Stretch Marks After Pregnancy: Causes & Treatment for After Birth Stretch Marks
You’ve made it through the wonderful journey that is pregnancy and are experiencing the many changes in a woman's body that are brought about throughout that journey. While the miracle of childbirth is a joyous occasion, it can also leave behind some physical reminders, such as stretch marks after pregnancy. These after birth stretch marks or fine lines or streaks on the skin that are typically found on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs, are a common occurrence post-pregnancy – occurring in up to 90% of pregnancies. However, understanding the causes and effective treatments for stretch marks can help women embrace their postpartum bodies – postnatal stretch marks and all - with confidence.
Causes of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy:
Stretch marks, scientifically known as striae gravidarum, occur when the skin is stretched rapidly due to various causes including weight gain, rapid growth during puberty, and the stretching of skin during pregnancy. The rapid stretching causes the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down, resulting in the formation of these marks. While some women may be genetically predisposed to stretch marks after pregnancy, most women will see them at some point during their pregnancies, whether its early on in their pregnancy or they develop stretchmarks after childbirth. While stretch marks typically start to show during pregnancy it is not uncommon to see new stretch marks after giving birth.
Post Pregnancy Stretch Marks Treatment Options:
While some women choose to embrace their postpartum stretch marks, others would love to say goodbye to their after-pregnancy belly stretch marks. Fortunately, there are remedies for stretch marks after pregnancy that help to improve the appearance of stretch marks and skin elasticity, including using Palmer’s popular Cocoa Butter Formula Stretch Marks after pregnancy products.
1. Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks:
Since consistent use is key to improving the appearance of stretch marks on hips, inner thighs, and legs after pregnancy, which are common along with post birth stretch marks on the stomach, having one product that you can use all over the body is important. Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is the perfect option to help you tack your stretch marks after pregnancy with the rich blend of Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Collagen, Elastin and Shea Butter this nourishing lotion helps improve the appearance of after birth stretch marks from head to toe while leaving skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
2. Skin Therapy Oil:
Mineral oil-free and formulated with a blend of Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E and natural oils, the Skin Therapy Oil nourishes skin stretched after pregnancy and helps to improve the appearance of scars and postnatal stretch marks. Plus the lightweight dry oil formula is non-greasy, absorbs quickly and provides intense hydration.
3. Tummy Butter:
While typically used during pregnancy, the Tummy Butter is ideal for after birth stretch marks on the belly as well! Specifically designed for use on the abdomen area, this rich balm helps soothe and moisturize skin stretched after pregnancy. The Tummy Butter’s unique combination of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E promotes skin elasticity, helps improve the appearance of after pregnancy belly stretch marks and provides an overnight deep moisture treatment.
4. Firming Butter:
Stretch marks after pregnancy are one concern that women may experience after delivering, but skin firmness can be another one. Tackle loss of firmness and postpartum stretch marks at the same time with Palmer’s Firming Butter. This luxuriously rich lotion is formulated with Collagen and Elastin to help tighten and tone loose, sagging skin, and Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E and Shea Butter to help with fading stretch marks after pregnancy. Regular use of the Firming Butter can improve skin firmness and texture over time, while also providing long-lasting moisture to the skin.
5. Bust Firming Cream:
Breastfeeding and hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to changes in breast size and shape which can lead to breast stretch marks after pregnancy. Palmer's Bust Firming Cream is specially designed to firm and tone the delicate skin around the bust area. Formulated with a blend of Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E Collagen, Elastin, Sweet Almond Oil, and Argan Oil, this unique gel-cream helps restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, promoting a more lifted appearance, while also helping to improve the appearance of after birth stretch marks.
Using Stretch Mark Treatments Post Pregnancy
Whether you choose a lotion, oil, or cream to help improve stretch marks after pregnancy, using the products consistently is the key to seeing results. Combining a variety of methods and products is a great way to improve your stretch marks after delivery. If you don't know what to choose, a new mom kit or a stretch mark care kit is a good start. Whether it is Mother's Day or your thousandth day of motherhood, take time to see what works for you and lets you see progress towards your goal.
What's good for stretch marks after pregnancy differs from woman-to-woman and the intensity of the stretch marks. Whether you choose a massage cream or skin therapy oil, stick with it. Applying anything once or twice will not show any benefit, particularly when it comes to post pregnancy stretch marks. Just remember: the best stretch mark cream after a baby only works if you use it.
If your goal was to see no stretch marks after pregnancy and you see those after birth stretch marks, there’s no need to fret. It’s possible to lighten stretch marks after pregnancy with a little new mom self-care time and consistency that will leave you feeling confident in your postpartum body.
Explore Palmer’s full range of Stretch Mark & Scar products that will help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks after pregnancy and embrace your beauty at every stage of motherhood.