How Following These Simple Practices Can Effectively Help Evade Stretch Marks

Most of the women after their pregnancy experience stretch marks. Pregnancy is not the only cause of stretch marks. It can happen to men as well. Stretch marks can be due to sudden loss or gain of weight in a person body. Irrespective of age and gender, anyone can experience stretch marks. Stretch marks on the skin can be embarrassing and many people resort to expensive beauty treatments to get rid of these stubborn stretch marks. If you are among the ones who have been battling with stretch marks from a long time, then keep reading till the end to know about the possible causes and how to treat these stretch marks in a natural way.

What Is A Stretch Mark And What Are Its Causes? 

Stretch mark also known as striae, is a type of scar that develops on the skin when your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. This abrupt change in the shape and structure of the skin causes the collagen and elastin which support our skin to rupture, thus causing the visible appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

Cause 

1. Pregnancy
2. Puberty
3. Sudden weight loss/gain
4. Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams and lotions

The above mentioned maybe some of the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks. Our skin mainly consists of 3 layers and the stretch marks appear on the middle layer i.e the dermis. When the connective tissue in the dermis stretch beyond the certain limit, stretch marks appear. Stretch marks generally appear on the buttocks, abdomen, hips, breasts and thighs. Initially, when the stretch mark appears on the skin, it appears as a red or purple line on the skin. Over a period of time, most stretch marks fade and become lighter or almost translucent.

It is almost impossible to get rid of stretch marks completely as they are a type of scarring which may not fade away completely. However Stretch marks are not harmful or painful, but yes, they can cause distress.

Symptoms Of Stretch Marks 

All stretch marks may not look the same, they vary in structure, shape and colour. Their shape, structure and colour may vary depending upon how long you’ve had them, what are the causes, on which part of your body you have them and most importantly your skin type. Before stretch marks appear, your skin becomes thin and pink with a feeling of itchiness and irritation. Some of the common symptoms of stretch marks are:

Intended streaks or lines which are pink, black, red, blue or purple in colour which appear on any part of the skin, mainly thighs, buttocks, abdomen, breasts. These streaks eventually fade to a lighter colour, but never fade away completely. One can try out some remedies to minimize the stretch marks.

Remedies For Stretch Marks 

You can try out some remedies to reduce the stretch marks, but the results won’t be seen instantly. With consistent and sustained use you can gradually reduce the marks to a certain extent. Let’s have a look at some of the remedies for minimizing stretch marks

Also Read : 18 Effective Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

1. Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic Acid is required in ample amount to keep your skin soft, supple and hydrated. It also boosts collagen production, as collagen is considered to provide shape and structure to your skin. Applying Hyaluronic Acid to early stretch marks can help to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. It is clinically proved that applying a Hyaluronic based cream, lotion or serum on your early stretch marks for about 20-25 weeks regularly can help reduce stretch marks to a considerable extent.

2. Vitamin A 

Retinoids which are commonly known as Vitamin A are considered to be effective in making your skin soft, smooth and youthful. Retinoids based creams are available in the market

Topical application of Vitamin A extract or consuming it orally can be effective in maintaining healthy and problem-free skin. It is equally important to consume a diet rich in Vitamin A such as green leafy veggies, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli can boost the level of Vitamin A in your body, thus keeping your skin healthy and effective in reducing stretch marks.

Also Read : Benefits of Vitamin A (Infographic)

3. Coconut Oil 

Coconut Oil is also considered to be effective in reducing stretch marks. Regular application of Virgin Coconut Oil can help minimize stretch marks considerably, as coconut oil is known for its healing properties. Applying Coconut Oil to your early stretch marks can alleviate itchiness and skin irritation which generally happens in the initial stage of the appearance of stretch marks.

4. Sugar 

Sugar is considered to be an excellent natural exfoliator. Consistent use of sugar as a scrub can help reduce stretch marks. You can prepare a sugar scrub easily at home

1. Take 1 cup of sugar and to this add almond oil or coconut oil.
2. Mix well and to this mixture add few drops of lemon juice.
3. Scrub this mixture on the area where you have stretch marks.

Repeat this process several times a week before going for a shower. Make sure that you gently massage this mixture for about 10 minutes on your skin before washing off.

5. Aloe Vera 

Applying pure Aloe Vera gel is considered to be effective in minimizing stretch marks. Pure Aloe Vera is considered to be a natural healer with hydrating and nourishing properties. Apply Aloe Vera gel on your stretch marks regularly after your shower and with the regular application, you will notice that the stretch marks gradually become lighter.

Also Read : Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin, Hair and Health

With the consistent use of any on the above-mentioned remedies, you can gradually minimize the visible appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

Clinical Treatments For Reducing Stretch Marks 

Clinical treatments need to be performed by professionals for people who want to minimize stretch marks quickly and effectively. Some of the most popular treatments available for reducing stretch marks are:

• Laser Therapy
• Chemical Peeling
• Microdermabrasion
• Ultrasound
• Radio Frequency

An experienced dermatologist can guide you which is the best treatment for you based on your skin type and the extent of the stretch marks on your skin. These clinical treatments might be a bit costly and you cannot completely get rid of stretch marks with these clinical treatments.

Take Away 

It is truly said that “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”. It is very important to keep your skin well hydrated and well-nourished to evade stretch marks of your skin. You can keep your skin healthy and well-nourished with the regular application of Hyaluronic Acid-based creams which boost collagen thus preventing stretch marks. Similarly regular application of skin-nourishing agents like Almond Oil, Coconut Oil etc is also beneficial for your skin, thus preventing stretch marks or visible scarring on your skin.

Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.