Stretch Marks: “Scars of Motherhood?”

Isn’t motherhood just wonderful? From the time of being pregnant to giving birth every mother goes through a roller-coaster ride of experiences and emotions. In this ride new moms often struggle with their post-pregnancy bodies, especially stretch marks. While it is natural to feel conscious about these changes, it is also important to embrace them as a symbol of motherhood, a beautiful and empowering journey.

Stretch mark development

Stretch marks occur due to the rapid expansion of the skin during pregnancy, which causes the collagen and elastin fibers present in the skin to break down. They usually appear on the stomach, breasts, thighs, and hips, and can be pink, red, or purple initially but then fade to white over time.

After pregnancy, stretch marks fade over time to an extent but they often remain visible on the skin. This is because stretch marks cause permanent damage to the skin's dermal layer. The skin loses some of its elasticity and resilience as a result, leading to the appearance of the stretch marks.

Why are they so tough to get rid of? 

Stretch marks are tough to deal with and get rid of because they cause permanent damage to the skin's dermal layer. This damage can include the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres that provide support and elasticity to the skin, as well as changes in the skin's pigmentation. Once formed, they do not typically go away completely on their own. 

Some treatments, like topical creams containing retinol or glycolic acid, may be effective for some people, but they may not work for everyone. Moreover, some people may be more likely than others to get stretch marks due to genetic causes. Stretch marks may also be more likely to appear during pregnancy, quickly fluctuating weight, and hormonal fluctuations. How easily stretch marks can be treated can also depend on where they are located and how severe they are.

What can help to curtail them?

While stretch marks are a natural part of the post-pregnancy body, there are ways to improve their appearance. One of the most effective ways is to apply lotions containing Retinol, says Dr Ria. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, a potent anti-aging ingredient that increases cell turnover and helps to stimulate collagen production. Retinol can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by making them less noticeable. 

Dr Ria suggests that while using Retinol for treating stretch marks, it's important to use it consistently over a period of several weeks to see results. It's also important to use a high-quality Retinol product that is formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, as they can be harsh on some skin types.

However, it's important to note that these treatments may not work for everyone and that embracing one's body, including its stretch marks, is an important part of feeling confident, sexy and comfortable in your skin.