Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them?

According to studies, 55 to 90% of women are affected by pregnancy stretch marks – nothing rare and nothing new! Each woman experiences stretch marks differently.

One will want to avoid them at all costs. Another will want to make them less visible. The last will take pride in them.

It's up to everyone to decide! But whatever your choice, precious advice can always come in handy.

Where do pregnancy stretch marks come from?

Stretch marks – look and feel.

Stretch marks are streaks on the skin. Scars are initially pink and slightly raised. Over time, they fade and become white lines up to 10 centimeters long. They usually appear on the belly but can also show on the thighs, hips or chest.

They can appear as early as the second trimester but tend to show later in pregnancy. They can also develop in the early weeks after childbirth.

The hormone-kilo combo

How exactly do stretch marks appear on the skin? Stretch marks result both from weight gain and hormonal changes. And pregnancy indeed combines both!

Stretch marks are most common during pregnancy or periods of rapid weight gain or growth. Pregnancy strains the elasticity of the skin, especially in the stomach area. The skin stretches, and its elastic fibres and collagen can eventually crack, causing the stretch mark. The hormone increase, including cortisol and estrogen, throughout the nine months accentuates this phenomenon. These hormones reduce the production of elastin and collagen, which are essential for skin flexibility and strength.

How to avoid pregnancy stretch marks

Does the idea of stretch marks upset you? Take action early and regularly when it comes to bad habits. Once they become part of your routine, it will be harder to get rid of them. A few lifestyle habits can help you prevent them:

• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support healthy skin and reduce your risk of developing stretch marks. Focus on consuming foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E and zinc, silica, and collagen.
• Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and soft. This can help make stretch marks less noticeable.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help keep your skin healthy and improve its elasticity. Talk to your doctor about safe exercises during pregnancy.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure: Sun damage can weaken your skin and make it more prone to developing stretch marks. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
• After showering, follow this golden rule: moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Skin elasticity comes with a little effort and lots of nourishment!
• Once a week, scrub yourself. Removing impurities from your epidermis will optimise the penetration of moisturising active ingredients. What's more, your skin will recover its super baby-soft touch!
• Massage with a pregnancy-special oil or cream that acts directly on producing skin-supporting fibres. Make sure you genuinely massage with circular motions; it's even better.

Natural treatments to prevent them

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturising properties and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your stretch marks and massage it for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser that may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Massage coconut oil onto your stretch marks for several minutes and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
• Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect and repair skin damage. Apply vitamin E oil directly to your stretch marks and massage it for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
• Castor oil: Castor oil is a natural moisturiser that may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Apply castor oil to your stretch marks and massage it for several minutes. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
• Sugar scrub: A sugar scrub can help exfoliate your skin and improve blood flow, which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Mix equal parts sugar and coconut oil to make a scrub. Gently massage the scrub onto your stretch marks for several minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

These remedies won't eliminate stretch marks, but they may help make them less noticeable. And, of course, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor to figure out what treatment options are best for you.

Remedies to reduce pregnancy stretch marks

Like all scars, stretch marks will fade over time. But if you feel uncomfortable with them, you can also boost this process.

Ultra-targeted treatments

Are you looking for practical recipes? Try ultra-targeted treatments that combine natural active ingredients, vitamins and trace elements.

This combination works wonders on stretch marks, making them smaller and less noticeable. Put it on twice daily and rub it with a massage roller. Don't remember to stay away from the sun - it's not great for any scars.

A step further

If you're embarrassed by your stretch marks, you can take it a step further with other solutions such as:

• Microdermabrasion to renew the epidermis' layers
• Laser treatments that reduce scars

But keep in mind that stretch marks never disappear entirely.

Embracing your stretch marks

Another option is to embrace your remaining stretch marks and not try to hide them at all costs! Today, supported by the Positive Body feminist trend, many people promote "natural bodies". The idea is to accept and love all human body types instead of aiming for an unreachable ideal.

Some women even take pride in their stretch marks via the #stretchmarksarebeautiful hashtag on Instagram. Rapper Kendrick Lamar, in his song Humble, for instance, also says that he's sick of Photoshop and wants something "natural, like stretch marks". So, if Kendrick says so …

Explore our comprehensive range of specialised products designed for stretch mark care, including our highly effective stretch mark cream, nourishing organic oil, and the soothing Stelatopia lipid-replenishing cream. Each product is meticulously formulated to support skin elasticity, provide deep hydration, and promote skin health during and after pregnancy.