1. What are stretch marks?
Striae gravidarum, known as stretch marks, during pregnancy is considered the most common skin change (affecting 50-90 percent of pregnant women’s connective tissue). Although not a health issue, they are of cosmetic concern. They occur commonly on the abdomen but are also seen on the breasts, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
2. When do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks are typically seen in the late second or early third trimester, but most commonly during the third trimester. They start as slightly reddish depressed streaks on the skin that fade gradually to leave pale wrinkled lines, which are permanent skin changes.
3. Why do stretch marks appear?
The exact cause remains unclear, but it is likely to be related to the effects of stress on the tissue, or due to stretching of the skin and the hormonal effects of pregnancy.
4. What are the risk factors for stretch marks to appear?
Risk factors include rapid weight gain, higher baby birth weight, genetics, a personal history of stretch marks before pregnancy, and young maternal age.
5. How can I prevent stretch marks?
Although preventative treatments have met with limited success, the severity of appearance can be reduced by daily topical application of emollient and moisturizer containing hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica, triterpenes, hyaluronic, and vitamin E, starting from gestational week 12 until delivery.
6. What treatments would you suggest to prevent or treat stretch marks?
Several treatments can obtain an aesthetic improvement of striae such as:
- Non-Laser Approaches
- Topical 0.05% tretinoin
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion in combination with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Ablative radiofrequency with ultrasound
- Noninvasive multipolar pulsed electromagnetic field
- Microneedling therapy
- Tripolar radiofrequency device
- Laser-based Treatments
- 585 – nm pulsed dye laser
- Copper bromide laser ( 577-511 nm)
- 1064 nm long pulsed NDYAG laser
- 2940 Er:YAG laser
- fractional CO2 Laser
There is substantial clinical improvement observed with laser treatments.
7. Can you recommend a pregnancy safe skincare routine? Every pregnancy is different and unpredictable. There can be no general instructions, and it is always safe to consult your dermatologist before experimenting with any product or dealing with pregnancy-related skin problems. That said, some pregnancy safe skincare routines are:
- Daily UV protection like mineral-based sunscreen, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Mild exfoliation once a week before bed such as using AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), peptides and antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B3, green tea)
- Once a month hydrafacial with pregnancy-safe ingredients especially selected by your certified dermatologist
- For acne-related problems, prescription antibiotic creams like azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are helpful.
8. What are product ingredients to avoid during pregnancy that may be harmful to the baby?
- Retinoids
- High dose salicylic acid
- Hydroquinone
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde
- Chemical sunscreen (oxybenzone)
Writer details:
Dr. Shrujana Shrestha is a dermatologist specializing in aesthetic procedures, and is the Managing Director of Absolute Aesthetics Clinic. Her ultimate goal is to raise the bar in the field of aesthetic practice in Nepal and provide treatments on par with the international level.
Watch her detailed interview on Kantipur: https://youtu.be/0Vvagq_6geQ
