Stretch marks develop in about 90% of women during pregnancy. They appear commonly on the abdomen and breasts, and sometimes on the buttocks, hips, and thighs. A wide range of products, generally known as stretch marks removal cream or anti-stretch marks cream, are available in the market, aiding in preventing or fading the marks during pregnancy.

Stages of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Stretch marks appear gradually during the second or third trimester. They begin as streaks with slight depression, which eventually lighten in colour. Stretch marks form in 3 stages.

Stage 1: Initially, the early stretch marks appear pink, the skin may look flattened and thin, and may also feel itchy.

Stage 2: Gradually, the stretch marks will enlarge in length and width, and appear as reddish or purple color streaks.

Stage 3: Eventually, the stretch marks lose their color. They will begin to fade about 6 months after childbirth, and become pale white. They may also appear irregular in shape or length.

Why do Stretch Marks Appear During Pregnancy?

Scientists suggest that stretch marks result from the changes occurring in your skin’s ability to stretch (elasticity) during pregnancy. Excess weight gain during pregnancy, young age of the mother, high birth weight of the baby, or even a family history can cause stretch marks during pregnancy. Although stretch marks are inherent during pregnancy, using stretch marks removal creams with safe and natural ingredients can minimize the appearance of the marks.2

Few Safe-to-Use Ingredients in Stretch Marks Cream

Many effective creams for stretch marks are available for use. Commonly, these creams use certain active ingredients that work in different ways to prevent or fade the stretch marks. Natural agents, such as the extracts from medicinal plants, cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, almond oil, chamomile oil, and aloe vera are a few important ingredients used in the preparation of stretch marks removal creams. These ingredients aid in reducing skin irritation, itching, pigmentation, stretching, and wrinkling. Further, they also help to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and repair—benefits that may be further supported by taking hyaluronic acid supplements as part of a daily skincare routine.

Some of the best creams for stretch marks, such as AreoVeda Stretch Marks Cream is an Ecocert certified, toxin-free cream containing >98% natural ingredients including, STRIOVER™, hyaluronic acid, ghee, cryo coffee, and aloe vera, known to visibly fade your stretch marks in 28 days.

STRIOVER™: It is a unique combination of glycerine and two plants commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, which helps improve skin firmness.

Hyaluronic acid: Helps improve skin hydration and produce skin protein (collagen).

Ghee: Provides deep moisturisation.

Cryo coffee: These are roasted coffee beans cooled at ultra-low temperatures and finely milled into microsized coffee particles, which soothe the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.

Aloe vera: Helps reduce redness and itching.

Right Way to Use Stretch Marks Removal Cream

Here are a few helpful hacks to enhance the effectiveness of stretch marks removal creams.

• Start using the product as soon as your stretch marks begin to show. Early application will show effective results.
• Take time to gently massage the product onto your stretch marks.
• Maintain a routine. Apply the product every day without fail, as the result takes weeks to show.

Self-Care Tips to Reduce Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time in your life that comes with a significant amount of physical changes, including the development of stretch marks. Small changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you keep your skin supple and significantly reduce stretch marks.

Diet and hydration: Eat foods that are rich in vitamins (B2, B3, E and C) and minerals (zinc). These nutrients will help your body make new collagen, protect the skin from damage, and keep your skin healthy. Additionally, drink at least 2 liters of water every day to strengthen and renew your skin.

Exercise: Regular exercise improves blood circulation throughout the body. Increased blood circulation enhances skin elasticity and helps prevent the development of stretch marks.

Overall, support your skin from excessive stretching during pregnancy by choosing the right cream for stretch marks. While stretch marks are common during pregnancy, early and consistent use of safe and natural creams like AreoVeda Stretch Marks Cream can show visible reduction in marks.