Stretch Marks: During and Post Pregnancy
What are Pregnancy Stretch Marks?
In pregnancy, stretch marks are also referred to – as striae gravidarum. In simple words – a type of scar that happens when the pregnant women’s body becomes bigger, the skin stretches, resulting in the elastic fiber beneath the skin breaking. Pregnant females develop stretch marks in the abdomen and breasts, which are the body parts that rapidly stretch. It also develops in the arms as well as buttocks.
When stretch marks appear, they may feel slightly raised, usually reddish or purple. However, as with passing time, they feel like small depressions on the skin. It changes to white or grey post pregnancy. Stretch marks can be itchy when they initially appear. They are predominant and impact about 8 in 10 pregnant women. Stretch marks do not pain, harmless, and may not need any treatment as they fade over time.
Causes
Stretch mark severity is affected by lot of factors, comprising genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. The level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol — a hormone synthesized by the adrenal glands — weakens elastic fibers in the skin. However, an expectant mother is more likely to get stretch marks if she utilizes corticosteroid medication or experiences underlying medical conditions like – Cushing’s syndrome, or Marfan syndrome.
Genetics also plays an essential role in the development of stretch marks in the expecting mother. If the pregnant woman’s mother developed stretch marks during her pregnancy, the probability of the pregnant woman experiencing stretch marks are also high. may develop stretch marks depending on their skin’s elasticity. Also, lifestyle habits (food as well as physical activity or exercise) enhance skin health and elasticity. The probability of women developing stretch marks also depends on their weight and the pace at which they gain it.
Stretch marks develop as the baby grows, the skin stretches, and the bump expands. As pregnant women gain weight quickly, pregnant women are more susceptible to marks. Stretch marks do not cause medical problems and develop differently in every woman.
Treatments for stretch marks
Often, treatment is more effective when doctors treat stretch marks earlier rather than later . Therefore, women must commence treatment early. The distinct therapies may comprise:
Chemical peels: The health professional, dermatologist or plastic surgeon can perform chemical peels to take out the dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layer.
Laser therapy: Laser therapies are procedures that utilize specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain, swelling and scarring. Several studies depict that laser therapy can lessen the visibility of stretch marks by increasing the skin’s collagen production, reinstating elastin fibres, and hardening the epidermal layer. However, prior undergoing this treatment, women must remember that laser therapy would probably comprise repeated treatments prior results are visible.
Microdermabrasion: Dermatologists utilise microdermabrasion to enhance skin tone as well as texture. It refers to a minimally invasive technique to treat age spots, acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and other skin-related issues.
Micro-needling: Micro needling lessen wrinkles and scars. They utilise fine needles to pierce the skin. The healing of these minor injuries can rejuvenate skin. Doctors generally perform micro needling over a series of four to six sessions.
Radiofrequency refers a non-invasive procedure that utilizes radiofrequency waves to heat deeper skin layers to activate the body’s natural wound-healing process, harden the skin and stimulate collagen production.
Topical gels or creams with hyaluronic acid: Research depicts that if women apply hyaluronic acid for early stretch marks, it can make them less visible.
Prescription creams with tretinoin: Creams comprising tretinoin may improve the appearance of stretch marks if women use them daily. They must use it early when stretch marks appear. Tretinoin refers – a retinoid which increases the pace of skin cell turnover and encourages collagen growth. Only the dermatologist can prescribe a tretinoin cream. Women cannot utilise retinoids if pregnant since they may cause congenital disabilities. They must also avoid these creams when breastfeeding since they can be absorbed into breast milk.
Creams with cocoa butter or vitamin E: The usage of these creams is widespread. Almost all creams women buy at medical stores contain one or both ingredients. Unfortunately, no large-scale study has proven these ingredients reduce women’s chances of getting stretch marks or minimize their appearance once they already have them. Women can utilise creams with these ingredients since they are safe during pregnancy and can keep their skin moisturized to reduce itchiness.
Silk `n` Soft – by Fibroheal – a specially formulated moisturizing cream enriched with silk protein, sweet almond oil, shea butter and glycerin, suitable for all skin types. The moisturizing and regenerating properties of Silk protein works at the cellular level by increasing the production of collagen and elastin fibers beneath the skin, making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It improves the skin`s natural firmness and integrity, softens the skin because of its cohesive effect on the superficial flaking epidermal cells, by binding them and reduces the visibility of stretch marks.
