But stretch marks are out of your control, as hormones, genetics, and even skin type can impact whether or not you get them and influence their overall appearance. There's no surefire prevention strategy or cure for stretch marks during or after pregnancy.
You'll most likely start to notice stretch marks on your stomach (and elsewhere) around the end of the second trimester into the beginning of the third trimester, when you're between 6 and 7 months pregnant. That said, they do sometimes appear sooner.
While 50 – 90% of pregnant women develop some time of stretch mark during pregnancy, many of these will fade over time and become less noticeable. Even if you are more susceptible to get them, you can follow these 5 steps to avoid stretch marks while pregnant.
A specialist skin treatment oil, Bio-Oil has been specifically formulated to: Support the skin during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth to help maximise skin elasticity and reduce the formation of stretch marks (striae)
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil helps to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks formed during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or periods of rapid weight gain2 . Although it is more effective on newer stretch marks, older stretch marks will also show some improvement with regular use of Bio-Oil Skincare Oil2.
For the prevention of pregnancy stretch marks, massage your skin with Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil twice a day from the beginning of the pregnancy, in order to improve your skin's elasticity. Use Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil in all parts that may be affected, such as the stomach, chest, hips, waist, lower back, and inner thighs.
Stretch marks can't be removed by using coconut oil or any other topically applied product. But coconut oil may improve the overall appearance of skin, which could reduce the look of stretch marks. It may also promote healing and prevent stretch marks from occurring.
You are more likely to get stretch marks if your weight gain is more than average in pregnancy. Most women gain about 10 to 12.5kg (22 to 28lb) in pregnancy, although weight gain varies a great deal from woman to woman. How much weight you gain may depend on your weight before you were pregnant.
Genetics play a huge role in almost any type of human condition, and stretch marks are no exception. If your mom developed them during her pregnancy, it could be because her skin naturally lacks elastin (the connective tissue skin needs in order not to tear).
In two large studies, applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable. Tretinoin is a retinoid, which may also make early stretch marks less noticeable. In one study, people who applied this prescription cream every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks.
Generally speaking, it's best to apply stretch mark creams, lotions and oils after you've had a shower or a bath, when your skin is still slightly damp.
Again, applying virgin coconut oil to your skin appears to be safe during pregnancy. Speak with your doctor about other methods to help with stretch marks or if you have any additional concerns about your skin.
Bio-Oil shouldn't be used if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or broken. The oil's vitamin A content may help exfoliate the skin and encourage new skin cells to form. This accelerates the scar healing process. Vitamin E is shown in some studies to reduce the appearance of scars.
Like with the skin on your face, keeping the pregnant belly skin moisturized from the beginning has positive effects. With the right ingredient list, the pregnant belly oil, again, may be a great tool for not only stretch mark prevention, but also for avoiding dry and itchy skin.
A 2018 study of 80 people with non-hypertrophic scars showed that Bio-Oil had a 14% “better reduction” in stretch marks in comparison with an untreated area.
Bio-oil is a fantastic moisturizer and the safest alternative for pregnant women. If you have acne scars and stretch marks, the ultimate answer is Bio-oil. Pregnancy Tip: Bio-oil will hydrate your skin and make it soft, so start using it from day one of your pregnancy.
Here's one that can provide you with several benefits that Bio-Oil offers, without all the worry. “I would recommend using extra virgin coconut oil to hydrate the skin during pregnancy,” Dr. Mehr offers.
Many creams and lotions claim to prevent, reduce or remove stretch marks. But there's very little evidence these work. There are some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them.
Bio-oil is a brand of choice for moms and dermatologists alike. “I applied BioOil to my entire body while pregnant, because it's been proven to prevent as well as eliminate existing stretch marks,” says Engelman.
When stretch marks appear, it's most often because you've experienced rapid weight gain. To prevent the stretch marks from getting worse, stop any additional weight gain. If you're purposely trying to build muscle mass, consider slowing your routine down so your skin has time to acclimate.
Because sun exposure can weaken skin so that it's prone to stretching and scarring, Middleton used bronzer for color and avoided sunning or tanning. She also practiced yoga during both of her pregnancies to prevent the excessive weight gain that can promote stretch marks.
Unfortunately, stretch marks that appear during pregnancy are primarily hereditary. Another contributing factor is weight gain, and that is one reason, among many, that Tanya Beckford, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Piedmont, stresses the importance of managing weight gain during pregnancy.