Pregnancy

Stretch Marks and How to Get Rid of Them

Stretch marks are undesirable lines on the skin, which occur when the inner skin layer is stretched thin, losing its elasticity. They may occur when you grow, during puberty or when you gain or lose weight very quickly. However, they are more often observed during pregnancy or after labor and delivery.

When the elastic supportive tissue in your skin is over-stretched, the connective fibers can break, causing pink to reddish or very dark brown indentation marks around legs, arms and stomach that fade over time. The color of the stretch marks depends on the color of your skin, turning a shade lighter than your natural skin tone.

Obesity, bodybuilding or heredity factors can determine whether you will get stretch marks after you get pregnant. A common known fact is that it will not be easy get rid of them, even with promising new technology, cosmetics and medications... at least it is not completely possible according to the experts.

Regardless whether you gain weight or lose weight through the different stages of your pregnancy, you may get stretch marks that will never totally disappear. However, lessening stretch marks, and even prevention of their formation is possible. Anyway, stretch marks become gradually less noticeable about 6 to 12 months after giving birth

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, and during pregnancy may result from gaining excessive weight rapidly, such as when you are carrying a big baby or multiples, or when you have excess of amniotic fluid. These marks may also appear in your breasts, thighs, hips or buttocks, or breasts.

Getting rid of stretch marks is more likely a matter of genetics, reflected to the elasticity of your skin. Over the counter creams and remedies will not create the miracle of making them disappear but depending on their formulation, some products rich in oils and other skin nutrients, can improve the elasticity of your skin.

There are a few grannies' home remedies, such as cocoa butter, that can make your skin feel more supple and soft but that will not avoid stretch marks from occurring. Vitamin E and prescription creams containing Retin-A, may reduce the appearance of recent stretch marks but not old lines.

Vitamin E is safe, but prescription creams should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is also a popular French treatment called Endermologie consisting of a machine with rollers with gentle suction used to massage and exfoliate the area affected with stretch marks, but as it was said, they cannot be totally removed with any method.

As a final treatment, you can always undergo laser surgery after childbirth to lessen the severity of stretch marks or try microdermabrasion, which is a treatment, which is more successful in changing the appearance of stretch marks, although both treatments are expensive, and can only be performed by qualified practitioners.