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Just because they’re normal doesn’t make them any easier to come to terms with. So are stretch marks genetic? Or is there something you can do to prevent them, or perhaps even minimize their appearance after they’ve formed?

Yup, it’s true. stretch marks are genetic. So if your mama or sister has them, you're more likely to get them, too. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost and you’re destined for big, angry, red scarring, though. There are many things you can do to reduce the appearance of these marks.

We’ll share some tips below and introduce you to the best selection of stretch mark products for expecting women. Our organic pregnancy products are handmade in the USA with two of the most clinically validated ingredients for stretch mark prevention and reduction. Learn more!

Key Takeaways

  • 80% of people have stretch marks - that jumps to 90% for pregnant women.
  • Genetics dictates how vulnerable you are to stretch marks. You are more likely to get them if your mother has them.
  • Prevention because even more important. The earlier you begin nurturing your skin, the better chance you have.
  • 8 Sheep Organics stretch mark serum has Centella Asiatica and Triple-Weighted Hyaluronic Acid to help prevent stretch marks and improve firmness post-partum.

Are Stretch Marks Genetic?

Some people seem to get stretch marks at the slightest sign of weight gain, whereas others have resilient skin that can resist any kind of stretching. 

It can be especially frustrating that your bestie is seemingly immune to stretch marks while you tend to get them as if they're going out of style. Your mom and dad are likely to blame for this. 

The Connection Between Genetics and Stretch Marks

So, are stretch marks genetic? Yes - to some extent, at least. Similar to cellulite, genetics can play a big role in determining your risk for stretch marks. This is because it's a trait that is often passed down that leaves the skin lacking elastin — the essential connective tissue needed to allow your skin to stretch without tearing. 

While there may be some things you can do to influence your chances of developing these scars, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid the hereditary factor altogether. The goal turns to damage control rather than complete prevention.

How Hormones Play a Part

Genetics and your growing little one aren't the only culprits behind these common scars. Stretch marks are also triggered by increased levels of certain pregnancy hormones, namely estrogen and relaxin. 

Together, these hormones attract more fluids into the skin, which tends to relax the bonds between collagen fibers, ultimately making it much easier for tearing to occur when the skin stretches to accommodate the growth of a developing fetus. 

Other Factors Influencing Your Likelihood of Stretch Marks

So, are stretch marks genetic? Yes, but this is only one piece of the puzzle, which is why there’s no need to go all doom and gloom just because your parents have stretch marks. Other factors include:

  • Being female
  • Going through puberty
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Corticosteroid use
  • Using anabolic steroids
  • Certain diseases and conditions
  • Weight training

And, of course, being pregnant. This is when most women realize stretch marks are part of their future. But there is more you can do to prevent them than you may realize. It starts with a good stretch mark cream.

Overcoming Your Genetics: Top Strategies For Preventing and Minimizing Stretch Marks 

Your genetic predisposition to stretch marks just means you have to work a little harder than others to prevent them from forming. Fair? Definitely not. But that’s the reality. Here’s how we kept our stretch marks down to a minimum even though everyone told us they were inevitable.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Although there's very little evidence that suggests a good moisturizer can completely kick stretch marks to the curb, it might be able to reduce their appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends gently massaging a hydrating moisturizer into new stretch marks over several weeks. 

Get a Stretch Mark Cream (That Actually Works)

You can take this further with a dedicated stretch mark cream. The True Belly Serum by 8 Sheep Organics is your best bet, especially if you’re pregnant and can’t use certain ingredients right now. It’s 100% safe while expecting and breastfeeding.

It’s also the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy because it features the two ingredients the AAD has said actually work for preventing and potentially even minimizing the appearance of stretch marks:

  • Centella Asiatica: Encourages your skin to make more collagen and elastin, the two compounds your skin needs to stretch without tearing. 
  • Triple-Weighted Hyaluronic Acid: Works deep enough to actually hydrate the dermis, where stretch marks form. Most moisturizers merely sit on the surface of the skin.

It’s backed by a 100-day money-back guarantee, too. Thousands of moms have used it and raved about what they saw - or, perhaps worded better, DIDN’T SEE! 

Stay Hydrated

Despite what some people may think, chugging buckets of water won't directly banish your stretch marks, but staying hydrated does help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.

To keep your skin healthy and steer clear of dehydration, experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of H2O per day. If you're expecting a small bundle within the next nine months, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests bumping your fluid intake up to 12 cups.

Exfoliate Your Skin

A simple way to soothe stretch marks is through regular exfoliation. This sloughs away excess dead skin from the body to help new healthy skin to appear. Removing the layer of dead skin cells from your scars can also help other skin treatments to penetrate more deeply and work faster. 

To exfoliate your baby bump, gently massage the scrub onto your wet skin in a circular motion before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry with a clean towel. Yup, it’s that easy. 

The Bottom Line on Stretch Marks Genetics

In closing, are stretch marks genetic?

Yes, there is a natural genetic link to stretch marks. This means that if your mom or sister had them, there's a pretty good chance that you'll get them, too. But there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting stretch marks, and minimize their appearance if you do get them.

And if you ask us, we think these scars are completely normal, and are what make us unique. Stretch marks also remind us that we're strong miracle workers capable of creating human life inside of our bodies.

Nevertheless, you can minimize your risk of developing them and potentially even help fade their appearance with the pregnancy stretch mark oil we’ve developed for expecting mamas here at 8 Sheep Organics. Learn more about the science behind what it can do for you today!

More Resources on Stretch Marks

Does stretch mark cream work? | When to start using stretch mark cream during pregnancy

Sources:

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