You'll want to start thinking about stretch mark prevention and treatment before you get pregnant, as most of the products used for this purpose aren't safe to use during pregnancy. Show
Retinol cannot be used while you are pregnant because of the risk for birth defects. Keep in mind that most inexpensive creams and lotions for treating stretch marks are made with vitamin A derivatives, which contain retinol. After you give birth, you can start looking for products to reduce the stretch marks you developed while you were pregnant. Retinol is the ingredient that you are looking for in your over the counter creams and lotions. Retinol works by trying to stimulate collagen production. Retinol is frequently found in face creams. While you can use face creams to treat stretch marks, it can be a more costly option because the products are designed to cover a smaller area. It can take up to six weeks before you see the effect of retinol treatment on your stretch marks. The products can cost anywhere from $15 to $80 per bottle depending on the brand. If needed, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe a prescription form of retinol, Retin-A. Stretch marks after pregnancy are common since the skin is stretched during pregnancy. Most women may notice pregnancy stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, and arms. Hormonal changes and sudden weight fluctuations can cause the skin to stretch and leave marks. These marks can be purple or reddish and gradually turn white or gray. Most women get stretch marks during the sixth or seventh month of gestation. Read on to learn about some home remedies and medical treatments for stretch marks after pregnancy. Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?Stretch marks eventually get lighter with time but will never disappear completely. Though you may not get rid of them in a natural way, certain remedies might help in minimizing their appearance. You may consider some massaging creams, lotions, and oils that may turn your skin smooth and supple, but after consulting your doctor. Over the months and maybe years, the marks gradually turn into fine lines which are almost closer to your skin tone. Though you may have to bear the natural ‘battle scars’, they become less visible in three to six months after delivery, write Janet Arenson and Patricia Drake in their book Quick Look Nursing: Maternal and Newborn Health. There are certain effective home remedies you can try to reduce the appearance of postpartum stretch marks. Most of these remedies are from The Big Book Of Home Remedies, written by Samuel Billings (1). 1. Oil TreatmentMassaging the affected areas with oils make your skin smooth and help reduce the stretch marks. Some of the popularly used oils include: Olive Oil: Olive oil moisturizes and exfoliates your skin. It also improves the blood circulation and removes stretch marks to a great extent (2).
Vitamin E Oil
Castor Oil
Other Oils: Various oils like sesame, coconut, almond, avocado, castor and vitamin E can be mixed in equal proportions and applied on the skin. You can also use them to massage the region. Essential Oil Treatment
2. Aloe VeraAloe vera promotes healing and soothes your skin. Use fresh gel rather than the one available in the market.
3. HoneyThe antiseptic property of honey works in reducing stretch marks.
4. Egg WhiteEgg white is rich in protein, which helps rejuvenate the skin and makes it look fresh.
5. Shea Butter Or Cocoa ButterShea or cocoa butter can be used just like oil treatment. They are also the primary ingredients present in most of the body lotions. Take some shea or cocoa butter and apply on the stretch marks regularly. Rinse off the area after some time. This remedy improves the skin elasticity, prevents dryness and reduces the stretch marks. Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer and helps nourish your skin. 6. SugarSugar is one of the best remedies for stretch marks. It exfoliates your dead skin, and your stretch marks turn lighter.
7. Lemon JuiceThe acidic property of lemon juice works in healing stretch marks.
8. Water:The skin should be well-hydrated to erase the stretch marks and other skin conditions. Consume at least 10 to 12 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and protected from toxins. It keeps your skin supple and restores its elasticity. Try avoiding tea, coffee and soda as they are dehydrating agents. 9. Apricot
10. Potato JuicePotato contains phytochemicals, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which improve the skin texture.
11. Turmeric And SandalwoodThey are known for their ability to promote brighter and even skin texture.
12. Milk, Sugar And Green Coconut WaterScrubs are effective in boosting the skin regeneration process, and they are one of best ways to remove stretch marks after the birth of the baby.
13. AlfalfaAlfalfa leaves are a great source of protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins E and K. Their antifungal property detoxifies the skin and helps heal the stretch marks.
14. Home-Made MoisturizerMoisturizer helps improve skin elasticity. You should choose it depending on your skin type. If your skin is dry, you should use the one with cocoa butter and if your skin is oily, use cream which contains aloe vera or a clay moisturizer.
15. Home-Made Lotion
16. Home-Made Cream
Exercise To Fight Pregnancy Stretch MarksExercises that work on the muscles of the areas with stretch marks help reduce the marks. They tone the skin and help regenerate the tissues. It tightens the loosened skin and helps diminish the stretch marks. A combination of exercises and balanced diet helps you feel better, and you can see yourself the stretch marks before and after vary a lot. Contrast Showers And SwimmingThey have a significant effect on the skin. They improve the blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues (3) and enhance skin elasticity. All you need to do is alternate your shower between hot and cold water for micro-circulation. Doctors suggest that natural remedies are far better than medical treatments, especially if you are breastfeeding. But if you are too tired of the pregnancy stretch marks to try home remedies, here are the treatment options. These have to be done under strict guidance and supervision of a qualified dermatologist. However, some of them could pose serious complications. 1. Chemical PeelsChemical peels, also referred to as derma peeling or chemexfoliation, use a chemical solution on the stretch marks (4). The solution contains chemicals like trichloroacetic, glycolic, lactic, salicylic or carbolic acids, which when applied on the stretch marks result in blister formation. The blistered skin is later peeled off for the formation of a new skin layer. This treatment also has risks including, a color change of the skin, abnormal skin pigmentation if you have a history of brown discoloration or if you are on birth control pills, scarring and cold sores (in herpes patients). 2. Laser TherapyLaser therapy is a common and proven treatment for stretch marks removal. It works on both older, deeper marks as well as newer marks. It involves removing, vaporizing and breaking down of affected skin tissues to enhance new cell production. The two costly options are pulsed-dye laser and fractional non-ablative laser therapies, both of which remove the stretch marks and improve skin’s texture, writes the Oprah Magazine. It results in permanent stretch marks removal. But it is costly. 3. Glycolic AcidThe alpha hydroxy acid has peeling properties. It restores collagen production in the skin, increasing its elasticity, and therefore making the stretch marks less visible (5). Glycolic acid capsules are available in drug stores, but you should consult your doctor before taking them. 4. Tretinoin CreamYour dermatologist may prescribe tretinoin cream, also known as Retin-A, if you are not breastfeeding. It can be used alone or by mixing with other creams. A study shows that applying 0.1% tretinoin cream can reduce stretch marks (6). It is noticed that the stretch mark length is reduced by 14% and width by 8%. Another study reveals that the length is reduced by 20%. However, there is not much evidence of its absorption into the breastmilk. Hence, it is good to avoid when breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. 5. Skin Regeneration ActivatorsYou can get good quality and result oriented creams for stretch marks removal. They primarily smoothen the skin, blend the pigmentation and gradually remove the red or silvery appearance on the skin. Most of the products include cocoa butter and vitamin E oil along with some other organic ingredients. A good anti-stretch marks cream contains any of these following ingredients: Retinol: Every anti-stretch cream contains retinol as it helps in hydrating the skin and regenerating the skin tissues. Collagen and elastin: These are proteins that improve skin elasticity and regeneration. Jojoba oil and shea butter: These both are found in good anti-stretch or cellulite creams. They improve blood circulation in your skin. Vitamins and amino acids: These are prerequisites for rapid skin regeneration. Essential oils: They improve the total metabolic weight in the skin and increase its elasticity. They are cost effective, convenient to use and easy to get. However, these marketed products are not safe to use in the lactating stage, and can cause discoloration of the skin. 6. SurgerySurgery is not recommended for stretch marks removal. The surgical procedure (dermabrasion) involves removal of layers of skin, which have the stretch marks so that it regenerates. It results in incision scars that are worse than stretch marks. It also has several risks involved. 1. What is the fastest way to get rid of stretch marks? Minimizing stretch marks takes time and cannot be done in a short period. For a quick fix, use makeup to temporarily conceal the stretch marks that are visible while wearing your outfit. 2. What vitamins can help reduce stretch marks? Collagen helps maintain the tautness of the skin and may help prevent stretchmarks. Vitamins C and E and other minerals help form collagen. Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin) are also helpful in maintaining skin health (7). 3. How can I prevent stretch marks after pregnancy? Healthy weight gain, gradual weight loss, a balanced diet, ample hydration, sufficient vitamins, and treatment of fresh stretch marks as soon as they appear can help prevent permanent stretch marks. Stretch marks after pregnancy may develop on various parts of the body. They generally occur due to hormonal and weight changes. Although these marks do not disappear completely, they may become lighter with time. Using oil, aloe vera, honey, shea butter, and other home remedies may help prevent skin dryness and lighten the marks. Medical treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and glycolic acid, also effectively treat stretch marks. However, if the marks do not disappear completely even after several trials, remember to embrace them as a mark of your pregnancy. References:MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy. The following two tabs change content below. Dr. Girija Wagh has nearly 30 years of experience in high-risk obstetrics and her extensive practice focuses on all gynecological procedures including, fertilization, impregnation and childbirth complications. Dr. Wagh is currently runs her private practice Girija Hospital in Kothrud, Pune. She also provides consultation services at Apollo Hospital, Cloudnine, and Bharati Hospitals, Katraj, Pune. |