How to reduce stretch marks during pregnancy
What stretch marks are, who gets them and why, what helps your skin as your bump grows, and how to get the most from a stretch mark cream.
Stretch marks are one of the most common skin changes of pregnancy. Michigan Medicine puts the share of pregnant women who get them at 50% to 90%. They are harmless to you and your baby, and they fade with time. If you would like them to be less noticeable, there is a fair amount you can do.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks form when skin stretches faster than it can adapt. The collagen and elastic fibres in the deeper layer of skin are pulled apart, and narrow lines appear on the surface. In pregnancy they are called striae gravidarum.
They usually show up on the belly, breasts, hips, thighs and bottom. New marks are pink, red or purple, or darker brown on deeper skin tones. Over months they fade to a pale, silvery colour.
Who gets them?
- Pregnant women, most often in the second half of pregnancy.
- Teenagers, during growth spurts.
- Anyone who gains or loses weight quickly, or builds muscle fast.
- People using strong steroid creams for a long time, or with certain medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome.
Your genes matter a lot. If your mother or sisters got stretch marks in pregnancy, you are more likely to. Younger mothers, women carrying twins or a larger baby, and those who gain weight quickly are also more prone.
Itchy skin is often the first sign
Skin that is stretching tends to feel dry, tight and itchy, and the itch often shows up where stretch marks are about to appear. Try not to scratch. Moisturise instead, and read our tips on itchy skin during pregnancy.
Intense itching on your palms or soles, especially at night, is different. It can be a sign of a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis, so see a doctor promptly.
What helps
Gain weight steadily
Gradual weight gain is easier on your skin than sudden jumps. Your doctor or klinik kesihatan will give you a target based on your weight before pregnancy.
Eat well and drink enough
Your skin needs protein, vitamin C, healthy fats and enough water to stay in good condition. Our guide to food for healthy skin in pregnancy has ideas.
Moisturise every day, starting early
Keeping stretching skin moisturised keeps it soft and supple and eases the itch. Start in the second trimester, apply twice a day to the belly, breasts, hips and thighs, and keep going after birth while your skin settles.
Avoid retinoid creams in pregnancy
Prescription retinoid creams such as tretinoin can help early stretch marks look less noticeable, but they should not be used while you are pregnant. Ask your doctor about them after you finish breastfeeding.
Our stretch mark care
Our Stretch Mark Cream deeply moisturises skin as it stretches, keeps it supple and helps prevent stretch marks. It also eases the dry, tight feel that makes a growing bump itchy. It is made with:
- Aloe vera, which soothes and moisturises dry skin
- Lipobelle Soyaglycone, soy isoflavones that help keep skin soft and supple
- Shea butter and olive oil, which moisturise and soften
- Jojoba oil, which leaves skin feeling smooth
It feels cool, absorbs quickly and is made without parabens and alcohol (alcohol denat.). In a Mama's Choice satisfaction survey of 78 mothers in Indonesia (2022), 91% felt their stretch marks looked less visible and 88% felt fewer new stretch marks appeared while they used it. Results vary from person to person.
For a two-step routine, apply the Stretch Mark Serum first. It is a light serum with niacinamide and Japanese mugwort that helps reduce the look of stretch marks and dark spots. In a Mama's Choice use test with 29 mothers in Indonesia (2022), 90% agreed their stretch marks looked less noticeable. Then follow with the cream.
Both are formulated for pregnancy and breastfeeding and are halal certified by BPJPH, Indonesia. Buy them together as the Stretch Mark Cream and Serum bundle.
How to use it
- Apply to clean skin on your belly, breasts, hips and thighs, morning and evening.
- Massage in gently until it absorbs.
- Use it any time your skin feels dry or itchy.
- Keep going after birth. Newer, pinker marks respond better to care than old, silvery ones.
Find the Stretch Mark Cream and its latest price on Shopee.
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This article is for information only and is not a substitute for diagnosis or medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your own situation.
