Embracing stretch marks is easier said than done.
Today, we see more and more women—celebrities included—proudly showing their stretch marks while in their swimsuits. But, while it’s the new form of women empowerment, it remains understandable if you’re wishing to get rid of them or at least minimise their appearance.
Stretch marks develop when the elastic fibres underneath your skin rupture because of the sudden stretching of the skin—due to pregnancy or rapid weight gain, for instance. They aren’t a life-threatening condition, but they can have a lasting psychological impact where it may cause some to feel conscious about their body. In some cases, it can lower self-confidence and increase social isolation, too.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent the development of stretch marks and it can be difficult to reduce their appearance. It’s why a multimodal approach is your best bet in your attempt to get rid of stretch marks.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
It’s possible to prevent stretch marks, but as said above, there’s no guarantee. Some ways to lower your risks is to maintain a healthy weight, even while pregnant.
- Control your weight. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to prevent sudden weight gain or loss. When you’re pregnant, aim for a gradual weight gain throughout your pregnancy.
- Eat a balanced diet. Make sure your diet includes foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that support skin health. These include vitamins C, D, and E as well as zinc and protein.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water keeps your skin soft and hydrated—and having soft skin puts you at lower risk of developing stretch marks than having dry skin.
- Treat stretch marks as they appear. Stretch marks are easier to treat when they are new. So, if you can’t prevent them, there are several options available to help them fade naturally and at a faster rate.
Your Options in Getting Rid of Stretch Marks
Stretch Mark Creams – Creams for stretch marks are widely available today, each promising to reduce the appearance of these scars. But, the best stretch mark creams are generally described as having all-natural ingredients that are strong enough to treat your condition but completely safe to use throughout your pregnancy.
Exfoliation – Physical exfoliation isn’t going to peel your stretch marks off. But, what it can do is make your stretch mark cream work better by loosening dead skin cells that would otherwise be getting in the way of the products.
Clinical procedures are also available to treat your stretch marks such as Microneedling and No-needle Mesotherapy
You see, you can try minimising the appearance of stretch marks by using products that have safe and all-natural ingredients. With the several clinical trials these products have gone through, they are proven to offer quite considerable results that can make your skin feel softer, firmer, and more supple.