How to get rid of stretch marks
Just like scars, stretch marks erode confidence and lower morale.
But they don’t appear overnight for no reason.
They are the result of a major change in your life, whether it is a happy event or a victory over yourself.
Let’s see where stretch marks come from, what are their causes, how to prevent them, and how to treat them naturally or medically.
There are solutions and a routine to apply every day to manage to push them back and not keep too pronounced marks.
Contents
- 1 How to get rid of stretch marks
- 2 What are stretch marks
- 3 The structure of the skin
- 4 Why do stretch marks happen?
- 5 The production of fibroblasts
- 6 Cause of stretch marks
- 7 Best way to prevent stretch marks
- 8 Natural ways to get rid of stretch marks
- 9 Stretch marks treatment
- 10 Should I be ashamed of stretch marks?
What are stretch marks
Stretch marks are usually traces of skin damage.
They appear where fat likes to lodge.
It can be chest, abdomen, thighs, buttocks.
They appear as red or purple lines and then, over time, turn white.
When they are still recent, it is possible to treat them, which does not mean that when they turn white, we can no longer intervene.
The structure of the skin
In three simple points, the skin consists of:
– epidermis
– dermis
– hypodermis
- the epidermis is the outer layer of the skin and its role is to protect it from external aggressions.
- the deeper layer, the hypodermis, acts as an insulator and contains the fat layer.
- the dermis is the middle layer and the exact spot where the problem with stretch marks occurs.
The main function of the dermis is to structure the skin by managing its suppleness and elasticity.
Flexibility is the skin’s ability to stretch.
Elasticity is that of returning to its original place when stretched.
Stretch marks occur in the dermis.
Why do stretch marks happen?
To understand the process, you have to define the term fibroblasts.
This is a specific cell in the body that is linked to connective tissue.
These connective tissues are made of collagen and elastin fibers which give the skin structure its elasticity and suppleness.
Their origin is in fibroblasts and the more the latter multiply, the more they make collagen and elastin.
If the levels of collagen and elastin are insufficient because there are not enough fibroblasts, stretch marks appear.
The reason why some people have more stretch marks than others comes directly from the body’s production of fibroblasts.
The production of fibroblasts
Why then do some make more fibroblasts than others?
There are two reasons for this deficiency:
– the genetics that causes fibroblast production to be minor
– stress, whether mental or physical. The body makes more of the stress hormone cortisol and therefore produces far fewer fibroblasts.
Fewer fibroblasts mean less collagen, less elastin, and more stretch marks.
They appear because the skin is stretched and because there is less collagen and elastin, it does not reposition itself and becomes damaged.
Cause of stretch marks
Many factors can cause stretch marks, including:
- too rapid weight loss
When you lose weight too quickly, the skin stretches and cannot return to its original place.
The dermis is damaged and a stretch mark appears.
If you tend to gain and lose weight, these fluctuations raise your cortisol levels and lead you directly to stretch marks.
- pregnancy
When the belly rounds, there too the level of cortisol rises and causes the stretch marks of pregnancy.
- teenage years
Too rapid growth, and sudden muscle development have an impact on the skin, and stretch marks appear.
- diseases
Certain diseases can cause stretch marks such as Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, and certain adrenal gland disorders.
- drugs
including cortisone in all its forms.
Best way to prevent stretch marks
What to change in your life to avoid stretch marks in the long term?
Diet and hydration are essential for effective prevention.
When well hydrated, the body produces more collagen.
As for diet, be sure to consume products rich in vitamins C, D, E, and zinc.
Also, be sure to include enough protein in your meals.
On the other hand, do not embark on an overly strict diet that causes weight loss too quickly.
And in the same way, watch your scales and avoid an equally rapid weight gain.
Remember that if you are overweight and want to lose weight, you should not lose more than 0.5kg per week.
Beyond that, the melting is too fast, you raise your cortisol levels and end up with stretch marks.
Natural ways to get rid of stretch marks
If your stretch marks are red or purple, know that they will stay that way for 6 to 12 months.
Subsequently, they turn white, closer to the scar, and are more difficult to treat.
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Gotu Kola
The Gotu kola or tiger grass (#ad) is a herbaceous plant widely used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
This herb has a major impact on any skin problem, from simple wounds to burns and inflammation to stretch marks.
But don’t expect immediate results.
It will take you at least six months to see the first results.
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Almond oil
Almond oil is very beneficial for stretch marks because it is rich in vitamins and minerals which support collagen and improve skin tone.
Practice a 10 to 15-minute massage with the sweet almond oil (#ad) every day.
They won’t go away but if you are diligent and hydrate every day you will eventually notice a real improvement in skin condition.
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Coconut oil for stretch marks
Coconut oil is easily absorbed through the skin.
It is also anti-inflammatory and encourages collagen production.
Have a daily massage with organic coconut oil (#ad) to ensure both hydration and recovery.
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Cocoa butter
Rich in saturated fatty acids, cocoa butter provides deep, long-lasting hydration.
Very rich and very thick, the raw cocoa butter (#ad) does not, however, leave a greasy film and gently treats stretch marks.
Practice a daily massage after showering for better skin absorption and long-term action.
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Vitamin D
Some studies have found a correlation between a vitamin D deficiency and the formation of stretch marks.
This suspicion is logical because antioxidant, vitamin D significantly reduces oxidative stress in the skin and thus helps it renew itself.
It is therefore advisable to supplement at the rate of 2000 at 5000IU of vitamin D (#ad) per day to treat stretch marks.
Alternatively, you can still be in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes a day for your body to make it naturally.
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Aloe vera on stretch marks
Moisturizing the skin is the key to treating stretch marks.
Apply a pure aloe vera gel (#ad) every day to deeply hydrate and restore suppleness and elasticity to your skin.
Stretch marks treatment
The most common treatment for stretch marks is through the tretinoin cream.
It is still very advisable to consult a dermatologist because this substance can be dangerous if misused.
It is nevertheless a very effective treatment when the stretch marks are still recent and marked because it encourages the skin to produce new cells.
If your stretch marks are older and now white, you may be offered laser or surgical treatment.
These procedures, however, are expensive and should be considered as a last resort.
Should I be ashamed of stretch marks?
Unfortunately, stretch marks cause discomfort, and yet…
When you think about it, these marks on your skin don’t have to make you self-conscious, they are a summary of your life.
Because yes, whether you have had a child or have lost a lot of weight, they are the hallmark of your achievement.
They retrace your experience and mark your success.
Just like scars, stretch marks annoy those who suffer from them, but it is all insight.
If you give them meaning and purpose, maybe you can come to terms with them for what they are: your story.
Think about it.
Read more:
How to remove acne scars naturally?
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