What is a Stretch Mark?
It’s actually very simple. Stretch marks are scars! Stretch marks appear when the skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. Because of the speed of change, the actual building blocks of the skin can’t keep up and rupture. Collagen and elastin are the main building blocks. When they rupture, stretch marks are born.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are associated with weight gain and loss and are common during puberty, growth spurts, muscle growth, and pregnancy.
If you have stretch marks, you’ll notice they come in different colors. They will appear red, purple, pink, or brown if they are new. Fresh stretch marks are often slightly raised and itchy.
Older stretch marks are faded and will look silver. You will feel a slight dip when you run your hand over them. These stretch marks have essentially healed and leave a slight depression similar to a scar.
Are Stretch Marks Genetic?
Yes, stretch marks are genetic. You will most likely develop stretch marks if you notice your mother or grandmother has stretch marks.
When Do Stretch Marks Appear in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is the other primary time stretch marks will form outside of puberty. Stretch marks occur due to rapid expansion of the skin, and growing a baby requires a lot of room, so the skin will need to stretch to accommodate. Throughout your pregnancy, you may notice stretch marks on your stomach and elsewhere between 6 to 7 months or your second and third trimesters.
4 Tips on Preventing Stretch Marks
Below are four simple everyday things you can do to prevent the development of stretch marks.
Drink Water & Hydrate
We love water, and we want you to love water too. Being adequately hydrated means the skin is also hydrated, meaning it is softer and more flexible. We recommend drinking 72 ounces of water a day, or nine cups. If you drink caffeinated beverages, be sure to double fist with water. Caffeine increases the risk of developing stretch marks.
Sun Bathe Responsibly
You don’t need to straight up avoid the sun. Healthy levels of Vitamin D help reduce the risk of stretch marks. Of course, there are other ways of getting Vitamin D. Outside supplements; you will find Vitamin C in bread, some cereals, milk, and yogurt. So, keep wearing your sunscreen and soak up the rays safely.
Monitor Your Weight
As weight gain and loss are the main factors for stretch marks, we suggest developing a safe and healthy relationship with monitoring your weight.
Eat the Rainbow
Simply put, the more colorful your plate, the higher the likelihood that you are eating skin-health-boosting foods. You should prioritize foods high in Vitamins C, D, E, and Zinc. When reaching for a snack, make sure you are relying on unprocessed foods. If you find this a little difficult, there are many supplements and resources online for healthy snack recipes.
Are Stretch Marks Treatable?
There are procedures you can opt into to treat stretch marks. Below are the primary methods.
Laser Therapy & Microdermabrasion
Both of these procedures stimulate and produce collagen and tighten elastin fibers.
Chemical Peels & Micro-Needling
Glycolic acid peels combined with micro-needling have proven effective. This combination has also been proven to work for stretch marks on darker skin tones.
Topical Vitamin A
Vitamin A, like retinoids and tretinoin, helps fade stretch marks but is most effective with newer ones.
Each method has its risks. Be sure to talk with your doctor and dermatologist before selecting either. These procedures are invasive, expensive, not guaranteed, and not always pregnancy-safe. So a conversation with your healthcare provider or a doctor through Orchyd MD™ should be your priority.
If you are uninterested in the above options, you have other solutions!
How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Dermaclara silicone patches are the perfect solution to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. These cost-efficient, non-invasive, chemical-free, dermatologist-approved patches effectively fade stretch marks and tighten loose skin.
The silicone creates a microclimate between the seal and the skin, stimulating collagen production and boosting moisture. As collagen is one of the main building blocks of your skin, having a boost is always a plus. The result is flawless, perfect skin.
Dermaclara is pregnancy safe and breastfeeding-safe! So you can use the patches throughout pregnancy, taking care of your expanding belly and the life growing inside. And you can use them after you have given birth when you are breastfeeding to treat postpartum stretch marks.
Now you know how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy!
How to Use Silicone Patches
Once you have Dermaclara in hand, follow the steps below to see the best results.
Prep Your Face
Begin by cleaning your face with a soft and gentle cleanser.
Apply Dermaclara Silicone Patches
Apply the silicone patches. The patches are versatile, so feel free to place them anywhere you think you need a boost. Leave them on for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Carefully Remove Dermaclara Silicone Patches
After the time is up, gently remove the patches and clean them. Let them dry before reapplying them to the backing card. Patches can be reused for 15 to 30 uses.
That’s it. Super simple and super effective. The founder actually suggests adding silicone patches to your nighttime skincare routine. That way, you can apply your patches, take the wait time to finish up nighttime chores and finish out with the rest of your skincare regimen.