Can You Get Rid of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy?
Throughout pregnancy, our bodies undergo so many changes it’s hard to keep track. One of the more obvious but sometimes unwelcomed changes is stretch marks. They usually appear during the second trimester of pregnancy as the body begins to stretch, and fade postpartum.
According to the ACOG, stretch marks are caused by changes in the elastic supportive tissue that lies just under the skin. The skin on your belly and breasts may become streaked with reddish-brown, purple, or dark brown marks, depending on your skin color. Some women also get them on their buttocks, thighs, and hips.
There are no foolproof treatments to prevent stretch marks from appearing or make them fully disappear. There are, however, various ways to help improve their appearance:
Moisturize: Keeping the skin moisturized can help improve its elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Use a moisturizer containing cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or other natural oils that can penetrate and hydrate the skin.
Lymphatic drainage massage: You can go to a professional or dry brush your body at home using a wooden paddle.
Consider professional treatments: If your stretch marks are severe or have tried other treatments without success, you may want to consider professional treatments such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion. These treatments can help stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: During pregnancy and especially postpartum, keeping yourself well-hydrated helps reduce dryness and stretch marks.
Practice good nutrition: Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help improve the health and elasticity of the skin. Eating foods such as nuts, fish, legumes, lean chicken and meat, antioxidant fruits, and veggies promotes glowing skin and increases its suppleness.
Move your body: Any form of exercise; walking, pilates, yoga, dancing, cycling, and swimming help tone your muscles and prevent you from putting on more than the recommended amount of pregnancy weight.
Remember that stretch marks are a natural part of the body's response to growth and change, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. With the right care and treatment, you can improve the appearance of your skin and feel confident in your body. Remember, stretch marks represent what your body has gone through and helped bring a child into this world. Embrace them mama!