How to get rid of Stretch Marks from Pregnancy?

How to get rid of Stretch Marks from Pregnancy?

Stretch Marks are actually scars that cause due by skin tearing during pregnancy as body parts grow rapidly during this period. Many women develop stretch marks in pregnancy and it's very common. Stretch marks can be red, purple, or silver in appearance. It usually appears in those body parts where elastin and collagen fiber tear from stretching due to hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. Collagen and Elastin are proteins that make the skin more elastic. When the skin doesn't have enough collagen and elastin the marks show up as it stretches. Your skin stretches when your belly grows during pregnancy and hormonal changes also soften skin fibers and cause stretch marks. The body parts which grow during pregnancy could get stretch marks. During and after pregnancy stretch marks can be seen on the body parts such as the abdomen, breast, hips, bottom, and thighs. Stretch Marks don't cause any harm to your body but they never look good at all. Almost all stretch marks fade over time.

How to Remove Stretch Marks after Pregnancy?

Follow these tips to remove stretch marks after pregnancy:

1. Include Vitamin A in your diet

Vitamin A is also referred to as Retinoid. Retinoids help in rebuilding the collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that keeps skin strong and elastic. Include those foods in your diet which are a rich source of Vitamin A. 

2. Include Vitamin C in your diet

Vitamin C help in developing the protein called Collagen which plays an essential role in keeping the skin elastic. Collagen helps in preventing or treating stretch marks. Include Vitamin C in your diet. Include those fruits and vegetables in your diet which contain Vitamin C. Citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit are good sources of Vitamin C. Vegetables such as Broccoli, Spinach, Brussels Sprouts, etc. contain a high content of Vitamin C. 

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Stretch marks occur due to rapid weight gain or weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is very essential to live a happy and healthy life. Eat a healthy diet, do exercises, and stay physically active to maintain a healthy weight. 

(Also read: 16 Skin Care Tips during Pregnancy)

4. Nutritious Diet

Stretch marks also develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. So, always eat a healthy nutritious diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals. 

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water as it will keep your skin soft and hydrated. Dry skin tends to develop stretch marks while soft skin doesn't. Also, limit the caffeine intake. 

6. Exercise Regularly

Do exercises such as kegel exercises, yoga, and stretching on a regular basis during pregnancy and post-delivery. It will tone your skin and make the stretch marks less visible. 

How to treat stretch marks from pregnancy?

If you're not getting positive results from natural remedies then you can also try medical treatments for the removal of stretch marks after consulting your doctor. The medical treatment to remove stretch marks from pregnancy are: 

1. Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is used to remove stretch marks. Laser Therapy is a permanent solution for the removal of stretch marks. In this therapy, skin tissues are removed, vaporized, and broken down to enhance the production of new cells. It improves the texture of the skin. Laser Therapy is quick and effective but very expensive.

2. Stretch Marks Removal Creams

Stretch Marks Removal Creams usually contain collagen, elastin, vitamin E oils, etc. which helps in removing the stretch marks.

3. Retinol (Tretinoin Cream)

Retinol stimulates the growth of new collagen which improves the elasticity of the skin and helps to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. But it should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

(Also read: Best Time to take a Pregnancy test)

4. Trofolastin

Trofolastin increases the production of collagen in the skin and improves the elasticity of the skin. Both of these proteins help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks by increasing the skin's elasticity.

5. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid increases the production of collagen protein in the skin which increases the elasticity of the skin and thus prevents the appearance of stretch marks.

Home Remedies for stretch marks removal after pregnancy

There are some home remedies that are effective to fade stretch marks quickly after pregnancy:

1. Coconut Oil

Apply coconut oil to your stretch marks daily. Coconut oil keeps the skin moisturized and it is well known for its healing properties and will help to fade stretch marks.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil helps in exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. Massage the affected body parts with olive oil regularly and let it remain for 30-40 minutes. Take a bath after the massage. Olive oil helps in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

3. Cocoa Butter Cream or Lotions

Cocoa Butter Cream or lotions nourish and hydrate the skin. It keeps the skin moisturized and improves the skin's elasticity. Apply it regularly on the affected body parts to prevent or minimize stretch marks during and after pregnancy.

(Also read: What is UTI?)

4. Aloe Vera

It is well known for its healing properties. It also makes skin softer and soft skin doesn't tend to develop stretch marks. Take pure aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant and apply it regularly in the affected areas of your body. Let it remain for 30 minutes then take a bath. It will soothe your skin, keep it hydrated and also reduce the appearance of stretch marks if used on a regular basis.

5. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a good source of vitamins E, K, and protein. It is well known for its detoxifying properties. Mix alfalfa powder with chamomile oil and apply it to the affected body parts.  The antifungal property of Alfalfa helps in detoxifying the skin and helps in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Causes of stretch marks after pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body tries to make room for the baby which leads to skin stretching which leads to pregnancy stretch marks. Stretch marks caused during pregnancy are due to the following reasons:

• Rapid Weight Gain

• Carrying Twins or multiple

• Hormonal Fluctuations

• Loss of Elasticity of the skin

(Also read: What are the signs of labor at 39 weeks?)

Other reasons for Stretch Marks

Other than pregnancy stretch marks are also caused due to the following reasons:

• Quick Weight Gain

• Losing Weight Rapidly

• BodyBuilding

• Marfan Syndrome

• Breast Enlargement Surgery

• Being on Corticosteroids

• Genetic Disorders

• Family History of developing Stretch marks

• Obesity

Stretch Marks won't go away completely after childbirth but will eventually fade over time. Many manufacturers claim that their products remove stretch marks completely but that is not true. Stretch Marks never disappear completely but fade over time. However, massaging with moisturizers will help in minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch Marks don't fade overnight it will take time. So, be patient just relax and enjoy the wonderful journey of motherhood. 

Also, read other health-related articles :

• Pregnancy at 4 weeks - Symptoms, Ultrasound, Embryo Development, What to expect, Things to do & to avoid

• 10 Best Exercises to induce labor naturally

• Vaginal Pain during pregnancy - Reasons, Treatment

• Sex during the third trimester of pregnancy - Benefits, Risks, Safe Sex Positions

• 15 Healthy Snacks for pregnancy

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.