How To Prevent And Treat Stretch Marks – Stretch marks look like long, thin strips, streaks, or lines. They are often caused by rapid stretching of the skin.
This scar occurs when the skin cannot return to its normal shape after a period of rapid development, which is often caused by pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss or puberty. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy in more than 50% of women.
How To Prevent And Treat Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, scientifically known as stretch marks, occur when your skin rapidly changes shape due to weight gain or growth. They usually do not mean that your health is compromised in any way. Stretch marks can affect both sexes, including both men and women.
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At first, stretch marks will appear as a thin, pink or purple line with a different texture to the surrounding skin. Most stretch marks disappear on their own over time.
After fading, they may become less visible. Faded stretch marks usually resemble scars and are lighter in skin color than the surrounding area.
Symptoms of stretch marks may include indented lines, discoloration (pink, red, purple, blue, brown, or black), the skin gradually becoming shiny with white or silvery streaks, irritation, and itching.
Our skin consists of 3 layers. When the skin’s connective tissue is stretched beyond its natural elastic limits, stretch marks appear in the dermis, which is the skin’s main layer. Rapid expansion or contraction of the skin is usually the main cause of these stretch marks.
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As our body grows or gains weight, the connective fibers in the dermis gradually stretch to support the slow growth. On the other hand, rapid growth causes sudden stretching. This tears the dermis, exposing the underlying layers of skin. As the pale fat beneath the skin becomes more visible than the blood vessels, the stretch marks gradually fade, leaving a white, silvery, or shiny appearance.
They are more likely to form and worsen in areas with high levels of circulating cortisol or when cortisone is injected into the skin. Cortisol, the adrenal stress hormone, is converted to cortisone. As a result, the elastic fibers of the skin weaken.
Although it may not be possible to prevent stretch marks, you can reduce your risk of developing them by following certain practices.
Gradual weight gain or loss can be helpful in reducing skin tension and risk of stretch marks. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. If you experience sudden weight gain or loss, you should consult your doctor to determine the cause.
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For pregnant women who are already at a healthy weight, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a total weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds (lb). Women who are overweight before pregnancy should gain 15 to 25 pounds, and those who are underweight should gain up to 40 pounds.
Pregnant women should check with their doctor about how much weight they should gain during pregnancy, as underlying health issues can also affect the range.
Drinking plenty of water can keep your skin hydrated and supple. Stretch marks appear less often on hydrated and soft skin than on dry skin. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee can increase the risk of stretch marks. If you drink coffee regularly, be sure to balance it with herbal tea, plenty of water, and other decaffeinated beverages.
Stretch marks can occur if certain nutrients are lacking. Eating foods that promote skin health can be helpful. Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins C, D, E, zinc and protein. Choosing a variety of unprocessed foods is one way to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. For example, a breakfast of whole-wheat toast, eggs, and mixed berries adds color and a variety of nutrients to your plate.
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Regular exercise can help a person lose weight and prevent future weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the likelihood of severe skin stretching. Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, which can help the skin regenerate.
The appearance and color of stretch marks varies depending on your skin tone, but they are usually more visible on people with darker skin.
Stretch marks are usually difficult to treat. However, they can be improved with treatment, although they may not go away. The best results are achieved by treating stretch marks as soon as they appear. Older and deeper stretch marks can be more challenging to treat.
Aloe vera has long been used for its natural skin care properties. The gel in the leaves of the aloe plant can be applied directly to soothe and hydrate the skin. Aloe vera promotes skin healing after burns and wounds. Since stretch marks are a type of scarring that results from damaged skin, aloe vera’s skin-repairing abilities can help prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Use pure aloe vera from the plant or an over-the-counter stretch mark product after showering.
Stretch Mark Treatment
Sugar is a well-known exfoliant. Small crystals gently exfoliate dead skin, leaving you feeling smoother. As a result, this natural exfoliant can help treat stretch marks.
To make a sugar scrub, mix half a cup of sugar with an emollient such as coconut and almond oil. Gradually add the oil to the sugar. When your exfoliation resembles wet beach sand, it’s done. Gently rub the mixture on the stretch marks and rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a week in the shower or bath.
Hyaluronic acid is known for its exceptional moisturizing properties and ability to promote skin healing. It is often found in lotions, creams and serums. Hyaluronic acid can affect skin elasticity. Some studies suggest that hyaluronic acid may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but more research is needed to confirm this. To check this, apply a hyaluronic acid product to the affected area daily.
Vitamin A is known as a retinoid in skin care products. Retinoids can help skin look smoother and younger. They are available in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams. According to some studies, tretinoin can make stretch marks appear smaller and less severe.
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Vitamin A products can sometimes irritate the skin, so if you try this ingredient, follow the directions carefully. Because there are scientifically proven risks associated with using retinoids during pregnancy, you should avoid using them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
Centella asiatica is an herb commonly used in Korean cosmetics (K-beauty). Centella creams, often known as cica creams, are sometimes used to treat scars or to repair and soothe sensitive skin. Centella helps reduce inflammation and stimulates collagen production. According to research, lotions containing centella may help prevent and improve the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
Laser treatment uses concentrated light to treat the skin. Depending on the type of laser used. It can stimulate collagen production to help fade stretch marks. Some laser treatments require many sessions before you see results.
Laser treatment is also used to improve skin redness and texture caused by rosacea and scarring. Thus, laser treatment can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
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Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin in a way that home treatments can’t. A professional applies a rough substance to the skin using a hand wand to gently remove dead skin cells. Although research on microdermabrasion as a treatment for stretch marks is limited, some studies show that the treatment can reduce the severity of the marks.
Radiofrequency treatments stimulate collagen production by sending energy waves into the skin. The end result can be tighter skin. Radiofrequency treatments have recently been combined with microneedling treatments to deliver energy waves deeper into the skin. The needle penetrates the skin and sends radio frequency energy into the channels, activating the deeper layers of collagen.
Ultrasound treatment works in a similar way to radio frequency therapy. The therapy uses sound waves to warm and tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production deep within the skin.
Chemical peels involve applying an acid such as glycolic acid to the surface of the skin. Professional chemical peels are stronger than at-home and in-office peels. Scrubs deeply exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production. This can reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
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Since not all solutions are suitable for all skin types, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist to find out which one is best for you.
Stretch marks often fade and become less visible over time. They can be difficult to avoid, and magic solutions to help have not been scientifically proven. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and starting treatment as soon as symptoms appear can help. If you notice more stretch marks or they cover a large area of your body, see your doctor. Your doctor will determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. Stretch marks, medically known as stretch marks, are a common skin problem that affects many people. These fine, discolored lines or streaks that appear on the skin can cause self-consciousness and concern. Understanding the causes, prevention strategies,