According To The Expert How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Permanently
Stretch marks! Pregnant or not, many of us have these scar-like shiny lines on our skin. As we gain or lose weight abruptly, our skin is likely to have these thin bands with collagen and elastane rupture. Blessed are those who do not have these marks. But someone like me definitely needs to know how to get rid of stretch marks.
There has been research, and I have also talked to many experts. It does not seem that there is an easy solution to get rid of stretch marks. Still, there are certain non-invasive and invasive methods that can improve your skin’s elasticity and collagen production to make stretch marks less visible. Also, sometimes, those stretch marks can become really itchy; to alleviate that, you surely need some remedies.
So, let’s know what a stretch mark is, why it happens, and how we can get rid of it.
What Is A Stretch Mark?
A stretch mark is a kind of scar on our skin surface. These are narrow streaks and are usually red, pink, brown, or purple in color.
Stretch marks appear on areas where your skin has become thin. Before you notice the stretch marks, you will feel itchiness in those parts.
Why Do We Have Stretch Marks?
As I have just said, sudden weight gain or loss is one of the major reasons behind having stretch marks. The change in our weight makes our skin stretch or shrink abruptly. Thus, two supporting agents of our skin, elastin, and collagen, break.
Stretch marks start getting visible when our skin tries to cope with the change and heals.
Along with weight loss or gain, there are some other reasons behind having a stretch mark. Those are:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Growth during puberty
- Rapid muscle growth caused by weight training
- Pregnancy
- Family history of having stretch marks
- Application of corticosteroid cream for long
- Medical issues like Marfan syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome
Why Do Women Have Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
Women have stretch marks during pregnancy because of those crazy hormones. Due to hormonal changes, the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, faces a stretch, causing rupture or breakage in certain places.
But every pregnant woman does not have a stretch mark or have the same amount of stretch marks. The occurrence and intensity of stretch marks depend on the elasticity of a person’s skin.
Also, you have a high chance of getting stretch marks during pregnancy if you gain more weight than usual. On average, a pregnant woman is expected to gain 22 to 28 lbs.
How To Choose The Right Stretch Mark Removal Treatment?
Before I get into the details of how to get rid of stretch marks, I want to share some expert tips on how to choose the right treatment for you.
First of all, consider how long you have these stretch marks and your skin type. You also need to be very particular about the kind of look you want to get after the removal of these stretch marks.
Another important thing to consider is the cost as being cosmetic surgeries, most invasive or surgical methods for stretch marks removal are not covered by insurance. Finally, check if the treatment is convenient for you or not.
If you are usually occupied with multiple commitments, visiting the clinic on a regular basis can be a headache.
How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks: Best Methods
In this age of commercials and social media influencers, many topical ointments claim to be the “best stretch mark cream.” But it’s never a wise idea to take risks with your skin health.
So, instead of trial and error, you can go for some tried and tested methods to make stretch marks less visible and alleviate discomfort.
Natural Remedies
You can try some effective natural remedies if you want to know how to get rid of after birth stretch marks or how to make stretch marks disappear. Vitamin A skincare products, coconut oil, aloe vera, sugar, Centella, and hyaluronic acids are some of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks.
Vitamin A Skin Care products
Vitamin A is found as the retinoid in many skincare products. Retinoids improve the smoothness of the skin.
Another derivative of vitamin A, retinol, is also very effective in treating stretch marks. In fact, recent studies say that tretinoin, a form of retinol, can make stretch marks less visible.
However, retinoids may not be safe during pregnancy, and many people suffer from skin irritations while using products rich in vitamin A. So, it’s always better to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider to find a cream or lotion for stretch marks with vitamin A.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil can make the protective layer of your skin stronger. Also, it has some wound-healing properties.
Further, as per studies, gentle massages with extra virgin coconut oil can greatly help avoid getting stretch marks or reduce their severity.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera helps to heal wounds and moisturize and soothe rashes and other skin problems. Stretch marks are a kind of skin scar. So, you can use the aloe vera jelly directly or a stretch mark lotion and cream with aloe vera.
Sugar
Sugar is a natural exfoliator, and it can improve the texture and tone of your skin. Apply a scrub with natural oil to your stretch marks twice a week. Leave the mixture for some time and wash it with warm water for the best results.
Centella
Centella Asiatica is an herb that boosts collagen production. Collagen can improve the appearance of our skin. Centella is also found in Korean beauty products due to its skin-healing properties.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, a regular element in skin care products, improves the elasticity of our skin. With improved elasticity, your skin will be less prone to having ruptures or scars.
You can also use a lotion or cream with hyaluronic acid because of its moisturizing and healing properties.
Medical Treatments
A dermatologist, a plastic surgeon, or a cosmetic surgeon will offer medical treatments to make the stretch marks on your skin less severe.
Always remember that these treatments have some associated risks, and be reasonable with the results you can expect.
Laser therapy, radiofrequency therapy, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and microneedling are some of the most effective medical treatments.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is used to improve the appearance of stretch marks with a boost in collagen production and blending in stretch marks with the look of your skin.
Radiofrequency Therapy
Radiofrequency therapy is also used for enhanced collagen production. This makes your skin firmer, making it less prone to breakage or scars like stretch marks.
Recently, this therapy has been used with microneedling for penetrating a deeper layer of collagen.
Chemical Peel
Glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel or exfoliator for your skin. This acid will help shed dead skin cells and augment collagen production.
Microdermabrasion
It is an invasive method to improve the tone and texture of your skin with exfoliation. So, your stretch marks will be more severe in appearance after this treatment.
Microneedling
We have stretch marks when elastin and collagen, two skin-supporting agents, get ruptured. Microneedling is an FDA-approved method that pricks your skin and goes deeper to increase collagen and elastin production.
Final Words
There are many methods to make your stretch marks less visible. But if you want to know how to get rid of stretch marks, there is no effective or permanent “cure method.” You can try the methods I have already covered for your skin with stretch marks for an improved appearance.
But you must not worry if you have just noticed stretch marks on your skin. Those are usually harmless. But you can visit your healthcare provider, and if needed, they can suggest you a cortisol test or genetics test based on the detection of Cushing Syndrome or Marfan Syndrome.
And girls, always remember, as Jessy J sings,
“Stop chasing all the hype, my girl
Stop trying to change who you are
Stop cutting yourself up on the outside (outside)When the inside is never scarred.”