Stretch Marks: Why do They Appear and How to Get Rid of Them?

Nearly all women get stretch marks during pregnancy. Though these rip marks are harmless, some women wear them as a badge of honour symbolizing how their bodies changed through their pregnancies, while for others, they might be an eyesore.

So, what causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks appear on any body part that undergoes sudden growth. When you are pregnant, your uterus grows to make more space for the baby. Unfortunately, the skin is unable to adapt and stretch at the same rate, causing the tissues and collagen in the skin to tear and form stretch marks. Further, pregnancy hormones weaken the fiber in the skin causing stretch marks.

Stretch marks usually appear as a network of red, white, or purple-hued lines and are seen on the arms, torso, breasts, stomach, hips and thighs. They start appearing between weeks 13 and 21 of pregnancy and are more visible on fair-skinned women. These might also be genetic which means that if your mother had them, then the chances of you developing them are also high.

How can you get rid of stretch marks?

According to experts, stretch marks do not disappear, but can lighten over time with the help of the right safe and natural product. An effective stretch marks lightening cream would nourish, heal and repair the skin, improving its elasticity. With regular use, one can get relief from dry, itchy skin and also notice the stretch marks lighten and fade away gradually.

Which natural products should one look for in their stretch marks lightening cream?

An effective stretch marks lightening cream would be made up of all or a combination of natural ingredients like Saffron, Coconut oil, Mango butter, Shea butter, and extracts of Kokum and Gotu kola. While Saffron is known to reduce pigmentation and skin blemishes, Coconut oil helps clear scar marks on the skin. Mango and Shea butter help soothe the itchiness of stretch marks by moisturizing the skin deeply making it feel soft and supple. Shea butter also has antimicrobial properties that help reduce skin scarring. The natural extracts of Kokum and Gotu kola promote collagen production, tightening the skin and healing it in the process.

What is the right time and the right way to treat stretch marks?

Just like other things, stretch marks also have a life cycle. They are easier to treat when they have just made an appearance. Therefore, it is essential that you treat them as soon as you notice them. Better still, a stretch marks lightening cream should be applied from week 13 of pregnancy to avoid them as much as possible.

Just apply the stretch marks lightening cream that you have selected for yourself liberally over the area where the stretch marks are making an appearance, twice a day. This helps keep the skin moist and prevents the tear marks from making an appearance.