How to Get Rid of Post-Pregnancy Stretch Marks

What is a stretch mark?


Stretch marks are a type of permanent scar that develops when the skin undergoes extreme stretching during times of rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth. 

Stretch marks often appear as long, narrow streaks or lines that develop on the surface of the skin, particularly on the arms, tummy, thighs, hips, breasts, and lower back. 

When stretch marks first appear, they tend to take on a reddish or purplish hue, depending on your skin color. During the early stages of its formation, stretch marks may be raised or feel itchy. 

Over an extended period of time, the color fades and the bands subside to form a depression on the skin. These marks are permanent and they usually appear lighter in appearance as compared to the surrounding skin.

Why do we get stretch marks?


Such scarring is usually permanent, and the skin cannot resume to the way it was before because the collagen and elastin fibers are ruptured.

Some creams and lotions or even medication may decrease the skin’s ability to stretch. Corticosteroid creams are an example of medicated cream that reduces the skin’s ability to stretch if you apply them for a long time. Illnesses such as Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome can also increase your chance of getting stretch marks.

Stretch marks can also be hereditary. If your parents or siblings have them, you are likely to get them as well. 

How to get rid of stretch marks?


Just like any scar, stretch marks are permanent. There are treatments that are effectively reduce the appearance of these scars and make them less noticeable. 

STRETCH MARKS REMOVAL CREAMS Studies have shown that most topical over-the-counter stretch marks removal creams don’t work at all. Most creams are essentially moisturizers that plumps up the depressed scars so that they look less visible. However, they work only temporarily. 

If you insist on trying out stretch marks removal creams, be sure to only apply on early stretch marks when they are still red or purple in color. Be patient and take time to massage the cream into the affected area.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS Doctors can perform several procedures to effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Some of these treatments are:

·      Chemical peel
·      Laser treatments
·      Microdermabrasion

Chemical peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that uses a strong chemical solution to remove the superficial layer of the skin. Repeating this treatment over time may stimulate collagen production so that the skin becomes smoother. Many sessions are required to achieve longer-lasting results.

Laser remains one of the most common and effective treatments for stretch marks. CO2 skin resurfacing laser is a gold standard for treating scars and stretch marks. By precisely ablating the top layer of the skin, it allows new skin and collagen to grow. Over a period of time, new skin will grow to replace the superficial layer, making the stretch marks less noticeable.

People have shared their experiences using home remedies such as almond oil, cocoa butter, and olive oil to treat their stretch marks. These are not proven and have very little beneficial effects on reducing its appearance.

Can stretch marks be prevented?


The best defense against these permanent scars is to ensure that we maintain maximum elasticity during pregnancy or when you expect rapid changes in body weight. This can be easily achieved by regularly hydrating the skin and keeping it supple at all times. 

Invest in a good hyaluronic acid serum or light moisturizer is a good start to maintain the skins moisture content. 


Also, hydrate your body constantly by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. Keeping your body hydrated allows your skin to strengthen and renew itself more quickly.

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