How to Remove Stretch Marks After Pregnancy

Your new baby is a bright source of joy in your life, but your stretch marks not so much. Stretch marks are common after pregnancy, affecting as many as half of all women. Stretch marks form when the body gains or loses a significant amount of weight, particularly if it happens within a (relatively) short time frame, as in pregnancy. Stretch marks most commonly appear on the abdomen, but may also form on the breasts, hips, thighs, or arms.

If you want to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy, the internet is full of various treatments, ointments, lotions, and home remedies promising to eliminate stretch marks. It’s hard to know which suggestions are effective and which are just old wives’ tales.

Treatments for Removing Stretch Marks After Pregnancy

The first thing to know is that time is of the essence when it comes to treating stretch marks. That’s because they respond best to treatment when they’re still in an early stage. Stretch marks may fade over time, but if you’re in a hurry to get rid of them (and we don’t blame you!), here are a few trustworthy treatments to consider.

Topical Treatments

While there are many topical treatments out there that don’t actually do much to improve the appearance of stretch marks, there are a few that do make a difference. Topicals made with glycolic acid or Retin-A have been proven to be more effective at treating the visibility of stretch marks.

Both glycolic acid and Retin-A are common ingredients in skincare products designed for reducing wrinkles, smoothing skin texture, and healing acne scars. Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, while Retin-A is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself. Ask your doctor or SpaMD clinician to recommend a product for you.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic treatment in which a laser is used to dissolve the molecular bonds of damaged skin cells layer by layer until smoother, more even looking skin shows through. It is often used to treat sun damage, wrinkles, and acne scars, but has also proven to be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy. Learn more about laser skin resurfacing at SpaMD.

Oil Treatments

Natural oils have been experiencing a surge in popularity recently and may already be a part of your skincare regimen. But did you know they can also be used on your body to remove stretch marks after pregnancy? Massaging oil into the skin affected by stretch marks is a low-cost and simple way to help reduce their appearance.

The best approach is to mix a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, castor oil, or jojoba oil) with an essential oil (like rosehip oil, lavender oil, or primrose evening oil). The carrier oils moisturize your skin to promote elasticity, while the essential oils offer antioxidants and healing compounds that will help reverse the damage caused by the stretch marks.

Dry Brushing

A whole host of benefits have been attributed to dry brushing, from skin exfoliation to improved digestion. Seems like bold claims for what is essentially the practice of massaging the skin with a soft but firm brush, but there’s a science to it.

The firm bristles work their magic by stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory systems when you brush in upward circular motions. This helps send nutrients to the areas you’re dry brushing (like your stretch marks) while better eliminating toxins. Experts recommend dry brushing in the morning due to its invigorating effects. Follow up your dry brushing with a moisturizing body lotion for maximum benefit.

Best Treatment for Stretch Marks

While none of these treatments are a guaranteed solution to stretch marks, using them in combination will help reduce the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy by promoting healing and skin rejuvenation.

Our clinicians would be happy to put together a custom program for you, designed to eliminate your stretch marks. Schedule a free consultation to get started.