You probably heard about stretch marks before you were pregnant and may have even fretted about them.
Stretch marks have practically become synonymous with pregnancy and childbirth, just like morning sickness and soiled diapers, whether it was your mom reminding you (or guilting you) about the ones you "created" or a celebrity proudly showing off theirs on Instagram.
But despite their fame, most of us still don't really understand them. Why are certain people more likely to receive them than others? Is it possible that you did something wrong to earn them if you did? Do you really have the ability to repair them?
All of those inquiries will be addressed by us.
How do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks, also referred to as "striae gravidarum" during pregnancy, are essentially scars.
They resemble streaks on your skin that are indented. They can be any color—pink, red, black, blue, or purple. Everything relies on:
where they are on your body, how they are caused, and how old they are
Stretch marks can occasionally feel slightly elevated when they first develop, but eventually they will merely feel like little depressions in your skin.
They could also be irritating when they first appear.
Why do they occur?
Stretch marks appear when your skin extends quickly, as their name implies. The scar is a result of this straining, which actually damages the supporting tissues in the middle or lower layer of your skin.
Stretch marks typically appear during periods of fast weight gain, growth spurts, or obviously during pregnancy. In fact, by the third trimester, up to 90% of pregnant women will have stretch marks.
They typically show up on your:
belly \buttocks
breasts \thighs
However, not everyone develops stretch marks, and not everyone does so to the same degree.
A sizable yet self-reported study from 2013 According to a reliable source, some people are simply genetically predisposed to developing stretch marks than others. There is a considerable probability that you will have them if your mother or grandmother had them while they were pregnant.
Your skin's suppleness can be weakened by the hormone cortisone, which your adrenal glands produce, increasing your risk of developing stretch marks. Because of this, if you use corticosteroids or have specific diseases like Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome, you might also develop stretch marks more frequently.
studies, including one from 2017 According to a reliable source, getting stretch marks during pregnancy is more likely if you're younger or if you put on weight too soon. Pregnancy hormone levels may also be important.
After pregnancy, is it possible to get rid of stretch marks?
The bad news is that stretch marks are permanent, just like any scar. You'll never be able to entirely get rid of them.
We are aware that this may be disappointing. Accepting that your body has altered permanently can be difficult, especially if the change was brought on by something as fantastic as childbirth.
The majority of stretch marks will gradually fade on their own once your baby is born, though, which is wonderful news. In addition, you can use several treatments to make them even less obvious.
So, how can stretch marks be removed?
Another 2017 assessment by Trusted Source found that treating stretch marks when they are young generally seems to be more successful than treating stretch marks when they are older. Therefore, attempt to start your treatment as soon as you can.
But don't be disheartened if you weren't aware. Starting now is still possible.
Not everyone will respond to treatments in the same way. It would be wise to consult your dermatologist or physician about this. They may talk to you about your options and assist you in determining which one might be the greatest fit for your skin type and you.
You might consider the following options:
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are skin exfoliation cosmetic procedures. Your physician, a dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon may carry them out.
Peels with glycolic acid encourage the skin's natural creation of collagen. Stretch marks can be successfully treated with this form of peel, according to research, including an older studyTrusted Source from 1998. Glycolic acid has been shown to be useful for scars in general in more recent studies, although more recent study is required especially for stretch marks.
Laser treatment
Medical procedures known as laser therapy utilize particular light wavelengths to lessen:
pain \swelling \scarring
According to numerous studies, laser therapy can reduce the visibility of stretch marks by boosting the skin's production of collagen, regenerating elastin fibers, and strengthening the epidermal layer.
However, you should be aware that laser therapy can be pricey and will probably require multiple treatments before you notice improvements before speaking with your doctor or dermatologist.
Microdermabrasion
Dermatologists employ the minimally invasive process of microdermabrasion to enhance the tone and texture of the skin. It is utilized to treat:
sun spots that have aged
scars from acne, wrinkles, and further skin-related issues
Microdermabrasion has been shown in two trials, one in 2015 and one in 2014Trusted Source, to be somewhat helpful at minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.
Microneedling
A skin care technique called microneedling is said to help fade scars and wrinkles.
It pierces the skin with tiny needles. Skin rejuvenation may occur as these little wounds recover. Usually, it takes place over the course of four to six sessions.
According to a 4-week study by Trusted Source, microneedling reduced both early and late stretch marks.
This conclusion was supported by a bigger 2008 studyTrusted Source that included 480 patients and was carried out in South Africa and Germany. After one to four treatments, stretch marks were reported to be less noticeable in the second research.
It appeared to function more effectively than microdermabrasion, according to a Reliable Source.
Radiofrequency
In a non-invasive process called radiofrequency, deeper skin layers are heated in an effort to:
activate the body's natural healing mechanism for wounds
tighten your skin by boosting collagen production
The length and width of stretch marks were reported to be reduced by radiofrequency and multipolar-pulsed electromagnetic fields in a short pilot research conducted in 2014. Another pilot study from 2012 found that combining radiofrequency and ultrasound reduced the visibility of stretch marks.
However, additional research is required before doctors can say that this procedure will be effective for everyone because these trials were so limited and used such a small number of research subjects.
If you're thinking about trying radiofrequency, talk to your dermatologist to find out if they think it would be a good idea for you.
Topical hyaluronic acid gels or creams
According to research, adding hyaluronic acid to stretch marks in their early stages may help them become less apparent.
For instance, a 2017 study discovered that daily massages, Centella asiatica (a plant frequently used in traditional medicine), and hyaluronic acid helped lessen stretch marks.
prescription tretinoin creams
Stretch mark appearance may be improved by creams containing tretinoin, according to a number of studies, including one published in 2014Trusted Source. This is especially true if the creams are applied early and consistently throughout the day.
Tretinoin is a retinoid that promotes collagen growth and speeds up skin cell turnover.
A tretinoin-containing cream can only be ordered from your dermatologist. Retinoids, however, are completely contraindicated during pregnancy since they can result in birth abnormalities.
They can be absorbed into your breast milk, so you should avoid them if you're breastfeeding.
creams with vitamin E or cocoa butter
This piece of advice is widely used. One or both of these substances can be found in almost all creams that are available over the counter or in pharmacies.
Unfortunately, no significant research has yet demonstrated that these compounds actually assist in lowering your risk of developing stretch marks or in decreasing them once you do.
Having said that, it won't hurt to try using lotions that contain these kinds of chemicals. They can help keep your skin hydrated, which lessens itching, and they are safe to use during pregnancy.
Almond or olive oil
There are no studies demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin E or cocoa butter, for example. In reality, a controlled study conducted in 2014 indicated that olive oil was ineffective.
It won't hurt you to try it, though, and some people have reported that it helped them feel better.
How long will it take me to recover? It varies! It's crucial to attempt to be patient because everyone's body recovers in a different way.
The extent of your stretch marks' initial severity as well as the course of treatment you choose to take will both affect how well you recover.
Not every form of treatment will be as effective for you as it is for others. But if you're worried, consult your physician.
The conclusion
A baby is a significant event. Remember that bringing your child into the world put a lot of strain on your body. You shouldn't be ashamed of your stretch marks because they are a testament to the struggles you faced.
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