Stretch marks are one of the most unpleasant side effects of pregnancy and are caused by the constant stretching of the skin that happens as your baby grows larger and larger inside you. Not only can stretch marks be unsightly and embarrassing, they can also cause real emotional distress as they form on skin that will never return to its original appearance. Here’s how to get rid of pregnancy stretch marks using the best stretch mark creams on the market today.
The Causes
Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching and are common during pregnancy. They occur when skin becomes thinner, allowing a person’s underlying tissue to show through. Hormonal changes, during pregnancy or otherwise, can cause this change in skin elasticity. There is no way to avoid stretch marks, but there are ways to make them less noticeable.
The Prevention
Stretch marks can be avoided by not gaining excess weight, wearing supportive clothes, and using a good stretch mark cream. The best pregnancy stretch mark creams are those that contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil or jojoba oil. These ingredients help nourish and soften the skin to prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place.
Treatment Options
Stretch marks are a common occurrence in pregnant women and there’s no way to prevent them. However, you can treat them once they appear by using an effective stretch mark cream like Bio-Oil or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Therapy Oil. These products contain ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to help heal your skin and restore its elasticity.
My Personal Experience
I was really fortunate to not have any stretch marks during my pregnancies. I think it’s because I would always take good care of my skin and slather on lotion and body butters every day. When I found out that I was pregnant again, I got a few stretch mark creams to use on my tummy before it stretched too much. The only one that worked for me was Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion.