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)!
What Are Stretch Marks?
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.
Types Of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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:
- Striae atrophicans – Caused by thinning of skin
- Striae gravidarum– Stretch marks during pregnancy caused by changing hormones
- Striae rubrae & Striae albae– Red and white-colored stretch marks
- Striae distensae– Caused due to stretched skin
- Striae nigra– Black-colored stretch marks
- Striae caerulea – Dark blue-colored stretch marks
Epidemiology Of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Striae distensae is the most common type of stretch mark that emerges on various milestones in your life. It affects 43%-88% pregnancies. Striae gravidarum, on the other hand, affects 50-90% pregnancies.
Some other factors can also make a woman more likely to develop stretch marks during pregnancy and they’re as follows:
- Such lesions are also more prominent in light skinned individuals than the dark skinned lot.
- A family history of striae can also put you at increased risk of developing them.
- During pregnancy, younger women are more likely to develop stretch marks than the older ones.
- A larger abdominal circumference and those on the heavier side are also more likely to develop striae.
- Lastly, certain studies suggest that stretch marks are more common in smokers than in non-smokers.
What Causes Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
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.
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.
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.
Treating Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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.
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.
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.
Use of topical emollients, silicone gels, tretinoin cream, and chemical peels are some common approaches for treating stretch marks. Stretch mark targeting creams are also advised to be applied topically even before their appearance for maximum results.
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.
AreoVeda’s Bullet Coffee Stretch Mark Cream
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!
Click here to place an order for AreoVeda’s Bullet Coffee Stretch Mark Cream right away.
Winding Up!
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.
FAQs
- What is the best stretch mark cream that can be used during pregnancy?
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.
- How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy?
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.
- What are the types of stretch marks that develop during pregnancy?
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.
Article Source:
This article was originally published on:
https://www.areoveda.in/blog/pregnancy/what-to-know-about-stretch-marks-during-pregnancy