How to Treat Stretch Marks

Your baby will be the best thing to ever happen to you. Stretch marks… not so much.

Stretch marks occur when your body begins to grow faster than your skin, thus breaking the skin and creating these marks. They vary in size and color, but will fade over time. They may begin as red/purple then fade to white or gray, fortunately.

During pregnancy, your body is growing rapidly – 25-35 lbs in 9 months is a huge deal! Because of this, stretch marks are very common during pregnancy. You may notice stretch marks around your breasts, belly, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.

Before you get upset, keep in mind: NO, you are not alone (90% of women will get stretch marks during pregnancy!), and YES there are ways to help minimize the damage of stretch marks. While there is really no key way to prevent, you can at least care for them. Here are a few tips that may reduce stretch mark damage:

• Use a stretch mark cream or body butter every day. Lathering up and keeping skin moisturized and supple can help reduce the appearance.
• Use Aloe Vera on your skin, as it can help with the fading.
• Olive oil or castor oil can both be used to moisturize your body during pregnancy.
• Egg whites are loaded with protein, rich in collagen, and vitamin A. Apply to skin for 15 minutes then wash off for a quick, natural treatment. We’re not totally sure this method works, but it’s been rumored.
• Drink water. Staying hydrated detoxifies and restores loss of elasticity.
• Use No Time for Stretch Marks to firm, reduce marks, and repair skin. The best part? It’s all-natural, hypo-allergenic, and dermatologist-tested!

There are also cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but that is a personal choice and should be discussed with your doctor.

The important thing to keep in mind is the fact that you have a wonderful, healthy baby to care for. At the end of the day, stretch marks are the least of your worries while you are juggling motherhood, right? Let them be a little reminder of the miraculous birth of your baby – they are “battle scars” to be proud of.