As has been mentioned already, stretch marks are a form of tearing or scarring that develops, when the skin gets stretched or pulled too rapidly. Usually, our skin is elastic, and hence, it can stretch to an extent without causing the appearance of stretch marks. But, excessive and rapid stretching causes the underlying collagen tissues to break apart. Collagen is the connective tissue, known to provide support to the skin and maintain its elasticity. So, tearing of collagen causes the appearance of small red, purple, or pink and brown colored streaks in the skin, which are called stretch marks.
The chances of getting stretch marks are governed by several factors including, genetics, skin tone, skin elasticity, amount of weight gain, multiple pregnancies, and hormonal fluctuations. Stretch marks usually fade over time, though they do not disappear completely. But, it is very much possible to make these marks less noticeable with some natural methods. So, let’s have a look at how to reduce stretch marks on legs, thigh, belly, and other parts of the body naturally. Learn more about getting rid of stretch marks on the stomach and getting rid of stretch marks on thighs.
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How to Reduce Stretch Marks Naturally
The more elastic our skin is, the less is the possibility of getting stretch marks. So, the first and the most important way to prevent stretch marks is to stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is of crucial importance for healthy skin and your overall health. Also, eat a balanced diet, and stay away from foods high in harmful fats to prevent rapid and excessive weight gain. Keep in mind that the more rapidly you put on weight, the more likely you are to develop stretch marks. Along with water, exercises can too help to maintain or enhance skin elasticity. Do not forget to moisturize your skin, especially the areas like, legs, hips, thighs, and belly, which are more prone to develop stretch marks.
If you have noticed the appearance of those ugly stretch marks, even after taking all the preventive measures, then apply wheat germ oil, lanolin, lavender oil, olive oil, or emu oil on the affected area. You can also massage the area regularly with a good quality cream or oil that contains cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, almond oil, olive oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, and retinoid. Such ingredients would moisturize the skin to increase its elasticity to resist stretch marks and stimulate new collagen production to diminish its visibility. Equally important is to eat a diet, that contains lots of proteins, vitamin E, C, A, zinc, and silica, so that your skin can stretch without tearing. Exfoliating the dead skin regularly can too help to get rid of stretch marks. Learn more about how to get rid of stretch marks naturally and get rid of stretch marks at home.
How to Reduce Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is characterized by rapid weight gain, which causes the skin to stretch beyond its capacity, resulting in tearing and scarring, or the appearance of stretch marks. The best way to reduce these stretch marks is to prevent their appearance. Drinking lots of water, eating a healthy and balanced diet, taking the essential vitamins, and keeping the skin well moisturized and supple can help expecting mothers lower the chances of getting stretch marks. Also, scrub the affected areas or the areas which are more prone to get stretch marks with a soft washcloth or loofah. This would improve blood circulation to the area and exfoliate the dead skin cells to prevent stretch marks.
How to Reduce Stretch Marks After Pregnancy
After childbirth, along with the natural methods for stretch mark reduction, you can also try laser treatment, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, and application of topical ointments or tretinoin cream. However, talk to your physician before applying these topical creams and ointments to your skin. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may not be able to use tretinoin cream. Laser treatment is an expensive method, but it can considerably reduce the visibility of stretch marks quickly. More information on:
Stretch marks can fade and become less noticeable on their own. Though many products like creams or lotions claim to completely erase stretch marks, their effectiveness is a bit controversial. Stretch marks can fade considerably but rarely disappear. But proper skincare like moisturizing, and also keeping the skin well hydrated and supple, can help to fade them quickly. Hope this article has been able to solve some of your common queries regarding how to reduce stretch marks.
