Stretch Marks

cml29

I know that stretch mark are hereditary.  I've also heard that the creams and lotions out there do not work.  What is your opinion?  If I have new stretch marks arriving, will the cream or lotions really help lighten the color or make them go away somewhat?  TIA

Fuzzypeaches

If you're going to get them, you are. Nothing can be done about it.

They will fade with time, and I believe that vitamin e or bio-oil will help them to fade faster.

cml29

Would you apply the bio oil now or after giving birth?  I would assume that now is better than later, right?

ibis

Stretch marks are in the connective tissue under your top layers of skin, so no, creams are not going to help.

lifesajourney

I'm afraid to put it out there and jinx myself, but...

I have also heard the stretch marks are hereditary and there is nothing you can do about it.  My mom got horrible strecth marks from both me and my sister.  I figured I was doomed to get them, too.  I have been using Palmer's tummy butter faithfully every single night (right before bed only) and so far it's worked for me.  

Vitamin E is great for things like strech marks and scars though so you could try that, too, to help.

kellyperk85

cml29:

Would you apply the bio oil now or after giving birth?  I would assume that now is better than later, right?

I put lotion and baby oil on throughout my entire pregnancy and didn't get stretchies until I was 30 weeks and I STILL could not get them to be any lighter.  Bio Oil did not help my stretch marks after pregnancy.  I am 6 months pp and they've lightened ALOT but not completely.  GL!

Boizmom

I've got them.  There's nothing I could do to stop them.  I got more with my second pregnancy then I did my first.  I haven't noticed any new ones this pregnancy.  I tried all the lotions, creams and oils out there and none of them worked.  I don't know if there's any truth to using lotions and such after baby is born to help lighten them, I didn't use them.  Without using them, after I lost my baby weight, my stretch marks were barely noticeable. 

AtlJuneBride

Creams don't help prevent them but can help them fade.  One trick I have read a lot about is using Retin-A to help them fade.  This must be done after birth and breastfeeding though so you'll have to wait on that.  I also have heard that they will lighten significantly on their own.  Also, cream with vitamin e can help a little, I have been using that, if nothing else it helps with itchiness.  While it is mostly hereditary, drink as much water as possible, hydrated skin tends to be more elastic.  Also, talk to your OB first, but flax and/or fish oil supplements may also help.  Good luck

rebecca_cross

I believe there are creams that can make them fade and that baby oil makes them feel a little better (I thought the skin stretching was a little painful and it was incredibly itchy) but unfortunately I got them all over my stomach using that stuff several times a day every day.  

BabyLove987

I think the lotion  I use has lightened them a little.

Lola'sDogMom

Well, my mom has horrible ones (her 60 year old current doctor said the worst he's seen in 30 years of practice) BUT, I haven't gotten any yet. I know it's still possible to get them in the final weeks and during delivery but I also have been keeping very hydrated and using plenty of lotion- I think this has helped my skin stretch more easily. They never go away completely after you get them- creams help lighten and there are laser treatments but they are battle scars for life.

LaurenVal

I have found the secret to preventing them.... not getting rid of them... Its called clarins oil.. I have 2 friends that used it. A dermatologist recommended it..  I was really worried about stretch marks because I have them on my thighs just from growing. I have been using this oil every morning and night all over my belly. I am 7 months with twins and so far none.. heres the link. https://www.amazon.com/Clarins-Tonic-Body-Treatment-Oil/dp/B0007UD8JI  I but it at lord and taylors or macys.

dionnemd10

they are not hereditary-my mom does not have them and i do.   so there goes that theory.   

adcffaa

So far all I have are 5 little red spots on my side and they're at the ends of the stretch marks I got during puberty. I'm hoping they don't get any worse than just the spots but I've been using cocoa butter every morning and stretch mark cream every night and its not really preventing the stretch marks. I'm going to use up the bottles I have (one of each) then stop using them.