We have all heard it going roundabout in the town- stretch marks.
Wait, what are those exactly?
A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops over time upon abrupt stretching or shrinking of the skin. This sudden change in the skin causes the collagen and elastic (the supporting elements of your skin) to rupture. Now, as your skin begins to heal these scars, stretch marks begin to appear.
Generally, if you see your body developing stretch marks, it is most likely due to the following conditions
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss
- Growth spurts during puberty
- Weight training
- Excess corticosteroid application on the skin
Initially, stretch marks start as red, purple, pink, dark brown, or reddish-brown depending on your skin color. Most of the time, these early stretch marks can also be a little raised and itchy.
Slowly, the color starts to fade and narrow bands sink beneath your skin. Mature stretch marks can be felt as a slight depression on the skin.
Overall, having stretch marks on your body is not a good sign. However, the good news- it can be treated. Although permanent yet stretch marks can be got rid of. Let’s see how
How to Get rid of Stretch Marks for Good?
As we mentioned before, stretch marks are permanent but these can be treated and made less noticeable. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoids using products meant for stretch marks. Some of these products contain ingredients including retinol that can harm your baby.
It is also important here to note that no single treatment works for everyone. Surprisingly, you might not even see products working at all. Why? Because of improper usage.
Over the years researchers have studied many types of creams, lotions, and gels to treat stretch marks. Sometimes some products might work a little and others don’t seem to work at all. If you see this happening with yourself, here’s what you need to do
- Use the product precisely on early stretch marks as the treatment takes a little longer on mature stretch marks
- Massage the product properly into your stretch marks. Gently massage over the affected area for best results
- Apply the product every day without any fault.
What About Home Remedies?
A lot of home remedies are suggested including almond oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E oil to massage on stretch marks. Also, tanning. However, none of these work especially tanning which can make your stretch marks more noticeable.
Although, a self-tanner can help you in hiding those stretch marks. While tanning cannot do any good, a self-tanner can camouflage both early and mature stretch marks easily. However, these do not help in getting rid of them.
Prescription Medicines to Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Prescription medicines work great for getting rid of stretch marks. If you go for prescription medicines, you will come across two major ingredients including Hyaluronic acid and Tretinoin.
While hyaluronic acid works best for early stretch marks, tretinoin works well for both. Applying tretinoin cream every night for 24 weeks can make your stretch marks less noticeable. Aside from this, retinol can also help you in fading early stretch marks.
Dermatological Procedures
Apart from these medicines, you can visit dermatologists to undergo procedures that can help reduce stretch marks. These procedures include
Chemical peel
Microdermabrasion
Laser therapy
Radiofrequency
Ultrasound
Your dermatologist will first examine your skin and condition before going for a certain procedure. For instance, your dermatologist may treat you with radiofrequency instead of chemical peel for your condition. Furthermore, these procedures can cause side effects. Hence, it is important to look for trained dermatologists.
Takeaway
Stretch marks can be frustrating. These can keep you from wearing the dresses of your choice as well as affect your confidence. While the early signs of stretch marks can be treated or reduced, the later stages can take a little longer than expected.
You can either give your home remedies a try including cocoa butter and vitamin E oil- if it works for you or try out some prescription medicines that can help you a little faster than home remedies.
Aside from this, you can get dermatological procedures done. These minor procedures can help in treating both the early and later stages of stretch marks off your skin.
Overall, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Stretch marks are a part of you and these can be treated. So, keep working on yourself, for yourself, and embrace your skin. Until then, stay tuned with us for more.
