Pregnancy Stretch Marks: Causes, Prevention & Easy Treatments

Pregnancy stretch marks are almost a part of every woman’s life who desires to become a mother. Stretch marks can happen because of many reasons, such as sudden weight gains and obesity. However, today we will focus on pregnancy stretch marks. How to remove stretch marks during pregnancy is one of the most searched topic on the internet.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are basically distention of the skin due to stretching. These marks appear like white lines on the skin. They mostly appear on the abdomen; however, some women also develop stretch marks on breasts, thighs, back and buttocks. Initially they appear as red lines and itch a lot and over some time they turn into white lines. Hence, they are also known as white stretch marks during pregnancy or painful stretch marks during pregnancy. It is also useful to know when do stretch marks start during pregnancy.

Can pregnancy stretch marks be treated?

This is a debatable question. Many people believe that stretch marks can be treated at home with simple remedies, as in some cases some simple steps and routine massages with particulars oils. However, it cannot be claimed that the results are hundred percent effective in all cases.

So, if you too suffer from such marks, or know someone who is looking to get rid of such marks, keep reading as we list some effective home remedies that can take care of pregnancy stretch marks.

Hyaluronic acid: 

Hyaluronic is a naturally occurring acid in our skin, which is rich in collagen and helps fight many skin related issues like wrinkles, eczema, dryness, puffy eyes, as well as pregnancy stretch marks. Intake of food containing high content of magnesium can help increase the content of this moisture retaining cushion of the skin. Food items such as avocados, green leafy vegetables, green beans, starchy root vegetables, and bone broth are a good source of magnesium that help generate hyaluronic acid in the body. Apart from these, you can buy ready-to-use hyaluronic acid serum or creams from the market to apply on the affected area. You can also make a simple serum at home with some easily available ingredients available. Let’s see how.

Ingredients:

1/4cup distilled water

½ tsp of commercially available high/ low molecule weight hyaluronic acid (available for making serums)

¼ tsp of glycerin

2-3 drops of rosehip oil or lavender oil (use only after consulting your health care provider)

Mix well all the above-mentioned ingredients to make a serum. This serum does not have any preservatives and, therefore, has a shelf life of only 2 weeks if refrigerated.

Use the serum as follows:

a. cleanse the area with suitable cleanser (depending on skin type)
b. Tone the area with a mild toner
c. Apply the serum and massage
d. Moisturize according to your skin type

Vitamin E Rich Oil Composition: 

Vitamin E is tried and tested by many for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. To make an easy to use natural vitamin E rich oil composition, mix all the following ingredients well.

Ingredients:

2 capsules of pure Vitamin E oil 

1 tsp of sweet almond oil (Vit E in the almond oil evens out the skin tone and keeps the skin moist)

1 tsp of virgin coconut oil, preferably organic (moistens and conditions the skin along with providing nourishment)

Use the oil composition as follows:

a. Cleanse the affected area
b. Tone with a mild toner
c. Massage with the oil at least twice, daily.

Avocado mask:

Many stretch mark creams are enriched with the goodness of avocado, sunflower seed oil and bees’ wax as their main ingredients for addressing this issue. Let’s see how you can make a mask with these ingredients at home and use it to treat stretch marks.

Ingredients:

Take pulp of a half avocado

1 tsp sunflower seed oil

1 tbsp of bees’ wax
   
Mix all the ingredients to make a cream like consistency. 

a. Cleanse and tone the affected area with a suitable cleanser and toner depending on the skin type.
b. Apply the creamy paste on the affected area and massage for 10-15 mins. This will moisturize the skin in the area and increase the elasticity of the skin, thereby, reducing the appearance of the marks in due course of time.
c. Repeat at least once a day.
d. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize the skin.

Cocoa butter:

Cocoa butter is considered one of the most effective standalone solution for stretch marks.This is one product that can be used immediately from day one of pregnancy. It keeps the skin safe from many changes taking place in the skin due to pregnancy. It helps to keep a check on excessive dryness of the skin, keeps it moist for longer periods of time and penetrates easily into the skin to give maximum benefits. Moist skin is less likely to get stretch marks and it also helps reduce the appearance of marks over time.

All you need to do is cleanse, tone the skin. Pat it dry with a towel and massage the affected area with cocoa butter for 20-30 mins. Repeat 3 times daily. This keeps the skin soft, moist and itch free and avoids appearance of stretch marks. You can also mix cocoa butter with a capsule of vit E oil before application. 

Image Credit- Burst by Shopify (Photo by: Samantha Hurley)

Keep the skin moist:

Drinking fluids and keeping the skin moist helps the skin to be free of stretch marks. Applying fresh

aloe vera for stretch marks during pregnancy has helped many women fight this problem. To prepare this, mix 1 tbsp of fresh Aloe Vera gel, which is moisturizing and an antibiotic with egg white of ½ an egg, which is very nourishing for the skin.

Application:

a. Mix the two together in the given proportion and apply on the affected area after washing and drying the area.
b. Apply the mix and massage it on the skin for 10 minutes.
c .Leave it on for 10- 15 mins and rinse with lukewarm water. Moisturize with an appropriate moisturizer.
d. Repeat 0nce daily for best results. This remedy also keeps the skin highly moisturized and nourished.

When you are pregnant, you are usually skeptical about what to apply on the skin, as some commercially available products can do more harm. However, the ones that we have listed here are safe and natural remedies that can be easily applied without any concern. Try reading about the best cream to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and use it as per directions too!

The key to keep stretch marks away is keeping the skin highly moisturized, along with external application of products. You should also eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in magnesium that help in keeping the skin moist and nourished. Above all, drink plenty of water and juices rich in vitamin C.

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience and should be enjoyed. So, eat well, stay healthy and be stress + stretch marks free. If you are looking at some tips to stay fit post pregnancy, read our article here

Happy Parenting!