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10 Quick Remedies for Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you would have noticed some changes in your body by now as it adjusts to this new development. As your pregnancy advances, one of the changes you will notice is the appearance of stretch marks.
While no one wants it, stretch marks during pregnancy are a fairly common occurrence and 50% -90% of all pregnant women will get it during their pregnancy.
Stretch marks are those markings that appear on the surface of the skin and occur as a result of little tears in the supporting layers underneath your skin. They could also occur if there’s an increase in the cortisone hormone in your system.
Too much cortisone makes your skin lose its elasticity.
Stretch marks are a lot more common and can appear on any part of your body including your thighs, breasts, back, hips, shoulders, and stomach. They could also appear on more noticeable parts of your body, making you a little self-conscious of your physical appearance.
Stretch marks do not just fade away post-pregnancy but would require moderate to extensive home or over-the-counter remedies to do so.
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Types of Stretch Marks
1) Red Stretch Marks
Red stretch marks are also called striae rubrae. They start out being pale pink and itchy but mature to become a reddish or purplish marking on the skin.
Red stretch marks are more common in pregnancy and usually fade away with the use of home remedies or over-the-counter medications.
2) White Stretch Marks
White stretch marks, also called striae albae, are the more stubborn of the two and are actually a more mature version of the red stretch marks.
They are white or silverish and are a lot harder to treat. However, constant use of home remedies or OTC also can fade these blemishes over time.
Related: 14 Amazing Self Care Tips for Mom
What Causes Red Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
Stretch marks typically occur around the 6 to 7 months of pregnancy and are caused by several factors that most times can’t be prevented.
Factors that increase your risks of red stretch marks include
1) Genetics
Women who had their mother or any other close relative develop stretch marks, especially while pregnant, have a higher risk of also developing it. While they can’t prevent these marks from developing they can extensively reduce how much of these marks appear or are visible.
2) Sudden Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain, which mostly occurs around the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy is another top reason for the development of red stretch marks.
You will find that as your body expands, your skin is unable to stretch at the same pace to support this new weight, causing the supporting layers under the skin to tear.
Other factors that promote the development of red stretch marks include:
- Being light-skinned (light-skinned women are more likely to develop red stretch marks during pregnancy than their darker counterparts) as darker-skinned ladies are believed to have more elastic skin.
- The use of certain medications containing some amounts of corticosteroid increases your risk of developing these marks.
- Certain genetic disorders like Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndromes or any other disease that weakens your skin’s fibers also increase your risks of red stretch marks.
Top Home Remedies for Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
A lot of people prefer home remedies for stretch marks in pregnancy and thankfully, there are a few to choose from. Some of these home remedies, however, are more a way to prevent or reduce the severity of the appearance of these red stretch marks than an actual cure for it.
Some of the home remedies for stretch marks you can find include:
1) Vitamin A
Vitamin A applied topically over the skin has been known to help fade the appearance of stretch marks.
Vitamin A supplements can also be taken to produce the same results.
2) Collagen Boosting Foods
Including foods that boost collagen production in your diet counters the effect of the overstretching of your skin.
Some of these collagen-boosting foods include chicken, fish, and shellfish, beans, tomatoes, leafy greens, strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi fruits, papaya, egg whites, cashew, bone broth, oysters, raspberry, broccoli, brussels sprouts, garlic, grapefruits, cabbage, pea, and kale.
While eating foods that boost collagen production, you should avoid foods known for destroying collagen like too much sugar and refined carbohydrates.
3) Hyaluronic Treatment
The use of hyaluronic treatments performs the function of stimulating collagen production, which helps control your skin’s stretching.
4) Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil keeps the skin hydrated, making it less prone to stretch. It also encourages collagen production which further helps to fade these stretch marks.
5) Sugar Scrub
Using a sugar scrub made from ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon coconut or almond oil, and ½ a teaspoon of lemon juice will also fade these red stretch mark scars and brighten the skin.
This scrub should be used for 5-10 minutes daily before you rinse off with tepid water.
6) Egg White
Egg whites contain proteins and amino acids which can help regenerate the skin.
To use, whisk one large egg in a bowl, and using a cotton ball, apply this to the affected parts.
Let it sit for 10 -15 minutes before washing off and applying a moisturizer. You might need to apply this remedy a few times to get the desired result.
7) Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is acidic and works by bleaching the marks. This remedy is mostly used alongside others but can also work as a standalone remedy.
8) Turmeric
Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin which also helps fade stretch marks in pregnancy.
9) Stay Hydrated
Take lots of water, since water keeps your skin hydrated, which is believed to reduce the risks.
10) Make Use Of Stretch Marks Prevention Lotion.
Stretch mark products help keep your skin hydrated
Dermatologists recommend using these products when pregnant, bodybuilding, or going through any such activities that are known to stretch the skin to reduce the risks of stretch marks.
Stretch mark products work by boosting your skin’s elasticity, making it difficult for the skin layer to overstretch to the point of tearing.
A good stretch mark product to help prevent or fade these marks is the Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks or Body Merry Stretch Marks Cream.
Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil for Stretch Marks
About this item
- Contains 1 – 3.4 Ounce Stretch Mark Massage Oil
- Diminishes the visible appearance of stretch marks, visibly increases skin elasticity and smoothness.
- Maintains skin´s moisture.
- Dermatologically tested and certified natural by NATRUE.
- Nature’s wisdom helps to support the skin’s appearance during and after pregnancy.
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