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- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Use of a Specific Anti-Stretch Mark Cream for Preventing or Reducing the Severity of Striae Gravidarum
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Use of a Specific Anti-Stretch Mark Cream for Preventing or Reducing the Severity of Striae Gravidarum
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Is It Possible to Remove Stretch Marks After a Pregnancy?
At least half of pregnant women get stretch marks 2. These small skin streaks -- usually in the abdomen -- occur as your stomach grows faster than the skin that surrounds it. The stretch marks start out pink, purple or brown, then fade to silvery white, becoming less noticeable as time goes on 12. Topical creams haven't proven very effective, but there are a few remedies that show promise if your stretch marks are bothersome 2.
A Topical Approach
Genetics play a role in who develops stretch marks, and since the skin expanding rapidly is a cause, you're also more likely to have them if you have multiples or gain much more weight than what's recommended 12. Most studies have shown that topical creams don't help much. A review of six trials published in 2012 found that the creams were no more effective than a placebo. One recent study, though, in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found promise in an anti-stretch-mark moisturizer containing hydroxyprolisilane-C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E. Baby Center also recommends prescriptions containing Retin-A and glycolic acid, but Retin-A use is not recommended during pregnancy or while breast-feeding 26.
Zapping Them Away
Side Effects of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
Learn More
More drastic -- as well as expensive and potentially painful -- options include laser treatments. Pulse-dyed laser and fractional nonablative laser treatments cost hundreds of dollars, but might fade the stretch marks or improve their texture, "Oprah" magazine says 12.
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References
- Oprah: How to Treat Stretch Marks
- Baby Center: Stretch Marks
- American Pregnancy Association: Are Pregnancy Stretch Marks Different?
- The Cochrane Library: Topical Preparations for Preventing Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
- British Journal of General Practice: No Evidence for Topical Preparations in Preventing Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Use of a Specific Anti-Stretch Mark Cream for Preventing or Reducing the Severity of Striae Gravidarum
- Farahnik B, Park K, Kroumpouzos G, Murase J. Striae gravidarum: Risk factors, prevention, and management. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(2):77-85. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.11.001
- Wollina U, Goldman A. Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae). J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(3):124-129. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_118_17
Writer Bio
Bonny Brown Jones has been a writer, columnist, copy editor and senior copy editor for newspapers that have included the "Orlando Sentinel," "Miami Herald" and "Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch." Jones has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio State University.