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Stretch marks are triggered by various factors and they tend to affect individuals of any gender, age, or skin type, more so than pregnant women and teenagers. According to the NIH, 43-88% of pregnant women, 6-86% of those in puberty, and 43% of obese people develop stretch marks.
While stretch marks are usually harmless, they are unattractive and you may be looking for ways to reduce or eliminate them altogether. In this article, we’ll explore seven tips and tricks to help you reduce stretch marks and promote healthier skin.
Exercise Regularly
For starters, regular exercise can help you get rid of stretch marks. Thus, exercise tends to make the skin elastic by improving blood circulation and collagen production. It helps in reducing the appearance of stretch marks and preventing new ones. It also helps with maintaining a healthy weightwhich prevents rapid stretching of the skin and as the muscles tone and tighten, your skin will become more elastic, minimizing the visibility of stretch marks.
Keeping this in mind, you should focus on exercises that target areas prone to stretch marks, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Strength exercises can help tighten your loose skin, reducing the appearance of your stretch marks.
You can combine cardiovascular workouts with strength training for a comprehensive approach to improving your skin texture.
Massage and Moisturize
Regularly massaging the affected areas with moisturizing creams or oils can also improve blood flow and promote collagen production, which helps reduce stretch marks. You can choose products that contain ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E, known for their skin-nourishing properties to improve your skin’s elasticity.
It’s even better if you can make massage and moisturizing a part of your daily skincare routine!
Go for Cosmetic Treatments
In cases where the stretch marks are extensive, then surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty, can be used to reduce or eliminate the stretch marks. An Abdominoplasty by Dr. Shafacommonly known as a tummy tuck, involves removing excess skin, fat, and tissues, and tightening the abdominal muscles to effectively reduce the appearance of your stretch marks.
This is best suited if you have experienced severe weight loss or have recently had a baby. Make sure you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of surgical interventions.
The beauty of these surgical procedures is that they are targeted and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Exfoliate!
Exfoliation is a simple way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by promoting cell turnover and collagen production. Doing this regularly will help remove dead skin cells, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin. This process minimizes the contrast between the areas affected by stretch marks and the surrounding skin, making the marks less noticeable.
The process also improves blood circulation which is good for increasing the regeneration of skin tissues and the fading of stretch marks. While it may not completely eliminate stretch marks, it can significantly improve the texture and tone of your skin, resulting in a smoother, less noticeable appearance over time.
Hydrate and Eat Healthy
Proper hydration and a good balance will also help to maintain skin elasticity to prevent stretch marks. Well, drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated, which keeps the skin plump. It is also good for repairing damaged tissues.
You should also make a habit of eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and proteins that strengthen collagen to support the health of your skin.
Also, include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and nuts in your diet to nourish your skin from the inside out. With proper hydration and nutrition, you promote skin elasticity and prevent the formation of new stretch marks.
Find the Right Topical Treatment Option
Topical treatments for stretch marks work by directly targeting the affected skin to promote collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity. Ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides stimulate collagen production thus reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
You can only apply them to help fade existing marks and prevent new ones.
In addition, moisturizing agents maintain skin hydration, which improves its overall health. Although these treatments can show good results, it is important to be patient and consistent in their application.
Tip: Consult a dermatologist before using any products, especially if you have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.
Go For Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can help reduce the appearance of your stretch marks. During the treatment, small needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
This process promotes skin regeneration and improves its texture to help reduce the visibility of stretch marks over time. Additionally, it enhances the absorption of topical products, allowing for better penetration of collagen-boosting creams. Although it can significantly improve your stretch marks, you need multiple sessions to achieve permanent results.
Wrapping
Achieving permanent results in the effort to get rid of stretch marks requires a multi-pronged approach. This is one of the body’s goals that requires consistency is key. Remember, that the effectiveness of treatments can vary, and results depend on factors such as skin type, age of stretch marks, and the chosen treatment method. So, always consult a healthcare professional like a board-certified plastic surgeon to find the solution that works best for you.
