They may look like spider-webs or entangled branches tattooed to your skin. Initially, you may see them in varying colors of pink, purple, or even gray - but they don’t show their true colors until much later. By now, you ought to have guessed what is on our minds today. A common nightmare that terrorizes every pregnant woman alike - yes, we’re talking about the infamous stretch marks!
It’s a fact that stretch marks and pregnancy go hand in hand. And, the more you ignore them, the higher your chances of developing them as a result of not taking ample precautions.
Keep reading to find the A to Z of stretch marks during pregnancy and also a sure shot way to battle this skinemy (read: skin enemy)!
Medically termed as striae distensae, stretch marks are pink, red or purple colored skin lesions that occur as a result of changing hormone levels in the human body.
They occur in 90% of women and are one of the leading cosmetic concerns worldwide. Pregnancy, weight gain or loss, puberty, and muscle building are all observed to cause stretch marks.1
Stretch marks, or striae as they’re scientifically called, are commonly found on the buttocks, thighs, upper arms, breast, and axillae. They’re further classified based on their appearance and pathology into the following:2
Striae distensae is the most common type of stretch mark that emerges on various milestones in your life. It affects 43%-88% pregnancies.2 Striae gravidarum, on the other hand, affects 50-90% pregnancies.3
Some other factors can also make a woman more likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy and they’re as follows:2 3
Researchers are of the belief that stretch marks occur as a result of abnormalities in the elastin, collagen and other extracellular matrix components of the skin. But, since the exact cause and mechanism involved in the development of stretch marks during pregnancy is unclear, these lesions are classified into different categories based on their occurrence.1
Among them, striae gravidarum is the medical term used to define the occurrence of stretch marks during pregnancy. Often referred to as dermal scarring, stretch marks also cause the skin’s collagen to rupture. And when the collagen is resynthesized in the affected area, it fills the gaps created by stretch marks but in a different alignment.1
Stretch marks commonly accompany growth spurts, obesity or rapid weight gain, use of excessive steroids, pregnancy, and even intense workouts that aim at building muscles.1 2
In its initial stage, stretch marks look slightly raised and pink in color. Over a few months or even years, these marks begin to fade and become a few shades lighter than your actual skin tone.1
In some cases, stretch marks may cause itching. But otherwise, they’re mostly asymptomatic. However, the main reason affected individuals sought treatment against stretch marks is due to its unsightly appearance.1 2
Treatment for stretch marks is mainly aimed at reducing any redness, swelling, or irritation associated with them, while also attempting to keep the affected area as hydrated as possible.2
Use of topical emollients, silicone gels, tretinoin cream, and chemical peels are some common approaches for treating stretch marks.2 Stretch mark targeting creams are also advised to be applied topically even before their appearance for maximum results.1 2
While there are a multitude of over-the-counter options for treating stretch marks, our bet is on the all-natural and 100% safe anti-stretch mark cream by AreoVeda. Let’s delve more into its benefits below.
Made of all-natural and extremely effective ingredients, Areoveda’s Bullet Coffee Stretch Mark Cream also holds the advantage of being successfully tested on human skin cell lines.
Infused with the power of Striover, and the goodness of hyaluronic acid, coffee, ghee, and aloe vera - this anti-stretch mark formula is an absolute steal for all the moms-to-be and new moms alike.
Want to stop stretch marks even before they occur? Start using this cream the minute you enter the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy!
Just embraced motherhood and are stretch marks causing your self-confidence to take a backseat? Start using this highly effective formulation when the stretch marks are still new to treat them from their roots!
While it's important to note that no stretch marks removal cream can fully eliminate these marks, AreoVeda's Stretch Marks Cream can notably reduce their appearance. With consistent use, it boosts skin firmness and elasticity, yielding visible results for both old and new marks in just 28 days!
Click here to place an order for AreoVeda’s Bullet Coffee Stretch Mark Cream right away.
Stretch marks during pregnancy almost seem inevitable. But, trust us. With the right care and treatment, you can easily steer clear of this stubborn skin hassle. Some other tips that can make this journey easier for you include eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, keeping a check on your weight, limiting your alcohol intake, and quitting tobacco use like smoking.
And like we already discussed, to up your game against stretch marks, don’t forget to order our magical anti-stretch mark formula here.
There are many over-the-counter stretch mark creams available for use. However, if you are looking for the best stretch cream during pregnancy out there, then hands down it has to be AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream which is Ecocert-certified, ensuring the use of >98% natural ingredients, EWG verified that guarantees the cream is toxin-free and finally, is cellularly proven where it tested on lab-grown human skin cells before it’s deemed fit for use.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. However, keeping your stretching belly well-hydrated and moisturized seems to play a pivotal role in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Your stretching tummy also seems to feel quite itchy. But, scratching your pregnant belly may also lead to increased chances of developing stretch marks - so it’s a no no.
Striae gravidarum is the only type of stretch mark seen during pregnancy. It is a result of the changing hormonal balance and stretching skin in pregnant women.
The effectiveness of stretch mark removal creams largely depends on the severity and age of the marks. These creams tend to show quicker results on newer, less intense marks. However, advanced formulas like AreoVeda’s Striover-based Stretch Marks Cream are designed to work on and improve both old and new stretch marks, with visible results in just 28 days.
While no stretch mark removal creams can fully erase stretch marks, as they are scars caused by rapid skin stretching or shrinking that breaks down collagen and elastin, AreoVeda's Stretch Marks Cream significantly reduces their appearance. It works to improve both old and new marks, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity, with visible results in just 28 days!