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Pregnancy is a period when a woman’s body faces an enormous challenge. Physiological changes preparing for childbirth manifest themselves not only in troublesome ailments, but can also affect the skin. Stretch marks in pregnancy are one of such ailments. Can they be effectively eliminated?
A few words about stretch marks in pregnancy
Stretch marks are the result of “parting” of the skin. This is due to the rapid stretching of the dermis, e.g. due to the expansion of the uterus and the resulting increase in body weight quite rapidly.
Also check: Belly after pregnancy – what does it look like? How much time does it take to heal?
Factors influencing the formation of stretch marks in pregnancy
The formation of stretch marks is closely related to the impairment of fibroblasts – cells that produce collagen and elastin. These are protein fibers which, by creating a network, provide the skin with elasticity, firmness and greater resistance to stretching. Thus, fibroblast impairment means the production of weaker and defective protein fibers, which translates into a greater risk of stretch marks.
It’s not that stretch marks appear in all pregnant women. Their occurrence is influenced by many factors, including:
- genetic predisposition,
- skin condition before pregnancy,
- the rate of weight gain,
- proper skin care during pregnancy.
Even if you are exposed to stretch marks, proper care, gradual weight gain or skin care can minimize the risk of their appearance.
Stretch marks in pregnancy not only on the stomach
Taking into account the fact that stretch marks in pregnancy are the result of the rapid growth of the uterus, unsightly stripes appear on the skin of the abdomen. However, it is worth being aware that this is not the only location. Stretch marks on the thighs, on the breasts, on the lower back or on the shoulders – it is in these places that bothersome stripes may appear.
Is There An Effective Way For Stretch Marks In Pregnancy?
Fighting stretch marks is not easy – especially if they go from the inflammatory phase to the scarring phase. They may fade over time, but they will not disappear forever.
If stretch marks appear during pregnancy, there is usually nothing else to do but use appropriate cosmetics. Although many treatments in the field of aesthetic dermatology bring very good results, pregnancy is one of the contraindications to perform them. Therefore, the best way to treat stretch marks during this period is to massage in creams intended for pregnant women – only such creams contain safe ingredients.
However, when you finish breastfeeding (this is also another contraindication to many treatments), you can try to remove stretch marks on your thighs or abdomen with treatments such as fractional laser, dermabrasion or chemical peeling with trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
We also recommend cosmetics available on Medonet Market:
- Anka Dziedzic stretch mark cream,
- Lanimes stretch marks cream,
- Strialys stretch mark cream,
- moisturizing balm for stretch marks Sylveco.
Stretch marks in pregnancy – how to prevent?
It is better to prevent stretch marks, and the best way to deal with stretch marks is to properly care for your body before pregnancy. Applying cosmetics, careful massages – all this will make the skin elastic and firm, and therefore better prepared for the challenge of pregnancy.