Post pregnancy your wardrobe tends to become limited, in no small part due to the presence of stretch marks that came along with the baby. However, you can get rid of these marks using natural remedies as well as certain medical procedures.
Stretch marks on the abdomen appear in the later stages of pregnancy, when the belly expands to accommodate the growing baby. These are caused due to overstretching of the skin. As a result, the fibrous tissue present in the middle layer of the skin gets broken, and the skin loses its natural elastic properties. Initially, they look like small lines on the surface that are pink, red, or purple in color. With time, they fade and change into a pale, white color. If you are looking for ways to get rid of these marks after giving birth, then the following may be of some help to you.
Treatments That Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Tretinoin Cream
The main ingredient of this cream is vitamin A, which is good for the skin. When this cream is regularly applied topically, it can reduce the appearance of the marks to a great extent. This cream is available under prescription only, and is not suitable for pregnant women or lactating mothers.
Microdermabrasion
In this method, the top layer of skin is exfoliated with help of small crystals. As the new layer of skin appears on the treated area, the stretch marks disappear. Just one session of the treatment is not enough to fade out the scars. It is only after a number of sessions that some improvements can be seen.
Endermologie
This method involves use of a machine to massage the area where the stretch marks appear. As a result, the blood circulation of the affected area is improved and the toxins are eliminated. This massage has to be done a number of times before it can start showing results.
Laser Therapy
Laser surgery involves use of different types of lasers for removal of stretch marks. One type fades out the dark color of the marks, while another promotes the growth of pigment-making cells on those areas where the marks have already faded out. The latest method improves collagen production of the skin, that enables the affected skin to regain its natural elasticity. The only drawback of this treatment is that it is highly expensive.
Getting Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally
Many people consider that the best way to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy is by natural means. This is simply because they are effective, painless, and affordable.
Stretch Mark Creams
There are a number of natural creams and lotions that helps to get rid of stretch marks. Cocoa butter cream, emu oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter are the main components of these creams and lotions which have proven to be highly beneficial on these ugly scars.
Aloe Vera Extract
Aloe vera is well-known for its excellent healing properties. Basically, stretch marks are nothing but microscopic tears in the layers of the skin caused by overstretching. When fresh aloe vera extract is applied on them, it heals up these wounds and lessens their appearance.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
The natural antibiotic properties of grapefruit seed extract have a healing effect on stretch marks. It can restore the functioning of the damaged collagen and elastin of the skin and bring about improvement in the texture of the skin of that area. This way grapefruit seed extracts help eradicate these marks. It can also be used for preventing the appearance of the stretch marks by applying it during pregnancy.
Eating healthy foods that are rich in zinc, vitamin C and E, drinking plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated, and avoiding direct exposure to the sun can help reduce the occurrence of stretch marks.
