How Do I Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Unsightly stretch marks, which are the scourge of virtually every pregnancy, can be treated in several ways, from otc stretch mark skincare treatments, diet and exercise to surgical stretch mark repair, like demabrasion, chemical peels and laser surgery. The red, purple and pink bands across the skin are exacerbated by dryness, a lack of vitamin A, C, and E in addition to zinc and protein deficiencies and not consuming enough fluids. Because insurance does not extend to cosmetic treatments to reduce stretch marks, it is important that women try to maintain a well-balanced diet, light exercise routine in addition to skin hydration during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, stretch marks are a fact of life for ninety percent of all women who are pregnant, quite often revealing themselves by the end of the third trimester. Nevertheless, there are certain risk factors that may determine the severity of the scarring. In a mixed race study, 77.8% of those with darker skin colors and 45% of those with lighter skin colors experienced pregnancy stretch marks. An additional study discovered that there was a genetic link with most stretch mark sufferers’ mothers also showing stretchmarks. Even more significant, though, was the finding that 81% of the women who reported post-pregnancy marks already had them prior to carrying their babies. As women age, they are less likely to develop these scars. Women who keep their skin hydrated are said to be less likely to get the marks too.

Although there is a variety of supposed stretch mark removal treatments on the market, most are at best only partially effectual. The least invasive treatment is the use of stretch mark creams like Tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) that can assist with new stretching during pregnancy. These creams work by rebuilding collagen with the result of reducing stretch mark appearance. Also available for new marks is Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy or Fractional Photothermolysis, both of which use wavelengths of light to encourage collagen and elastin growth. For older marks, Microdermabrasion employs a handheld device to buff the surface of the skin with crystals, thereby getting rid of skin cells from the top layer of skin to encourage newer, more elastic skin growth. Additionally, for older white marks, the Excimer laser endeavors to encourage melanin production to reduce the appearance of the scars.

Currently, there is no guaranteed way of preventing stretch marks during pregnancy and there are no magical remedies either. Although there are several products marketed toward reducing stretch marks, there is no scientific evidence that suggest they really work. Maintaining overall health is the best thing a person can do to keep an attractive look, by exercising, consuming a well-balanced diet, drinking eight glasses of water each day and applying a moisturizer cream on dry skin. Over time, these marks usually fade a little on their own.