Breast Stretch Marks: What Are They? Can You Prevent or Get Rid of Them?
Breast stretch marks are one of the permanent reminders of pregnancy that most women would rather avoid. They do not just appear on the breast, but can also appear on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. They appear as red or dark streaks along the skin and may eventually turn silvery white.
They are not confined to pregnant women either. If you experience sudden weight gain or growth spurts, you can get them too.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks appear when your skin is forced to stretch too quickly. This usually happens during pregnancy. Breast stretch marks can also occur during puberty or when you gain or lose weight rapidly.
Why Do You Get Them?
Collagen and elastin provide support and elasticity to your skin. When your skin is stretched too quickly, it can cause tearing in the collagen and elastin fibers. That’s when stretch marks appear.
Can You Prevent Breast Stretch Marks?
You have about a 20% chance of NOT getting breast stretch marks during pregnancy.
Heredity is one factor that affects your chance of having stretch marks. If your mom had stretch marks when she got pregnant, you may get them too.
Race or ethnicity is also a factor. Somehow, women with more skin melanin are less prone to stretch marks.
Prevention is better than trying to get rid of them later. During pregnancy, keep your body hydrated and drink enough water. Apply a rich natural moisturizing cream on your breasts, belly, buttocks and thighs. This will keep your skin elastic and help prevent stretch marks from appearing.
Stretch marks on the breast and other parts of the body can be avoided if you can prevent rapid and uncontrolled weight gain. Exercise and a balanced diet will help maintain your weight. Adequate amounts of Vitamins C, A, and E, and healthy fats will help maintain the elasticity and suppleness of your skin.
Is There A Cure For Breast Stretch Marks?
It’s hard to totally remove stretch marks once you have them, most say it is impossible. Breast stretch marks will not disappear overnight but you can do something to reduce their visibility.
Lotions and creams. The best stretch mark creams contain cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, natural vitamin E, and lanolin. Cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer that helps nourish deeply and heals scars. Some people swear by using something as simple as cold pressed olive oil.
Massage. Regular massage can stimulate the growth of new collagen and repair the damage to the skin. Massage and specially formulated creams will help diminish stretch marks.
Laser therapy. Laser treatment to remove breast stretch marks is becoming popular because of its effectiveness. Again, it may take several months before you notice any improvement and it is expensive. It may not be an option for everyone.
Although I wouldn’t choose that last option myself, I know that it is out there and works for some. It is more intrusive than the alternatives, and doesn’t seem to give any health benefits. I’d rather pamper myself with some cold pressed oils or butters, natural stretch mark creams, or a home made concoction.
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