Stretch Marks Can Be Challenging To Get rid Off
INTRODUCTION
Stretch marks are a common complaint with women, no matter their age. Stretch marks are also known as ‘striae distensae’. They appear on the skin due to abrupt changes to the skin that makes it stretch or shrink very quickly. Our skin has lot of elasticity, but when the collagen that supports it ruptures or is damaged, the resulting scars are the stretch marks that appear.
80% OF THE POPULATION HAVE STRETCH MARKS
According to statistics available, 80% of the population get stretch marks at various points in their lives. Initially, they tend to appear as red or purple bands in parallel lines, but then, over time, when the blood vessels heal, they turn white or silver and become less noticeable.
The places that are most prone to stretch marks are the stomach, hips, bottom and thighs. But apart from this, they can also be visible in arms, knees and chest of individuals.
HOW TO PREVENT STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks appear in both men and women of any size, age or skin type. However, as they are related to hormone levels fluctuations, they are more common in the women. Actually, stretch marks are completely harmless, they don’t cause any pain or much discomfort, but most of would be much happier without them.
WHEN TO EXPECT STRETCHMARKS
We’re most likely to be affected by stretch marks when we experience weight fluctuations and the skin needs to stretch very quickly. Some of the periods in life when stretch mark appear are puberty or pregnancy. Stretch marks appear when we gain or lose weight in a short period of time. But even though there is a genetic link to stretch marks, it’s possible to prevent them and to make them less noticeable once they have shown up.
CAN WE PREVENT STRETCH MARKS?
Here are the some of the ways you can avoid stretch marks:
Maintain A Healthy Weight
We now know that stretch marks start appearing in puberty as our body grows in weight and height or for women during pregnancy. As this is a natural process, not much can be done apart from staying hydrated. But once we have reached adulthood, our diet plays a key role in maintaining stable body weight. If we work to control extreme changes in our body from happening in a very short period of time, we can reduce the chance of getting stretch marks. So, whether you want to gain weight and muscle mass or lose some kilos, make sure to take professional help!
Hydration Is The Key
As we already mentioned, the best way to prevent stretch marks from appearing is to keep ourselves hydrated. The skin contains 64% of water; so, drinking water will help you keep your skin hydrated and soft. The softer it is, the lower the risk of developing stretch marks. But bear in mind that water means plain drinking water and not soft drinks or caffeinated beverages which may be harmful to your body. You could also use moisture-boosting creams. To retain your body moisture. Your moisturizing creams could include ingredients like: Aloe vera, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid or Hyaluronic acid.
Adding Vitamins And Minerals To Your Diet
Apart from the reasons we have already stated, stretch marks may also appear due to a lack of essential nutrients in your diet. Some vitamins, like vitamin C, D and E are good to boost skin health. Oranges contain vitamin C while mackerel, sardines and tuna are a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in nuts, seeds, plant-based oil, fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that there is a correlation between stretch marks and low levels of vitamin D, and that maintaining a healthy level of this vitamin might reduce the risk of stretch marks. Zinc is also important for your skin, as it helps reduce inflammation, and it plays a major role in regulating the wound healing process. In order to keep your skin healthy, make sure you add nuts and fish to get your daily portion of zinc!
Treat Stretch Marks Immediately
As it’s impossible to completely prevent stretch marks, we need to focus on the things that we can do, to minimize their appearance and make them less noticeable. There are different ways to treat them, especially when they are fresh.
TREATMENTS TO LESSEN THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS:
Topical Treatments
Retinoid Creams: Prescription creams containing retinoids (derived from vitamin A) can help promote collagen production and skin regeneration, which may improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Hydrating Creams and Lotions:Products containing hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and other moisturizing ingredients can help keep the skin hydrated and may improve elasticity.
Vitamin E:Applying vitamin E oil or creams containing vitamin E may help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter:These natural moisturizers are often used to improve skin elasticity and hydration, potentially reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Cosmetic Treatments
Laser Therapy:Different types of laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion:This procedure involves exfoliating the skin with tiny crystals, which can improve the texture and appearance of stretch marks over time.
Microneedling:This treatment uses small needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and skin renewal.
Chemical Peels:Chemical peels use acids to remove the top layers of skin, promoting new skin growth and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Conclusion
Stretch marks occur on various body parts in any phase of life. Maintaining a healthy stable weight, keeping yourself hydrated and seeking treatment soon after they appear will help you prevent them and make them less noticeable.