Stretch marks are elusive. You’ll be going about your life, pulling on a pair of pants, getting ready to head out the door, and suddenly there they are. On your boobs, belly, butt, or thighs, you see the characteristic glowing white web, and you ask yourself, “were they there the whole time? Did they just pop up?” Luckily, we have answers to all these questions and get down to the facts about stretch marks below

Why do stretch marks appear?

It’s good to start off with the basics. In our case, that is answering why stretch marks appear. Stretch marks occur due to rapid expansion of the skin. Pregnancy, puberty, weight gain or loss, and muscle mass are commonly linked to the appearance of stretch marks. When the skin stretches rapidly, it ruptures. The building blocks of our skin, collagen and elastin, tear. Stretch marks are the result of healing that rupture. They can form anywhere on the belly, butt, boobs, hips, arms, or back–Outer thigh stretch marks are particularly infamous. (If you want to know how to get rid of inner thigh stretch marks and more, jump to the bottom!)

What are the first signs of stretch marks?

If you didn’t know, that moment we described above where you notice the white stretch marks actually denotes the final transformation of the stretch mark. New stretch marks come in various shades and often appear pink, red, or purple. As time goes on, stretch marks eventually fade into a silvery-white that contrasts with the surrounding skin.

You may be wondering, “why are my stretch marks itchy?” New stretch marks itch because the skin is thin, and healing skin often itches. The color of the stretch mark indicates how fresh it is. The same goes for ​​itching stretch marks after pregnancy; the skin is more sensitive and prone to itching as it heals.

Do all females get stretch marks during pregnancy?

Obviously, outside of the growth spurt you had when you hit puberty, pregnancy is the other primary time you may experience rapid growth. Up to 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. They are very common! This means you shouldn’t feel alone in these changes.

Another thing to keep in mind is stretch marks are hereditary. If your parents or siblings have them, you will most likely experience them too. 

What week of pregnancy do stretch marks appear?

This question is for our planner mama’s out there. The ones looking ahead, with their Google calendar or pregnancy planner set out next to them. These mamas plan and set intentions on how best to take care throughout the journey. The easy answer is you will begin to notice stretch marks on your belly and elsewhere between the end of your second trimester and the beginning of the third (about 6 to 7 months).

Is there a treatment for stretch marks?

Short answer, yes. Long answer, the pros and cons must be equally weighed before making any decisions. To get rid of stretch marks, collagen, elastin, and moisture all need to be boosted. Some treatments are more efficient, effective, or last longer, while others cost an arm and a leg, are more permanent, but are ultimately unsafe.

The most common treatments to remove stretch marks include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, micro-needling, retinoid creams, and heavy moisturizers. 

Laser Therapy & Microdermabrasion

These procedures stimulate, produce and tighten collagen and elastin fibers. Although effective, these invasive procedures can be costly.

Chemical Peels & Micro-Needling 

Glycolic acid peels combined with micro-needling have proven effective for scars and stretch marks on darker skin tones. Before going this route, double-check with your dermatologist about potential allergic reactions, as chemical peels can be pretty invasive.

Retinoid Creams & Heavy Moisturizers

These topical treatments help fade stretch marks, with the star ingredient being retinol or hyaluronic acid. Topical creams are unlikely to erase stretch marks entirely but instead fade the appearance.

Generally, these treatments help remove or fade stretch marks, but it is essential to note that they are each expensive, not guaranteed, and most importantly, not necessarily pregnancy-safe. Because stretch marks are so common throughout pregnancy, finding a solution that works and is safe for you and your baby is vital.

What is the best treatment for stretch marks?

The best treatment for stretch marks is the one that considers your lifestyle, your overall health, and the potential of your beautiful skin. At the end of the day, the best way to do away with stretch marks is with Dermaclara. But, before we get into the magic of silicone patches, we want to share additional tips to help take care of your skin from the inside out. 

Keep Hydrated

This doesn’t just have to be chugging water! Drop some electrolytes into your water bottle, invest in a cute humidifier, and stock your fridge (or drink fridge if you’re fancy) with your favorite sparkling water. When you are hydrated on the inside, it shows on the outside!

Take Your Nutrients

Or better yet, EAT your nutrients. Foods rich in amino acids, Zinc, and Vitamins A, C, and D positively affect your skin. When you are in the grocery store, fill your cart with the following skin-friendly foods: nuts, seafood, whole grains, beans, sweet potatoes, lean meats, almonds, leafy greens, citrus, grass-fed and raw cheeses, yogurt, and kefir. 

Wear Your Sunscreen

Selfcare = sunscreen. When you care about something, you protect it. Although sunscreen alone does not prevent stretch marks, wearing sunscreen helps protect the skin’s overall health. Wearing sunscreen and sun protection also helps prevent those scars from deepening and becoming more noticeable.

How does the silicone patch erase stretch marks?

Back to our favorite subject, Dermaclara stretch mark patches!

The concept is simple, but the results are astounding. Silicone patches help the body produce collagen, moisture, and nutrients to help heal and erase stretch marks. The silicone creates a microclimate where the skin can restore itself, boosting moisture and collagen production.

Most creams and stretch mark solutions offer topical solutions, but Dermaclara goes above and beyond. We are not here to make superficial promises. When applied, our medical-grade silicone stretch mark patch creates an intensive and localized effect pulling moisture to the upper levels of the epidermis, naturally reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Dermaclara stretch mark patches are adaptable and work for inner thigh stretch mark removal, outer thighs, hips, boobs, C-section scars, the belly, and even the butt (although we may not be able to give you a before and after showcasing a butt with stretch marks). Wherever you want to deliver some TLC and see change, Dermaclara has got you.

Our patches are reusable, non-invasive, chemical-free, and pregnancy and breast-feeding-safe. We are in it for the long haul and offer a guaranteed solution you can turn to no matter your life stage. All we want is for you to be happy in your skin and to help you achieve the glowing, bouncy skin you deserve.