During the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy, around 90 percent of women will get stretch marks--reddish lines that mar the breast and belly. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains that stretch marks form when the skin expands quickly to accommodate your growing baby. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, says ACOG; specialty creams and butters make your skin softer, but there's no scientific proof that any of them work. There are a limited number of ways to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy; the treatments that work most effectively are offered by a skilled medical professional.
Step 1
Wait it out. The Mayo Clinic states that stretch marks become less noticeable over time. In the meantime, ACOG recommends using sunless tanning treatments to camouflage stretch marks. Over-the-counter sunless tanning lotions and salon "spray on" treatments can both be helpful; however, tanning itself won't help, as stretch marks don't tan. You can also choose to use body make-up to blend stretch marks in with the rest of your skin.
Step 2
Use topical treatments with caution. Dermatologist Eric Bernstein states in "The Patient's Guide to Stretchmarks" that the only creams and lotions he advises include topicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids and prescription Retin-A. However, topical treatment yield very modest results. Bernstein goes on to say that these products are most effective when used with a topical steroid cream. Other "miracle ingredients"--aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, cocoa and shea butters--are not supported by scientific studies that indicate they have any effect on stretch marks, he says.
Step 3
See your dermatologist. Pulsed dye laser therapy and fractional photothermolysis are two nonablative (nonwounding) medical treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy, says the Mayo Clinic, and use of an excimer laser may be helpful to treat older stretch marks. Another option cited by the Mayo Clinic for older stretch marks is microdermabrasion, in which tiny crystals are directed at the surface of the skin through a hand-held device and then vacuumed up.
Step 4
Avoid spending time and money on stretch mark treatments that yield no results. In addition to an array of tempting stretch mark creams, Bernstein lists surgery, chemical peels and special diets as other ineffective ways to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy. Given all of your options to treat stretch marks, Bernstein indicates that laser treatments are often the most effective treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're pregnant, you'll gain weight during a short period of time. The Mayo Clinic advises women concerned about stretch marks to work with a doctor to develop strategies to minimize weight gain while eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Things You'll Need
- Retin-A (if prescribed by your dermatologist)
- Cream/lotion that contains alpha-hyroxy acid
- Sunless tanning lotion or spray
- Body make-up
