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To
get rid of stretch marks may seem like a daunting, never-ending story.
In some ways, it can be. As much as we hate to be the ones to break it to
you, there’s no sure-fire way to erase them. But there’s no need
to lose hope.
The
good news is there are a number of real ways that you can potentially improve those unsightly marks so they become nearly invisible over time.
Similarly, certain steps can be taken to help prevent stretch marks from occurring in the future. Let’s take a closer
look.
What are stretch
marks?
Stretch marks
have nothing to do with stretching at the gym. They’re indented streaks in the
skin caused by superficial scars that may develop any time the dermis layer of
the skin is torn, dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas said in an
interview with Harper’s Bazaar.
Many
people equate stretch marks with pregnancy, and it turns out sporting a baby
bump is one of the most common causes. The same story said approximately 90% of
women will experience them during the last trimester when the skin is most
prone to a high degree of stretching to accommodate the growing baby.
But
stretch marks in the skin can occur in men and non-pregnant women. They can
also crop up on breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs, according to the Mayo
Clinic.
While
genetics plays a huge role in who will get stretch marks, other factors include rapid weight gain or loss as well as
high hormonal levels during puberty.
How to treat or get
rid of stretch marks?
While
no magic potion currently exists to get rid of stretch marks, you can minimize the appearance with time, patience, and a
few helpful products.
“Many
stretch marks improve a lot over many months without treatment,” Dr. Oscar
Hevia, a cosmetic dermatologist, told StyleCaster. “But, since stretch marks are essentially a scar from the inside out, there is no
treatment that makes them disappear completely.”
Retinoid
cream may be one of the most promising DIY treatments. Derived from
vitamin A, retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) that you apply
to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks that are less than a
few months old, according to Mayo Clinic.
Tretinoin
can help to rebuild collagen,
making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. However, it’s
important to note that tretinoin can irritate your skin.
And
if you’re pregnant or nursing, make sure to check with your doctor about other
treatment options because possible side effects of retinoid cream may affect the
baby.
If
you’d rather avoid retinoids, The Organic Beauty Expert says castor oil can be
a good substitute to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Apply the oil
to the affected area and massage gently in a circular motion, then use a clean
cloth to wrap the affected skin. Next, use a heating pad on the spot for
at least 30 minutes for the best results.
Light
and laser therapies are a more intense option. In the Harper’s Bazaar
story, Alexiades-Armenakas said that the best bet for treating red or
active stretch marks is with in-office treatments using a pulsed dye laser.
“It
won’t work if the marks are old and no longer red,” she told the publication,
“But if you catch stretch marks early, you can help reverse them and prevent
scarring or permanence in one to three monthly treatments usually.”
The
Mayo Clinic also highlighted microdermabrasion as a solid solution. A hand-held
device blows crystals onto the skin, gently removing its topmost layers, which
promotes the growth of new, more elastic skin. This makes stretch marks
less noticeable.
The
Derma Roller System is an at-home option you can try as well. According to the
product, it can be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks, such as
those developed during pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, rapid muscle
growth, and weight fluctuations. Again, this is according to the product, so
it’s best to remain a bit sceptical!
How to help prevent
stretch marks
While
total prevention is never a guarantee when it comes to stretch marks, you
can take matters into your own hands through a few at-home treatments, some of
which can duly help lessen the appearance of existing stretch marks.
First
of all, it’s imperative to keep the skin as healthy and hydrated as possible,
according to Dr. Kishan Raichura, a skin health expert. He told The Huffington
Post UK, “While it’s impossible to entirely prevent them, pregnant women can
improve skin condition to hopefully reduce the chances by keeping the area well
moisturized and nourished.”
Coconut
oil or olive oil are both great, all-natural products to use in combination
with vitamin E oil or cream to help keep collagen fibers strong. And keep in mind,
drinking enough water is the best way to stay hydrated from the inside out.
In
the same story, Dr. Erich Schulte, founder of QMSMediCosmetics, also mentioned
skin exfoliation as an important part of your daily regimen. “It is a key
benefit as it continues to stimulate the cell turnover and works well in
conjunction with body-firming creams,” he said in the story.
You
can exfoliate the skin through dry brushing or by using an exfoliating wash.
Sugar is also an all-natural exfoliator; mix it with a few drops of lemon juice
and almond oil to make a paste, then gently rub it over your skin.
Nutrition
also plays a role. Top 10 Home Remedies suggests eating a balanced
diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, silica, and other nutrients to help
nourish the skin.
The
antioxidant vitamin E is especially crucial as it protects the collagen fibers
in your skin from damage, which promotes skin elasticity. Almonds, olives,
sunflower seeds, spinach, avocados, and pumpkins are all high in vitamin E.
The
most important thing to remember is to be flexible in treating stretch
marks. Find what best works for your body and your lifestyle.
By Justin E King, author of the Erase Your Stretch Marks
program. This program will teach you the natural ways to treat your stretch
marks, how to minimize them, how to get rid of them by using some homemade
cream recipes and nutritional guidelines. For more information about this
program, CLICK HERE to Learn How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks.
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