The most important thing to know about treating stretch marks is you need to catch them young; once they mature, they become harder to treat at home. This is because the newer stretch marks are still healing, and so they can be treated.
When stretch marks begin to form, they are often a pinky-red or reddish-purple color. This is the best time to treat stretch marks, as they are more likely to respond to treatment. Over time, these stretch marks gradually turn to silvery or light-colored lines which are most challenging to treat as they are now full-blown scar tissues.
- What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are scars that develop when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly.
- Types of stretch marks
Stretch marks commonly occur on places like the stomach, hips, buttock, thighs, breasts, arms, and even areas around the knees or lower back. They appear in different forms such as:
- Pink / red stretch marks
- White stretch marks
- Stretch marks which occur as a result of pregnancy
- Dark grey or black stretch marks
- Dark blue/purplish stretch marks
- Thin skin stretch marks. – MyMed.com
- Causes?
The underlying cause of stretch marks is growth. This growth can be due to pregnancy, puberty, muscle gain, or weight gain. Additionally, weight loss can contribute to stretch mark formation. The fluctuation of weight and collagen loss can cause stretch marks to appear.
Additionally, using corticosteroids on your skin for a long time can also cause stretch marks. Also, if you have Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome, you may see stretch marks.
- What can get rid of them?
Newer stretch marks: According to research, applying products like bio-oil, tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, silicon gel, and centella have been effective on pink and purple stretch marks.
In two large studies, applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable. In another study, people who applied tretinoin every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks. Those who didn’t apply the cream saw their early stretch marks grow.
Mature stretch marks: Mature silvery or light-colored stretch marks require treatments like
- Chemical peel
- Laser therapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Radiofrequency and
- Ultrasound to improve their appearance.
- Typical daily routine
In the morning shower, apply hyaluronic acid to the area and observe your routine.
At night shower or cleanse the area, and apply tretinoin, and then the rest of your skincare routine. Just a reminder that using corticosteroid creams, lotions, and pills can cause stretch marks to get worse. This is simply because they decrease the skin’s ability to stretch.
- How to camouflage them?
A self-tanner or body makeup can be used to camouflage stretch marks. I personally enjoy using Sally Hansen airbrush legs or Dermablend leg and body cover.
- Home remedies?
Although recommendations of home remedies abound on the internet, researchers have found home remedies futile in the treatment of stretch marks. Some of these home remedies include almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, and vitamin E.
- Can anything prevent stretch marks?
Luckily, researchers have found that products containing centella or hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks.
- How long does it take to get rid of stretch marks?
It typically takes about 1-3 months to notice some improvement, if you’ve been consistent with your routine.
- When to seek professional help?
It’s best to see a professional if you’ve been spending a lot of money and seeing little to no results.
Question
Do you have stretch marks, does it bother you? Or have you made peace with it?
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