Stretch marks are part of the changes that come with pregnancy coupled with other physical and mental changes. They happen mostly when the body grows faster than the skin can keep up with as can be seen in pregnancy. Cortisone is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that weakens the skin's elasticity.

During pregnancy, you're more susceptible to gaining weight.  These stretch marks are usually present on the belly area or breasts and could also show up on the thighs and buttocks. 

It's advisable to treat stretch marks after conception in order not to hurt the fetus during pregnancy for those who want to incorporate chemical methods. As certain chemicals might be dangerous to the baby's health. However, treating stretch marks before conception is safer and more appropriate. Oiling and moisturizing your skin especially your tummy before pregnancy cushions your skin against pressure. 

Can Stretch Marks be Prevented?

90% of pregnant women are at risk for developing stretch marks, though, not every woman develops stretch marks. Naturally, using balms, creams, or even lotions can help minimize your risk of having stretch marks or the appearance. Especially when you use coconut oil, vaseline, carrot oil, jojoba oil, and any other pure and natural oil. Always moisturize your skin to prevent dryness and excess pressure on the skin. 

Additionally, you might attempt to keep a healthy weight while consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Furthermore, consuming an adequate amount of zinc, silicon, and vitamins A and C can support the skin. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially during your first trimester. 

How to Treat Stretch Marks

Treating stretch marks can be challenging, however, they can be prevented and maintained. After giving birth, you can start looking for products to minimize the stretch marks you had during pregnancy.

Retinol is one ingredient you should look for in over-the-counter creams and lotions. Retinol serves to promote the production of collagen. You can start using retinol after you have stopped breastfeeding because it's known to cause defects in babies. 

Retinol is frequently found in face creams. Stretch marks can be treated with face creams, but the treatments can be more expensive because the products are designed to cover a smaller region.

It could take up to 6 to 24 weeks following retinol treatment before you see an improvement in your stretch marks. Stretch marks sometimes naturally fade, leaving behind thin, silvery lines, while others remain darker and more apparent. 

Treatment works best when the marks are still in that reddish stage. Gels containing hyaluronic acid and collagen, and onion extract might be useful.

Laser therapy is also an essential method for treating stretch marks after pregnancy. The skin is heated by lasers. As a result, dilated blood vessels constrict, promoting collagen synthesis.

Despite being the most effective, it is also fairly expensive. When you are done having children, you should save this. Depending on the kind of stretch marks, different kinds of lasers may be employed.

To observe benefits, you might need to see your dermatologist frequently. Additionally, you might attempt microdermabrasion, a less invasive technique that doctors employ to enhance the tone and texture of the skin. They have a reputation for being successful at minimizing the visibility of stretch marks.

Other procedures include micro-needling, a cosmetic care technique that is thought to help fade scars and wrinkles. It pierces the skin with tiny needles. These minor wounds can renew the skin as they recover.

Certain natural remedies like cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, and coconut oil have been rumored to work for stretch marks treatment before conception. These oils are a natural preventive measure. 

Conclusion

Although being pregnant comes with certain changes which include stretch marks it's very important that you learn to love and embrace your skin. Doing this would eliminate every form of self-bashing and increase your esteem. The best time to treat stretch marks is pre-conception. That way, you're strengthening your skin for the high pressure exerted on it during pregnancy. 

If you love this article, please do share this and comment down below on what remedies you have used to treat and manage stretch marks.

Stay PreggySafe!