe To Use A Pregnancy Belly Mask
Pre-packaged pregnancy belly masks will be specifically made to be safe to use in pregnant women. If you make your own, be sure to check what ingredients you are putting into it.
For my DIY belly mask, I used products that have been deemed safe to use during pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor if you have questions. I am not a professional Im just sharing general beauty tips for stretch marks that shouldnt be taken for medical advice.
Maximum Strength Scar Cream Stretch Mark Cream For Old And New Body Scar
This powerful formula is approved by botanical experts and is our next pick for the best organic stretch mark cream!
It helps to renew your skins appearance, fading stretch marks and scars.
Whether youre dealing with old scars or new ones, this cream can help to reduce their visibility and make them less noticeable.
In as little as four weeks of daily use, youll start to see results!
Not only does the Maximum Strength Scar Cream fade scars and stretch marks, but it also nourishes and hydrates your skin.
Its suitable for all skin types including very sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, and combination skin types.
The scar cream enhances the skins elasticity for firmer and smoother skin while softening and soothing it.
Check out one of the best products out there!
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How We Chose The Best Stretch Mark Creams For Pregnancy
Stretch marks can be a trial to some women, and as we’ve already noted, even the most effective ingredients may not have much of an effect on marks that have already shown up. So with so many options on the market that presumably don’t do much, we wanted to look for stretch mark creams that real moms use and recommend to each other.
So we started our search on BabyCenter’s Community, searching through millions of posts to find positive mentions, then consolidating the most-recommended options into a list that we gave to our expert editorial team for research and vetting, looking for the picks that meet recommendations from official organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and experts like Dr. Garshick.
Keep reading to find the best oil for stretch marks, the best stretch mark prevention cream and more. And if you’re looking for more help with maternity or postpartum self-care, our look at the best postpartum hair loss vitamins and our favorite nipple creams for breastfeeding may be for you.
When Should You Start Using Stretch Mark Cream During Pregnancy
If youve already got a moisturizing ritual, great! Keep it up. If you occasionally slap on some moisturizer when your legs look ashy, pregnancy is a great time to get into the habit of giving your skin a little extra love on the daily. Throughout pregnancy your belly, boobs, hips, thighs and bum will likely need a little extra attention. All those hormones can affect skin in a variety of uncomfortable ways and keeping it hydrated can help. That said, theres no set date to start using stretch mark cream, but many of the formulas on the market are suitable for use before, during and after.
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What Are Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Pregnancy stretch marks are natural, with more than 50 percent of pregnant bodies experiencing them. Stretch marks are not exclusive to pregnancy, however men and women, whether pregnant or not, can develop these markings whenever the skin stretches rapidly. These streaky indentations in the skin can be pink, red, purple, or brown, depending on an individualâs skin color. During pregnancy, stretch marks can appear on your stomach, breasts, buttocks, thighs and upper legs, hips, and arms. As stretch marks fade, they may change colors, appearing silvery or white, or even darkening.
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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Massage The Areas Prone To Pregnancy Stretch Marks
As youre applying a few drops of stretch mark oil to your body, make sure you massage your breasts, belly, hips and thighs.
Massage can improve your blood circulation and stimulate cells called fibroblasts. These cells help to produce collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin elastic.
You can also massage your skin with other products like shea butter, coconut oil or any other bio-oil of your preference.
What about a massage in good company? Being massaged by your partner is one of the best parenting tips we can offer. It will not only encourage parents-to-be to spend meaningful time together but it will also help the babys dad bond with his new baby.
