Stretch Marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them?

Stretch marks are sets of lines that may appear on the skin around the body. The stretch marks usually appear on the stomach, breasts, buttocks or thighs but they can appear anywhere on the body.

Stretch marks can be of a different color, most common stretch marks are white or light pink but they can be grey or purple. When you run your fingers over the stretch marks you will be able to feel the lines and the pattern of a stretch mark.

Some stretch marks can be itchy and sensitive to touch. They appear on the skin when the body goes through a sudden and unexpected change such as weight loss.

Stretch marks are normal and you should not be scared about them. They are not a sign of any underlying illness in most cases. Though syndromes such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing's syndrome can cause stretch marks.

Stretch marks can make people unconfident about their bodies. But the good news is, that their easy remedies and natural ways one can make them disappear.

The stretch marks are not dangerous and they can fade over time. They cannot become invisible but treating them can minimize their appearance. Some treatments and remedies can help get rid of stretch marks to some extent.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Cortisone is a hormone that makes the skin elastic but having too much cortisone in the body can stretch skin too much. The skin stretches naturally when it makes room for a developing baby during pregnancy or fat when gaining weight.

However, corticosteroid creams or drugs can cause stretch marks on the skin as a side-effect. Cortisone is the hormone responsible for stretching skin, it is produced by the adrenal glands. A malfunction of adrenal glands when a person has a disorder can cause elevation of cortisone.

A person may develop stretch marks after sudden weight loss. Such as women who go through pregnancy. If the person has a family history of having stretch marks, uses corticosteroids, or goes through changes in body weight often can develop stretch marks.

Treatments for Stretch Marks

No treatment for stretch marks can make them disappear completely. The treatments can fade away the lines and boost skin cell's growth.

Moisturizing the skin regularly can help decrease the itchiness and discomfort of stretch marks.

Several stretch mark treatments that can reduce the scarring and fade away the marks are:

• Pulsed dye laser therapy can encourage the growth of new skin cells by boosting elasticity and collagen production. The therapy is effective on recent stretch marks and shows consistent results for Caucasians. People with dark skin may experience discolorations after the treatment.  
• Tretinoin cream is another way that can help fade away the stretch marks. Applying the cream can help restore the skin’s elasticity by boosting collagen production in the skin. However, it may irritate and is not suitable to use while pregnancy.
• Microdermabrasion is very popular for its effectiveness in scraping away the dead skin cells and aid in initiating the growth of new skin cells. Stretch marks can be stubborn and older stretch marks are difficult to get rid of. Using the microdermabrasion technique can fade away stretch marks and improve the skin’s appearance.
• Excimer laser initiates the production of skin pigments by exposing skin to UV pulses. The old and white stretch marks can be effectively treated with this laser therapy.
• Needling is a relatively new treatment for removing stretch marks. In the process, layers of collagen are added below the top layer of the skin by injecting collagen through a syringe.

Treatments for stretch marks can be very expensive and involve the appointment with a certified dermatologist. Treatments do not give 100% results but can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Prevention for Stretch Marks

To prevent stretch marks, there is no way to completely avoid stretch marks. However, the use of soothing lotions and creams can help reduce irritation.

To avoid stretch marks, you should maintain a healthy body weight at all times. Losing and gaining weight quickly can cause stretch marks. Even if you are pregnant, you should ask your doctor, what healthy weight during pregnancy should you maintain.

Usage of topical creams and oils such as coconut oil can keep the skin moisturized and smooth which decreases the chances of scarring and marks less likely to appear.

Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent stretch marks. If you want to lose weight, losing weight gradually can give your body time to synchronize activities. This will help make your skin elastic and reduce the chances of getting stretch marks.

Stretch marks do not stay the same always. When you get stretch marks they may look too prominent but overtime the lines can diminish leaving behind a faded version of actual marks.

Remedies for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are stubborn and no matter how you try, do not seem to go away. But applying certain natural elements to the area with stretch marks can reduce the uneven skin tone and the scar appearance.

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are chemicals that are used in several skincare products. Retinoids make the skin appear smooth and youthful.

Retinoids are related to Vitamin A and extract amazing benefits to the skin. They can help in the growth of new cells and flake away the old cells to minimize stretch marks’ appearance.

Creams and lotions containing vitamin A extracts can be applied to the area with stretch marks to decrease scaring. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A also has a great effect on the skin’s appearance.

To boost Vitamin A levels of the body, one can try eating foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, sweet potato, spinach, and others.

2. Sugar

A DIY sugar scrub is an amazing way to exfoliate facial skin and it can work equally effectively on the area with stretch marks. Making a sugar scrub is so easy and quick, you will in love with this one.

Apply sugar scrub directly onto the skin and massage regularly to scrape the layer of dead skin cells off. This can help the new layer of skin come out that is even and smooth.

Making a sugar scrub is easy and you don’t even need to buy anything, you can find the ingredients lying in the kitchen. Mix half a cup of sugar with almond oil or coconut oil until the scrub is like a thick granular paste.

Apply this mixture and gently massage in circular motions over the area with stretch marks. Rub the skin for around ten minutes. To get the best results you can also add lemon juice to the scrub.

Scrub the area several times a week before the shower. You will be able to notice the difference in a few weeks.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is used in skin care products for its amazing rejuvenating and hydrating abilities. Aloe vera has natural healing properties. Using aloe vera gel on stretch marks can help reduce the discoloration and marks.

Aloe vera can soothe and soften the skin. To apply aloe vera. Use a fresh aloe vera leaf and cut it along its length. Scoop out the transparent gel and apply it directly to the skin. Gently massage the gel all over the stretch marks.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is used in acne treatments, facials and is available in serums and other products. It helps stimulate collagen production in the body. Collagen is a protein that makes up the connective tissues including skin.

The collagen decreases in our body when we get older. By boosting the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid can help fade away the stretch marks.

It is easy to apply hyaluronic acid directly and it can also be ingested in the form of a pill. Hyaluronic acid has excellent skin rejuvenating properties that stir the growth of new connective tissues.

It can also make the skin on other parts of your body including the face appear healthy and fresh.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has healing properties according to studies. Stretch marks appear from damage to the skin. To heal the skin and allow it to soften and become even, it is important to hydrate and moisturize skin.

Using coconut oil on the skin can help make the skin appear healthy and revived. Apply coconut oil, preferable virgin coconut oil to the stretch marks to make them fade away over time. It can help with the discoloration and uneven skin tone.

Coconut is safe for skin if you are not allergic to coconut oil. Apply it daily to smoothen skin and help heal the stretch marks.

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