Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them?

the appearance of undesired stretch marks, or simply accept them as they are..

According to studies, 55 to 90% of women are affected by pregnancy stretch marks – nothing rare and nothing new! Each woman experiences stretch marks differently.

One will want to avoid them at all costs. Another will just want to make them less visible. The last will take pride in them.

It's up to each and every one to decide! But whatever your choice, precious advice can always come handy.

Where do pregnancy stretch marks come from?

Stretch marks – look and feel

Stretch marks are streaks on the skin. Scars are initially pink and slightly raised. Over time, they fade and become white lines up to 10 centimeters in length. They usually appear on the belly, but can also show on thighs, hips or chest.

They can appear as early as the second trimester, but tend to show later in pregnancy. They can also develop in the early weeks after childbirth.

The hormone-kilo combo

How exactly do stretch marks appear on skin? Stretch marks result both from weight gain and hormonal changes. And pregnancy surely combines both!

Stretch marks are most common during pregnancy or periods of rapid weight gain or growth. Pregnancy strains the elasticity of the skin, especially in the stomach area. The skin stretches and its elastic fibers and collagen can eventually crack, causing the stretch mark. The increase in hormones, including cortisol and estrogen, throughout the nine-month period accentuates this phenomenon. These hormones reduce the production of elastin and collagen, which are essential for skin flexibility and strength.

How to avoid pregnancy stretch marks

Does the idea of ​stretch marks upset you? Take action early and regularly when it comes to bad habits. Once they become part of your routine, it will be harder to get rid of them. A few lifestyle habits can help you prevent them:

• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid early stretch marks. Calm your cravings with a handful of almonds or hazelnuts for a change! Weight should not become an obsession, but do try to avoid unnecessary calories. Your body will reward you for this! Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support healthy skin and reduce your risk of developing stretch marks. Focus on consuming foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, silica, and collagen.
• Gaining weight too quickly during pregnancy can increase your risk of developing stretch marks. Aim to gain weight gradually during pregnancy.

This will help you maintain a healthy weight. Certain practices can help reduce the risk of stretch marks. Incorporate them into your everyday life. Alternatively, you can accept them as they are.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and soft. This can help make stretch marks less noticeable.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help keep your skin healthy and improve its elasticity. Talk to your doctor about safe exercises during pregnancy.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure: Sun damage can weaken your skin and make it more prone to developing stretch marks. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
• After showering, go by this golden rule: moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Skin elasticity comes with a little effort and lots of nourishing!
• Once a week, give yourself a scrub. Removing impurities from your epidermis will optimize the penetration of moisturizing active ingredients. What’s more: your skin will recover its super baby-soft touch!
• Massage with a pregnancy-special oil or cream which acts directly on the production of skin-supporting fibers. Make sure you do a real massage with circular motions, it's even better.

Natural treatments to prevent them

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your stretch marks and massage it in for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser that may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Massage coconut oil onto your stretch marks for several minutes and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect and repair skin damage. Apply vitamin E oil directly to your stretch marks and massage it in for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Castor oil: Castor oil is a natural moisturizer that may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Apply castor oil to your stretch marks and massage it in for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Sugar scrub: A sugar scrub can help exfoliate your skin and improve blood flow, which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Mix equal parts sugar and coconut oil to make a scrub. Gently massage the scrub onto your stretch marks for several minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

These remedies won't get rid of stretch marks completely, but they may help make them less noticeable. And of course, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor to figure out what treatment options are best for you.

Remedies to reduce pregnancy stretch marks

Like all scars, stretch marks will fade over time. But if you feel uncomfortable with them, you can also boost this process a little.

Ultra-targeted treatments

Looking for effective recipes? Try ultra-targeted treatments that combine natural active ingredients, vitamins and trace elements.

This combination works wonders on stretch marks - they make them smaller and less noticeable. Just put it on twice a day and rub it in with a massage roller if you can. Oh, and don't forget to stay away from the sun - it's not great for any scars.

A step further

If you’re really embarrassed by your stretch marks, you can take it a step further with other solutions such as:

• Microdermabrasion, to renew the epidermis’ layers
• Laser treatments that reduce scars

But keep in mind that stretch marks never disappear completely.

Embracing your stretch marks

There’s also another option: embrace your remaining stretch marks and don’t try to hide them at all costs! Today, supported by the Positive Body feminist trend, many people also promote "natural bodies". The idea is to accept and love all human body types, instead of aiming for an unreachable ideal.

Some women even take pride in their stretch marks, via the #stretchmarksarebeautiful hashtag on Instagram. Rapper Kendrick Lamar, in his song Humble for instance, also says that he’s sick of Photoshop, and wants something “natural, like stretch marks”. So, if Kendrick says so ...