Berkeley Parents Network: Stretchmarks

Berkeley Parents Network

Stretchmarks

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Pregnancy & Childbirth > Stretchmarks

Stretch marks on teen's breasts
Stretch marks and thin skin
What can I do to prevent stretch marks?

Stretch marks on teen's breasts

Oct 2006

My teenage daughter has really noticeable very red stretch marks on her breasts. She is really bothered by them. Does anyone know any remedy, either prescription or herbal, that might help? Or any doctor to suggest? Thanks for your help worried mom

Stretch marks are deep scars caused by overstretching of the deep layer of skin called the dermis. This can happen during periods of rapid growth like pregnancy or breast develpment. Because the body grows faster in these situations than the skin can, the dermis tears. The outer layer of skin remains intact, so there is no wound, but the tear in the dermis makes a stretch mark. Initially these marks are red and angry looking like any new scar. Over time, they generally fade and turn white which makes them less noticeable. Once there though, they never go away. Because they are deep in the skin, there is no effective topical treatment for them. Elizabeth

Stretch marks and thin skin

April 2003

Now my son is 14 months and my weight has been back to normal. However, the skin in the area I have stretch marks is very thin and shows wrinkly appearance. Is it ever going back to normal? What can I do to regain the normal skin? I know the stretch marks are going to stay, but how about the thinned skin? I would like to know what other people have done to improve the stretched out skin. Also, I appreciate any advice on stretch marks! Thank you very much. Ugly belly

Only one product has been scientifically proven to thicken skin and build collegen and that's Retin A. It is only available by persciption and is very, very expensive. All the other creams that are advertised in women's magazines are bogus. Personally, I think the best answer for those who are self concious about their wrinkly ''mommy skin'' is to wear a one piece bathing suit. Helene

What can I do to prevent stretch marks?

July 1999

I have a question regarding stretchmarks. I am 33 weeks along with my first pregnancy and just recently discovered what I believe are stretchmarks on my lower abdominal area. I have regularly attended to my entire front side with Palmer's cocoa butter-based lotion since the first trimester, hoping to minimize the possibility of actually getting them, but lo and behold, there they are! Does anyone have any advice about what I can do right now to prevent the stretchmarks from becoming even more noticeable? Should I just give up and let nature take its course?

Everything I've read suggests that stretch marks are genetic. I'm afraid you're stuck with them. They do fade over time, though. I had my baby almost a year ago and my stretch marks are silvery. I suspect the lotion companies try for a few extra bucks by attacking our physical self-image. Believe me, I don't look at my stretch marks as a"badge of motherhood." Let's face it -- they're ugly. But since there's nothing I can do about them now, I just ignore them.

I don't think that stretchmarks are genetic. My mother has so many of them and I gained 37 lbs during my pregenancy and didn't get any at all. I strongly believe that the oil I used prevented me from having them. It is called "Mother's Special Blend" skin toning oil and softens/elasticizes your skin beyond what I thought is possible. It absorbs really fast and never sticks to you like shea butter does. The ingredients are: almond oil, pecan oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E. 8oz cost around $9 and last for three months if you use it twice a day. I started with this oil at the end of my fifth month and used it up to three months after birth. (Shrinking back can also cause marks). I just don't know where to get it anymore, because Goodson's Healthstore in Berkeley was bought up by some chain store which doesn't carry it. Maybe Wild Oats or Whole Foods has it. Anyway, the manufacturer is Mountain Ocean, Box 951, Boulder, CO 80306.

Don't give up. I did everything I read, including olive oil, cocoa butter and a host of other creams that were specifically for stretch marks. All I know is that I can still wear a bikini. I have some and feel that my rituals may have helped some. There is no way of knowing how it would have been had I not taken the extra effort then. One thing I didn't try is eating lots of oranges. I read that somewhere. Keep up at least what you're doing and keep your weight under control. You'll at least minimize the formation of stretch marks.

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