Do you know why or when stretch marks appear? Stretch marks can result from tissue damage caused by excessive or rapid skin stretching. It can occur to men and women alike. Even girls develop stretch marks during puberty. During pregnancy, stretch marks are extremely prevalent. It is not just the uterus that expands during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby; the skin on the outside stretches, too. As a result, many women develop stretch marks after a baby. If you want to find effective ways to get rid of stretch marks, continue reading. Do all women who are pregnant develop stretch marks? No, not all women who are pregnant develop noticeable stretch marks. Since each skin is unique, it will respond differently to sudden weight gain, pregnancy, and other factors. Supple and elastic skin will expand easily, and the chances of developing marks are lower. On the other hand, if the skin is too dry or tight, it can develop stretch marks easily.
Again, one must find out how big, deep, or bright her stretch marks will be. Preventive measures from the beginning of pregnancy can help reduce the appearance of marks.
Can you use home remedies to get rid of a stretch mark? You may come across many stretch marks removal tips or products that claim to remove stretch marks completely. Sadly, this is not possible.
Topical creams and home remedies can only help improve stretch marks and reduce their appearance. Keep in mind that different skin types respond differently to these creams and treatments. Some people may be able to clearly distinguish their marks, while others may not. You can try the following to improve the appearance of your stretch marks:
Moisturize because dry skin causes stretch marks to form and appear more prominently. Cocoa butter, olive oil, and almond oil have high moisturising properties that can help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Exfoliate – Removing the dead skin cells from the stretch marks regularly will repair the affected area by stimulating the growth of fresh cells, which can help fade the marks. You can use a mild scrub or chemical peels recommended by your dermatologist for such exfoliation.
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Tips to Prevent Stretch Marks
Being proactive can help reduce the development of stretch marks. Here are a few tips you can follow to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy:
Use olive or any other thick oil to massage your belly, buttocks and breasts. Stretch marks typically appear in these locations during pregnancy. Massaging the oil into the skin will make the skin supple, thus reducing the development of stretch marks.
Every time you take a shower or wet your skin, apply a good moisturizer. Water can remove the cream or oil on the skin, thus making it dry. So keep reapplying the lotion or cream to keep the skin well moisturised.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within.
Stretch Mark Removal
The only option for completely getting rid of your stretch marks is a cosmetic procedure. You can opt for any of the following procedures after consulting your dermatologist:
Laser or Light Therapy
This is an option recommended for white stretch marks. White stretch marks are typically older and deeper, and no topical creams can help repair or even reduce them. Laser light is used in this therapy to get beneath the surface of the skin. This will trigger the regeneration and production of melanin. The stimulation of tissues and activation of the pigment cells around the stretch marks will help them blend with the normal skin faster.
You will require multiple sessions depending on your stretch marks.
Therapy with Platelet-Rich Plasma In this treatment, the dermatologist will take platelet-rich plasma from your blood. The treatment helps revive the skin and also increases the collagen production. The combination of this treatment and ultrasound, according to some studies, effectively reduces stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion
In this treatment, tiny exfoliating crystals are sprayed on the stretch marks. Next, they will use a device to remove the crystals and dead skin from the epidermis layer. This will stimulate collagen production and also tighten the skin. You may have to repeat this procedure after a certain time to maintain the results.
Microneedling
This is another procedure that helps reduce stretch marks by triggering collagen production. Unlike microdermabrasion, this treatment targets the middle layer of the skin. Tiny needles are poked into the affected area to stimulate collagen production.
Plastic Surgery
If you want to remove the stretch marks completely and quickly, plastic surgery is a good option. It is expensive but effective. However, plastic surgery can leave its mark as scar tissue.
Conclusion
Each body is different, and every skin reacts differently to different events. Some may develop stretch marks easily, and some may never develop visible stretch marks. If you have
very prominent stretch marks due to pregnancy, remember the miracle your body created to get those stretch marks. Remember not to hate your body for a few innocent stretch marks.
