Let’s get a little TMI about something. When I was pregnant, I knew stretch marks were nothing but an inevitability. So, though I was expecting some stripes on my belly and legs, nothing could have prepared me for the scars I got on my pubic area.
I know you’re probably getting the same stretch marks on your vagina area as I am and though there isn’t much about this topic online, this is definitely something worth talking about!
Stretch marks on your vagina or pubic region often pop up during times of weight gain and pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be prevented or treated over time! Today, I’ll be breaking down what these marks are, how to prevent them, and how to keep them from overstaying their visit. Let’s dive in!
Stretch Marks On Vagina – What Are They?
Now, the first thing I want to clarify is that these marks aren’t actually on your vagina- but rather around your vaginal area. Your vagina is internal, so realistically, you wouldn’t be able to see any stretch marks there (nor would it be possible for you to get them there in the first place!).
With that in mind, it’s a very real possibility that you may see stretch marks going down into your pubic hair, on the rounded front of your pubic area (your mons pubis), and on your vulva. Basically, anywhere you can see the skin near your vagina is at risk for falling victim to a couple of tiger stripes.
That’s because your skin is made to stretch, but sometimes it stretches too quickly, causing tears in the layers underneath your epidermis. The genital area is incredibly sensitive, making it more susceptible to these marks than, say, the skin on your face.
Why Do You Get Stretch Marks On Vagina?
Getting stretch marks around your vagina doesn’t happen out of the blue! There are a ton of different factors that go into your chances of them popping up:
Pregnancy
The most common reason why women get stretch marks on their vagina is because of pregnancy. As a woman’s belly swells, any area near her lower stomach region is at risk for stretch-marks, including the pubic area. I carried my son pretty low, which is definitely why he gave me tiger stripes down my mons pubis.
Postpartum stretch marks, or scars that occur after pregnancy, are also normal. They’re caused by your pubic area essentially “deflating” after you’ve given birth- causing stretch marks.
Weight Gain Speed
Gaining weight quickly is also a surefire way to get stretch marks on your pubic area. Women, due to genetics, gain weight faster than men and also have a tendency to carry any weight gain in their stomach area- which can be due to hormone irregularities or cortisol spikes.
Because this weight gain isn’t regulated, it may happen too quickly for your body to keep up with. If you carry weight in your stomach, you can expect stretch marks on your vaginal area with excess weight gain.
Your Skin Health
The best way to keep stretch marks on your vagina at bay is by keeping your skin supple enough to handle some stretch. The biggest piece of advice I have is that scented body lotions should never go near your vaginal area, as they could cause irritation and infection.
Instead, you can keep your skin moist by putting a small amount of unscented body lotion on your vulva and mons pubis after you shower. This will help your skin keep its elasticity and keep it from drying out. Another option is drinking lots of water to improve the hydration retention of your skin overall—including the skin near your vagina!
Genetics
Sorry ladies! Unfortunately, having a vagina in general makes you more prone to getting stretch marks. 90% of women will earn stretch marks throughout pregnancy, and 70% of adolescent girls will get them through puberty.
To put it into perspective, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, only 40% of boys get stretch marks throughout puberty. However, these numbers can change depending on personal medical conditions and how active a lifestyle they lead.
Get candid with the women in your family and ask if they had stretch marks on their vagina during pregnancy; if they did, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself in the same boat. We’ll get into what you can do to prevent these marks next!
How To Prevent Stretch Marks on Vagina?
Depending on the reason why you’re getting stretch marks on your vaginal area, you can actually take care of them before they rear their heads:
Stretch Marks From Pregnancy
Growing a human can take quite a toll on the body- which is why so many mommas’ earn their tiger stripes during this period. Though you may think they are unavoidable, you can take some measures to ensure your stretch marks are as light as possible (or that they don’t show up at all!).
Exercising while pregnant can promote healthy blood circulation and keep skin elastic, which is a key component in preventing stretch marks. You don’t need to do anything too crazy, walking and light yoga are great options that can yield great results! the
Keeping your pubic area moisturized with oil is a great way to allow skin nourishment and hydration, which allow the skin to grow without scarring. Remember, the oil is not going into your vagina or on your genitals (that’s a big no-no!), but rather on the front of the pelvis and inner thigh area, which are more susceptible to stretch marks.
My favorite pregnancy-safe oil is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Oil due to its richness in Vitamin E (which softens the skin and boosts nourishment)! I’m planning on using it the next time I’m pregnant to prevent a repeat of the marks I went through with my son.
Stretch Marks From Weight and Muscle Gain
Stay hydrated as best you can to keep your vaginal skin at optimum elasticity levels. If you’re bulking up or gaining muscle, it’s likely you’re sweating more than usual. With water loss comes collagen loss, so make up for any lost hydration by drinking enough liquid!
Eating the best foods will ensure that your skin and pubic area have the nutrients they need to form collagen and keep your tissues healthy! Not only that, but they’ll also allow you to gain weight at a safe rate. Some collagen-stimulating foods that I love include bone broth, white meat chicken, leafy greens, beans, and egg whites.
Use heavy creams and lotions after showering around your crotch area and the front of the pelvis to keep the skin supple and able to bounce back when it’s stretched! Again, please be mindful about avoiding your actual vaginal canal; just focus on areas with visible stretch marks.
Stretch Marks From Genetics
This is by far the hardest form of stretch marks to avoid, so while these measures may not prevent your stretch marks around your vagina altogether, they’ll definitely make them a lot less angry-looking! It’s best to instill these lifestyle changes as early as you can (and with a lot of discipline and diligence!) to see the best results.
Taking supplements such as zinc and Vitamins C, D, and E can make a huge difference in boosting your skin’s health and preventing collagen loss around your vaginal area. All of these nutrients will boost skin health and keep it working hard, making the fight against stretch marks a total win!
Live a healthy lifestyle to keep your body in its best shape, maintaining the same stretch in your pelvic area. Try to balance your eating habits (eating lean proteins like fish, veggies, and fruits are your best bet) and refrain from eating too many processed foods that are lacking in nutrients and may cause quick weight gain.
On the note of a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking cigarettes, as they reduce blood flow and speed up collagen loss. An improved circulation and healthy skin around the vaginal area will keep any scarring from being irreversible or may prevent it to begin with.
Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 whenever you’re in a bathing suit is another healthy habit that will keep your pelvic area stretch-mark-free, as is getting regular exercise to keep your circulation at its peak. I really recommend cardio, as it keeps the blood going and keeps you from bulking up with muscle too quickly.
How To Fade Stretch Marks On Vagina?
Early prevention is key when it comes to fading stretch marks around your vagina. When they’re bright red or purple, this is known as striae albae, and it’s also the best time for you to start treating your marks before they scar more permanently.
Products That Fade Stretch Marks
Per doctor’s studies, the two ingredients that have a proven history in treating existing stretch marks include hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica. Hyaluronic acid is the substance that helps the body retain hydration, and Centella asiatica is an herb that strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
Massage hyaluronic acid serum or lotion to your pelvic area and thighs while your skin is damp, then top with a lotion or cream of your choice to amp up the moisturizing benefits and keep your marks from worsening. This hyaluronic acid serum gives you the most bang for your buck!
K-Beauty products offer the most effective Centella formulas, like this Centella Soothing Gel which calms the skin, soothes any irritation and itching from stretch marks, and doesn’t leave the skin sticky (which is a major plus since you’ll be massaging it onto a delicate area).
Beauty Treatments That Fade Stretch Marks
Chemical peels work best on early stretch marks and small scars. If the marks on your vagina have already lightened to a pale white, it’s likely a chemical peel won’t do much, if anything.
In these treatments, acid-based solutions are applied directly to the skin, which speeds up the cell renewal process. Because your stretch marks are on your pelvic area, the acid used may not be as potent, which will slow down the process a bit.
Microdermabrasion is easier, works well around your vagina, and allows the body to naturally produce collagen and elastin. The process involves scrubbing the skin with exfoliating crystals that promote healthy cell renewal. It’s likely you’ll need to go back in for treatment multiple times depending on the severity of your scars.
