If you do want to prevent stretch marks, keeping your skin hydrated so that it can stretch without breaking is your best defense. It may not be possible to completely eliminate them, but you can reduce stretch marks.
We reached out to two dermatologists to find out more about why stretch marks happen and what to do to minimize their appearance. We get stretch marks when our body grows too fast for our skin to keep up. When the skin fibers break, new collagen forms to replace the damaged parts, which is less firm and elastic. 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. Genetics plays a role as well, so if your mom had them, you are more likely to get them too. Younger moms tend to get more stretch marks, presumably because their skin is firmer. Most women begin to see stretch marks appear around the end of their second trimester, according to Dr.
The color of your stretch marks may vary depending upon your skin tone. Vegara Wijangco. Stretch marks can appear differently on the skin due to the age and severity of the mark. Hydration is your skin's best friend if you want to try to prevent or keep stretch marks to a minimum because moistured skin is less likely to break when it stretches.
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and using a humidifier while you sleep can help your skin stay supple, advises Dr. Frequently moisturizing the areas that are at risk of developing stretch marks, like the stomach, chest, and legs, will help, as well, Dr.
Engelman adds. Engelman recommends applying multiple products to the prone areas, which creates a layering effect. The result is more protection and hydration, according to the dermatologist. Some ingredients found in stretch mark prevention products are not safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Avoid products containing these ingredients:.
Anecdotal evidence for stretch marks creams, oils, and ointments is easy to find, but there really is not a lot of scientific proof that they work. What we do know is that preventing stretch marks is much more plausible than treating them once they have already formed. Applying products correctly can make a big difference in whether they work for you. Engelman offers the following tips for preventing or reducing stretch marks :.
You can't make stretch marks disappear completely, but you can reduce their appearance. Once you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, you can consult with a dermatologist to see which procedures that might work for you. Sometimes undergoing more than one treatment works best.
Chemical peels involve applying skin-safe acids to the skin to remove the top layer of skin cells and reveal newer skin cells. The strength of the acids in the peel affects the amount of downtime you may experience.
If your chemical peel is stronger, it may leave you with up to one to two weeks of downtime," Dr. Engelman explains. Chemical peels help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and are typically performed by a dermatologist.
That said, they are not a final solution. Laser therapy uses concentrated lasers to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen growth beneath the skin. Laser therapy is not painless, but you should feel no more than a light sting. Microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses a tool with an abrasive surface to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. It is not painful, but it may feel slightly uncomfortable, like sandpaper rubbing against your skin.
Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. Stretch marks. Cleveland Clinic. Stretch marks : Why they appear and how to get rid of them.
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Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Designed to nourish before and after pregnancy, its blend of cocoa and shea butter provides relief and comfort to stretched skin. Best Oil:. Made of a blend of oils that help add moisture to your skin as your belly gets bigger, it aids in restoration postpartum.
Best Prevention Cream:. Best During Pregnancy:. Clinically tested as safe to use during pregnancy, starting in the second trimester, it's also safe for use while breastfeeding. Best Organic:. Vegan, gluten-, and cruelty-free, it reduces and prevents stretch marks and scars using percent organic extracts. Best Massage:. The hypoallergenic lotion has a special skin-strengthening formula that is enriched with vitamin E and safe for all skin types. Pros Fragrance-Free Made with 99 percent natural ingredients Deeply moisturizing.
Cons Non-perfume, "natural" smell unappealing to some Thick formula takes time to rub in. Formula Type: Butter Quantity: 6. Pros Reduces appearance of matured marks and scars Contains nourishing oils for anti-dryness and inflammation Great for all skin types. Cons Might stain clothes if not completely applied.
Formula Type: Oil Quantity: 4. Pros Deeply hydrating Made with natural, cruelty-free ingredients A little goes a long way Can be used for other skin needs. Cons Thick texture takes time to rub in Unscented "natural" smell possibly unappealing to some Might need pairing with an oil sold separately. Formula Type: Cream Quantity: 4 fl oz. What Our Editors Say "I didn't use Body Merry during pregnancy but I tried it out for hyperpigmentation and old scarring on my skin as a scar very easily.
Pros Paraben-free Safe for use while breastfeeding Deeply moisturizing. Cons Not recommended for those in their first trimester Takes 12 weeks of consistent use for optimal results. The faster your skin stretches, the more likely it is to leave a mark.
Stretch marks are something to be proud of, but if you'd prefer to try to minimize their appearance, here's what you need to know:. Massaging a stretch mark oil or cream on your belly, hips and thighs certainly won't hurt. Some research suggests that formulations with the herb centella or hyaluronic acid which is already present in the skin may help prevent stretch marks, but the evidence is far from definitive.
No high-quality research proves that cocoa butter, olive oil, almond oil, vitamin E or coconut oil are effective at preventing stretch marks. But some studies have shown that these and other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant oils keep skin hydrated and promote wound healing and skin barrier repair. If nothing else, moisturizing daily will help with the dry, itchy skin associated with pregnancy.
Be sure to use moisturizer early on in your pregnancy, and massage it in gently to maximize effectiveness. Keep using the cream or gel of your choice throughout your pregnancy, since any benefits from these products will likely take weeks to have an effect. Eating plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like peppers, citrus and strawberries may also make your skin less subject to stretch marks. Vitamin C promotes collagen and tissue production, which helps keep skin strong and elastic.
Load up on fatty fish, fortified dairy or dairy substitutes, and eggs, all of which are chock full of vitamin D , plus other pregnancy-friendly vitamins and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and choline. Since rapid weight gain is one of the culprits behind stretch marks, slowly and steadily putting on pounds during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to help prevent them.
As much as possible, try to follow the general recommendations for caloric intake during pregnancy , which also helps guarantee an overall healthier pregnancy for you and your baby. Given enough time, stretch marks gradually lighten and fade on their own. While none of these options can eliminate stretch marks, they can make them less noticeable:. None of them are considered safe during pregnancy. Plus, your skin will continue to change throughout these nine months.
What to Expect selects products based on independent research and suggestions from our community of millions of parents; learn more about our review process. We may earn commissions from shopping links. Try to think of them as modern art for your baby bump, and save your hard-earned cash for a post-delivery treat instead of spending a ton of money on unproven therapies.
Fortunately, they won't stay so vividly hued forever. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.
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