Almost every second person has stubborn stretch marks. While some hide them, some just go on with them. These stripes that make you look like a human tiger appear without warning and leave you frustrated. They can be all over your stomach, thighs and arms. But don’t worry because they are completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. They are a sign of how beautifully your skin has been adapting to life changes. While they pose no health risks, they can affect a person’s confidence. Is there a way to remove stretch marks or simply not them appear at all? This guide has all the answers you have been looking for!
What Causes Stretch Marks?
We will begin by addressing the biggest concern- the main causes of stretch marks. They mainly happen if there has been a sudden weight gain or loss. When your skin is stretched beyond a certain limit, it leads to the breaking of collagen and elastin fibers and hence, marks appear. There are a bunch of factors that you get those marks in different parts of your body. Let’s learn about them:
- Pregnancy Stretch Marks
These are one of the most common types and rarely a pregnant woman doesn’t have them. Because your belly keeps expanding (stretching) as the baby grows, it starts forming marks. By the last trimester, the skin stretches a lot and it’s proof that your body is going through so much.
- Weight Fluctuations
If you are experiencing any sudden weight gain, your skin will stretch. If there’s rapid fat loss, the skin will quickly shrink rapidly. Both these situations cause stretch marks. You can always see them happening to bodybuilders and those who are on their journey to losing many inches.
- Puberty Growth Spurts
Puberty is the time when a tender teen body gains height and muscle mass and in many cases, it’s often very sudden. This can easily cause marks on different parts of the body like back stretch marks and breast stretch marks. It’s simple, when the skin is not able to keep up with major changes in the body, it shows.
- Hormonal Changes
Our adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisone often as a response to stress. An increase in this steroid hormone can weaken the skin’s elasticity. The more it happens, the more it makes the skin more prone to stretch marks.
- Genetics
Your genes also have a big role to play here. If you have these marks, it’s most likely because your parents have them too. This is because you have inherited this skin elasticity.
Types of Stretch Marks
Most of us don’t know that these marks have mainly two main types. Yes, not everyone gets the same marks. What you experience depends on the stage and severity of the stretches:
- Red or Purple Stretch Marks
Known as Striae Rubrae, these stretch marks are pretty fresh. They normally look red, purple or dark brown, as per the color of your skin. You can expect them to show up when the skin continues to stretch. These may also feel itchy and even slightly raised when you touch them.
- White or Silver Stretch Marks
As time goes by, these red or purple marks start to fade and turn into white or silver lines (Striae Albae). It’s a sign that your stretch marks have now become older and the skin has healed. But this also means that these are now more challenging to treat.
How to Remove Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks removal methods are something we all are looking for. Here are some natural and medical treatments that may help:
1. Natural Remedies for Stretch Marks Removal
Honestly, natural stretch marks treatment will not completely erase them, but they can surely help in fading them. Here are some effective methods that often work especially when marks are just starting to form:
- Aloe Vera: Being widely loved for its healing properties, aloe vera gel works wonderfully in soothing the skin and improving its elasticity.
- Coconut Oil: If you have belly stretch marks, do regular massage with coconut oil. It will give your skin proper hydration and will also lighten the marks.
- Vitamin E Oil: Being rich in antioxidants, vit E has shown results in repairing skin damage and also works for better skin elasticity.
- Sugar Scrubs: You can create a natural exfoliant from sugar at home. Use it regularly to get rid of dead skin cells and achieve new cell growth.
- Hydration: Water is the skin’s best friend. Drink plenty of it to achieve healthy and supple skin. Moreover, it also prevents the marks from getting worse.
2. Medical Treatments for Stretch Marks Removal
If you have stubborn stretch marks, it’s always good to see a dermat to get appropriate treatments. The below can help fade marks really nicely:
- Laser Therapy: It is proven to boost collagen production in the skin, improve its texture and of course, the reduction of stretch marks stomach.
- Microdermabrasion: It effectively exfoliates the skin to promote new skin growth leaving away the sign of marks.
- Chemical Peels: It basically involves the use of acids so that damaged skin layers can be removed. As a result, your skin looks nice and healthy.
- Microneedling: This method uses tiny needles to minimize stretch marks in the tummy, back and other areas with no risk of skin discoloration at all.
- Retinoid Creams: Your skin specialist can prescribe you topical creams that promote cell turnover and work really well on new marks.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?
While you can fade away stretch marks up to a certain level, it’s always better to not let them happen in the first place. Here’s how it’s possible:
- Moisturize: Keep your skin hydrated. You can use body butters or other nourishing lotions because they improve elasticity.
- Diet: Eat foods that have vit C, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids to keep your skin firm and glowing.
- Exercise: Whether do yoga or hit the gym, physical activities will always keep your skin tighter.
- Avoid Rapid Weight Gain or Loss: Try that your body only experiences gradual changes so your skin doesn’t feel the stress.
- Hydration: It’s always suggested to drink enough water for the sake of skin health.
Stretch marks are pretty natural and can affect both men and women of different ages. The good news is that you can lighten them with both home and medical remedies. However, you must always love the skin you are in and take care of it.
