10 Easy Ways to Get Your Stubborn Stretch Marks to Fade

Pregnancy and childbirth are two definitive events in a woman’s life. It’s a whole new experience, one that is exhilarating, but at the same time somewhat terrifying. Ask any new mother, and she will vouch for it!

Pregnancy brings with it, numerous changes in a woman’s body, most of which leave visible effects. A common skin condition most pregnant women face is stubborn stretch marks that occur on the skin due to fluctuating weight levels in pregnancy. Removing stretch marks becomes a challenge when the body gets back to its normal, pre-pregnancy shape after delivery. 

As a new mother, the last thing you need to worry about is how to get rid of these unsightly stretch marks from your skin. Read on to know how to get the stretch marks to fade, with some loving attention to your body and the aid of natural body care products.

How do you fade stretch marks?

Stretch marks are long, narrow streaks or strips that are seen on the skin. These occur due to skin experiencing sudden, intense growth due to pregnancy, and the resultant weight gain.

Stretch marks form in the middle layer of the skin, when the adjacent tissue is stretched due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin beyond its normal elasticity limit.

When your body grows due to weight gain during pregnancy, the connecting fibres in the dermis have to stretch suddenly. This leads to the dermis tearing up, which allows deeper layers of skin to show through.

The most important thing about stretch marks is that they are just a cosmetic problem, not a serious health issue. More than half of pregnant women have to face this problem, so know that you are not alone. 

It is natural to gain a few pounds on your stomach, breasts, thighs, lower back and hips during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. When you lose all that weight after your child is born, stretch marks become fine white lines showing the fat beneath the skin.

Certain healthy habits can help limit the occurrence of stretch marks. You can minimize the appearance of stretch marks with the following:

• Make sure to gain weight slowly and gradually during pregnancy.

• Exercise moderately regularly after consulting your doctor.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in Vitamin A and C, and minerals, that will support the health of your skin.

• Drink six to eight glasses of water every day.

• Avoid fad diets or crash diets. Losing weight suddenly causes stretch lines to become prominent on the skin.

• Use natural body butter cream and body lotion to avert skin dryness. A natural stretch marks oil can help in lightening the marks.

• Physically exfoliate your skin through dry brushing. This helps loosen up dead skin cells so that moisturizing oils or creams can be absorbed in your skin easily.

• Massage the affected areas with a natural stretch marks oil that has natural plant oils and Vitamin E.

• Use a deep moisturizing body butter cream that has cocoa and shea butters.

• Apply this stretch mark cream throughout pregnancy and post childbirth, to help in removing stretch marks.

How long do stretch marks take to fade away?

Stretch marks generally occur during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. After childbirth, when your weight reduces to normal, stretch marks become fine white lines that are visible on the areas where the pregnancy fat had accumulated. 

These marks may fade away within six to eight months after child birth, or continue to be visible for a year after that. 

Though they look unsightly, stretch marks are not a cause for serious medical concern. It's your choice to live with the marks, or conceal them through make-up or tanning creams. 

Using stretch marks oil and cream for pregnancy marks do help in lightening the marks and improving skin texture.

However, remember to NOT use creams and lotions that contain Retinol, as it is risky during pregnancy and nursing. Retinol is known to seep into the skin and may affect your foetus or new-born. 

Use the natural alternative to Retinol – Bakuchiol, that is a plant derivative and much safer.

Here’s a 4-step skincare routine to get your stretch marks to fade:

1. Use a body wash that is filled with the natural benefits of coconut based mild cleansers and moisturizers to help your skin restore its natural moisture balance. This soap-free cleanser will not dry out your skin and is best for dry and sensitive skin.

2. A natural body lotion that has Shea Butter, Rosehip, and Organic Chamomile and Organic Jojoba oils would provide deep moisturization to your dry, itchy body. Apply liberally after bathing to allow the goodness of these oils and Vitamin E to seep into your skin.

3. Apply a natural stretch marks oil that is effective for pregnancy-induced stretch marks. Make sure it has the soothing properties of natural Almond, Jojoba and extra virgin Olive oils to soothe itchy skin and help in stretch marks removal. Vitamin E and A are both extremely beneficial for skin health. These are found in Sea Buckthorn oil that also has omega fatty acids to aid in skin regeneration and improve elasticity. Rosehip oil stimulates collagen production, while Wheatgerm oil prevents skin damage. Start applying this oil right from your pregnancy, and continue after childbirth. Apply twice a day in the morning and evening for best results.

4. A natural body butter cream would deeply nourish your itchy skin and keep stretch marks in check. With the moisturizing powers of Olive, Jojoba and Almond oils, and the deep nourishing benefits of Cocoa and Shea Butters, this cream would help in increasing your skin’s elasticity and collagen production. Apply this stretch mark cream at night daily through your pregnancy and postnatal periods. You will notice the comforting difference it makes in your skin.

Your body is going through a lot of wear and tear during pregnancy and childbirth. Be kind towards yourself, and indulge in some tender loving care towards your beautiful body.

Pamper your body with the natural, 100% toxin free, chemical free skincare and body care products of The Moms Co. Be absolutely assured that we keep all parabens and synthetic fragrances out, so that you can get the best of mother nature’s bounties. You can trust us with taking full care of your body through your pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum period.

Opt for natural skincare for your body, beautiful. Enjoy the happy glow only mothers are blessed to have.