Celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler tells us there isn’t much we can do about preventing stretch marks from forming in the first place. “Unfortunately they can be hereditary. If your mom had them you most likely will have them,” she says.
But there is something you can do after you give birth to lessen the appearance of stretch marks. Plastic surgeon Dr. J. David Holcomb says that “stretch marks can be improved with fractional CO2 laser treatments with significant improvement likely after a single treatment.” This process gives some improvement to the look of stretch marks, but doesn’t actually make them go away forever. Priced anywhere from $500-$2000, we’re looking at some expensive treatments!
Stretch marks can be directly linked to weight gain and pregnancy. Kathy suggests we keep the skin moisturized and “pray for collagen!” There isn’t much else we can do, but Kathy advises that any exercise in strength training can help tone your body (and skin)!
There are a bunch of products on the market that promote collagen, which both experts say could help if applied to your growing belly. Kathy says, “Where you get depressed is spending tons of money of products that won’t work.” Note to self: don’t bother with super expensive creams and serums. Just stay healthy and don’t gain weight uncontrollably! That sounds easy enough!