I am asked questions about stretch marks all the time. "Will I get them? How do they form? What can I do about them? What creams should I use???
How Do Stretch Marks Form?
It seems that hormonal changes in pregnancy combined with a rapidly growing belly are responsible for the development of stretch marks.
Stretch marks usually appear during the sixth or seventh month. Why?
Your hormone levels are sustained and raging - combine that with skin being subjected to higher levels of stretching forces.Will You Get Them?
Take this simple test. Go lift up your Mom's shirt.
If she has stretch marks, you are are at increased risk. You can't fight your genetics. But don't feel too bad, between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. Also remember - the more distended your abdomen, the more likely you are to develop them. Limiting your weight gain may be the only risk factor you can control!
What Can I Do About Them If I Get Them?
The medical literature is not really helpful. Only one study has been published which claimed to test whether oils or creams prevent the development of stretchmarks. This study found a daily application of a cream (Trofolastin) containing Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy - I have never seen or heard of the stuff and have no idea where you would get it.
Another study, though lacking a placebo control, examined a cream (Verum) containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol. It was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy versus no treatment.
Although your skin will feel lovely and smell really good, no research studies have shown cocoa butter has an ability to either prevent stretchmarks, or to reduce their appearance once a stretch mark has already formed.
Buyer Beware
When I Googled the topic - a zillion ads popped up with all sorts of claims - I warn you not to waste your money. The vast majority of the claims are unfounded!!!!!
The Good NewsIf you develop stretch marks - Don't panic! They will never look as bad as they did when you delivered. They will fade and look less prominent over time. Science has a few good options as well.
Be warned: some of these treatments are VERY expensive, are not covered by insurance and have no guarantee they will work.
Of the treatments are available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks, only laser treatments, dermabrasion, and prescription retinoids have been proven to have any benefit.
Most of these treatments decrease pigmentation and help collagen to "plump up" in the grooves of the stretch marks.
Of course, the surgical procedure for removing lower abdominal stretch marks is the tummy tuck, which removes the skin below the navel where stretch marks frequently occur. This is major surgery and should only be attempted after your are done with childbearing.
It Is What It Is
My gorgeous friend M delivered twins. She developed stretch marks with her pregnancy and it has never bothered her. She still wears a bikini, and let me tell you, she rocks it. When I see her, I think she is beautiful - the marks are faded and small and remain reminder of her two precious children.
Bernstein, Eric. What Causes Stretch Marks?. 15 December 2008. The Patient's Guide to Stretch Marks. 10 Feb 2009
Mallol, Belda, Costa, Noval, and Sola. (1991). "Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial.”". International Journal of Cosmetic Science 13 (13, 51-57): 51.
Young GL, Jewell D. (2000). "Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD000066.
During both of my pregnancies, I read that there was nothing one could do to prevent stretch marks, but I swear that Kiehls Creme de Corps works (I used to use their massage creme but they discontinued it). I was petrified of strech marks after witnessing my sister's experience so I was sure I would get them. Needless to say, after hearing Pam Anderson (not a great spokeperson for all things but great for "body" related issues) endorse Kiehls I rushed to my local Nordstroms and bought a huge bottle. Not one stretch mark. Good genes? Maybe, but it always felt good on my itchy belly especially towards the very end when I was huge.
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