The Complete Guide to Stretch Mark Removal and Treatments

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Stretch marks are quite common among people. The stretching of skin from its normal position for a long time can cause stretch marks pretty easily. And although this is one reason behind stretch marks, it’s definitely not the only cause.

Stretch marks are quite common after pregnancy, growth spurt, weight gain, and weight loss. They can appear in different colors, such as purple, pink, or red. Don’t think that only specific people get stretch marks — anyone can get them.

Unlike psoriasis which commonly affects hard-to-treat locations, stretch marks usually appear on the belly, chest, thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks. They are not painful, but they do make your skin lose its texture. As such most people look for stretch mark removal methods because they don’t look that good.

If you have stretch marks, you may be wondering why do you have them and what can you do for stretch mark removal? Are there products that you can use? But before you go ahead and purchase your stretch marks cream, or prepare any stretch mark removal remedy, let’s get to know more about this skin concern.

What causes stretch marks?

There are a variety of reasons that leads to stretch marks on bodies. According to research, about 50%-90% of women have stretch marks on their bodies. 

Let’s learn the causes of stretch marks. 

Sudden Weight Gain 

In some cases, people gain a significant amount of weight pretty quickly, which leads to stretch marks on their bodies. Gaining muscle mass is also a primary reason for having stretch marks. When teenagers become adults, they can also have stretch marks as a consequence of their growth.

Pregnancy 

The most common cause behind stretch marks is pregnancy. But you won’t get the stretch marks at the beginning of pregnancy — it will be evident once you reach six months. Since your baby is growing pretty quickly during this period, your body tries to adjust to the change. In addition, the hormonal changes during the pregnancy affect the skin as well. So your skin cells can easily tear up, leading to stretch marks.  

Taking Medications

Some medicines such as contraceptive pills and corticosteroids can produce inflammation on the body and this may lead to stretch marks pretty easily. There are also a few medications that cause physical changes such as swelling, weight gain, or bloating. Any of these reactions can make your body grow and your skin stretch. If you are seeing stretch marks on your body after taking some medication, then it’s best to discuss it with your doctor. 

Few Clinical Conditions

If you suffer from certain clinical conditions that cause weight gain, skin problems, sudden growth, then you can witness stretch marks on your body. A few medical treatments lead to physical changes in the body, for instance, Cushing’s disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, trouble with adrenal glands, and others. For these cases, it’s best to address the root clinical condition before you focus on stretch mark removal.

Genetics 

Genetics is among the contributing factors to stretch marks on the body. In fact, they say that stretch marks that appear during pregnancy are primarily hereditary.  So if your mother had stretch marks, then it’s more likely you’ll have them too. Keep those stretch marks cream handy and make sure it has pregnancy-friendly ingredients!

Stretch mark removal: Home remedies for stretch marks 

If you are feeling conscious about your stretch marks and want to know how you can get rid of them, then you are in the right place. To set expectations, know that stretch marks don’t go away so easily —it takes time. It’s not as simple as getting rid of maskne or using hyaluronoic acid for acne breakouts. Often, stretch marks just lighten with time but don’t completely go away. 

Let’s take a look at some home remedies for stretch mark removal that will help you get rid of this type of scars in no time! 

Stretch Mark Removal by Sugar Scrub

Have you heard about microdermabrasion? It’s a minimally invasive procedure that’s been proven effective in reducing stretch marks. In case you’re not up for a cosmetic procedure for stretch mark removal, you can do a sugar scrub at home instead.

Making this scrub is easy and consists of all-natural ingredients that won’t harm your skin. It also feels more luscious than your average stretch marks cream. Here’s how to prepare this incredible sugar scrub at home. 

  • Take ¼ cup of sugar, add almond or coconut oil in it, and mix it all well until it reaches a wet beach sand consistency. 
  • In the mixture, add some lemon juice. 
  • Mix all the ingredients well and use them on your skin a few times a week. Make sure to scrub your skin for about 8-10 minutes for excellent results. 

Stretch Mark Cream with Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that is often found in moisturizers and serums. Hyaluronic acid aids in collagen production, which is a protein found in skin cells. 

Collagen on the skin decreases with time, which can lead to skin dehydration and stretch marks. To help replenish this, you can apply skincare products (even stretch marks creams like Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy) that come with potent hyaluronic acid content. 

Coconut Oil Massage

Coconut oil is an incredible ingredient that aids in skin healing and stretch mark removal. One reason behind skin scarring is skin damage, and coconut oil can help your skin with it. The coconut oil comes with incredible healing ingredients that absorb the skin and heal it from the inside. It might take some time, but don’t worry, it won’t cause any side effects or allergic reactions. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another great ingredient to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Like coconut oil, aloe vera works as a healing agent and a skin softener as well. So applying a stretch marks cream with aloe vera regularly after a shower can definitely speed up the process of scar reduction and stretch mark removal.

Products and Food with Vitamin A

Want your skin to look youthful forever? Well, vitamin A is the answer. 

It’s also referred to as retinoid, which is usually available in several topical creams. Some people like to take supplements for vitamins, while some prefer to use them in the form of creams. Therefore, try to find stretch marks cream with this ingredient. 

But just so you know, several foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and cantaloupe are also rich in vitamin A. Why not eat your way out of these stretch marks?

The Outlook on Stretch Mark Removal

There is only one outlook – you deserve to look flawless! 

It’s not under anyone’s control to get stretch marks or not, but one can try to reduce their appearance. Stretch marks are pretty common, and there’s no need to stress yourself after them. 

Anyone can get stretch marks due to a variety of reasons, so don’t take it personally. You can work on stretch mark removal by either taking proper medications or using home remedies. Most people prefer home remedies before they consider clinical procedures.

Using natural home remedies will save you from wasting money on expensive stretch marks creams and medications. As with any skincare product, remember to observe if you experience any irritation upon using it. Some people might have allergies, and using these ingredients may trigger the response. As such, don’t use heavy vitamins on your skin without patch testing first.