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Do you have stretch marks? I have good and bad for you news.
The good news is you can make them less visible and even get rid of them completely.
In this article, you will learn how to do this.
The bad news is that there is a chance that you you can not do anything with stretch marks.
I will not promise you that you are guaranteed to get rid of stretch marks with “weird tricks.” I will not try to sell you useless ointments and medicines.
Scars can be extremely stubborn, and some can only accept and learn to accept yourself with your imperfections.
However, in this article we will learn what stretch marks are, how they appear and what are scientifically proven methods of dealing with them. Towards the end of this article, you will have an understanding of how you can get rid of stretch marks.
Let’s get started!
- What are stretch marks?
- What do stretch marks come from?
- How to deal with stretch marks
- Cream for stretch marks
- Cocoa oil
- Bitter almond oil
- Silicone gel
- Olive oil
- Retinoic acid
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser therapy
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Cola
- How to get rid of stretch marks: the main conclusions
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks – thin smooth scars or skin lesions caused by depletion or degeneration of the outer layer of the skin, epidermis.
Depending on skin color, stretch marks may be red or purple. Over time, they discolor to silvery white.
Most often, stretch marks occur in the abdomen, chest, hips, buttocks and sides. As a rule, this occurs as a result of a sharp and rapid stretching of the skin.
That’s why many people associate stretch marks with pregnancy, growing up and fast weight gain or weight loss.
In principle, all that causes a sharp expansion and narrowing of the skin.
What do stretch marks come from?
Leather consists of three main layers:
- Epidermis. The outer layer of the skin.
- Dermis. Middle layer.
- Hypodermis. Bottom (deepest) layer skin.
It looks like this:
The dermis contains strong connective drains that can stretch as a result of growth.
A sharp and quick stretch damages the top layer skin, as well as deeper layers of the skin.
From here stretch marks appear.
In the end, they become silver-white, due to that the blood vessels are narrowing and the subcutaneous fat becomes visible.
It should be noted that there are non-mechanical factors for the appearance of stretch marks.
Studies have shown that high levels of stress hormone cortisol – weakens skin fibers and increases the risk of stretch marks.
Scientists also found that genetic predisposition. Some people’s skin contains less DNA, protein and elastin, which increases the appearance of stretch marks.
How to deal with stretch marks
Self-serving marketers know that people are ready for anything to get rid of stretch marks. Therefore, the modern market abounds various “medicines”, including creams, gels, lotions, scrubs, tonics and additives.
Unfortunately, most of these remedies do not give any effect.
However, studies have shown that some treatments not only have a placebo effect, but they really work. Let’s analyze the good and bad options.
Cream for stretch marks
Creams help fight dryness and irritation, but as studies have shown, basically they are completely ineffective in anti-stretch marks.
But there is evidence that some hyaluronic creams acid help prevent stretch marks.
Cocoa oil
Cocoa butter is a fatty substance extracted from cocoa beans. It for a long time already considers a folk remedy for stretch marks.
Studies show that it does not reduce the risk of stretch marks.
Bitter almond oil
Bitter almond oil is extracted from almonds.
A study was conducted in Turkey, in which 141 pregnant women, which were divided into three groups:
- Almond oil massage every day
- Almond oil was applied daily to the skin (without massage)
- Neither massage nor oil was used.
Researchers have determined that massage with almond oil contributed to the reduction of stretch marks, while simple applying oil did not have any positive effect.
Silicone gel
Researchers at the University of Manchester have determined that daily massage using silicone gel promotes reduce pigmentation of stretch marks in the abdomen.
Olive oil
Studies have shown that applying olive oil to damaged skin, does not help to reduce stretch marks.
However, one of the experiments showed that by applying olive oil twice a day, you can improve the condition of the largest and brightest stretch marks.
Whereas studies regarding the bitter almond oil and silicone gel, I would look at the results studies where olive oil is used in combination with massage.
Retinoic acid
Retinic acid is a compound derived from vitamin And it is used in creams such as tretinoin, which promote increase the content of collagen in the skin, which improves the condition stretch marks (pink, fresh) and acne.
Studies have shown that this acid is indeed effective in combating stretch marks and acne. But it is impossible use during pregnancy and lactation, as retinoic acid may cause developmental disabilities a child.
Microdermabrasion
During microdermabrasion, crystals are blown into the skin, and then sucked out of it, “polished.”
Thus, the upper layer of the skin is gently removed, stimulated new cell growth.
Laser therapy
During laser therapy, light waves of different lengths. They stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and melanin.
Studies have shown that laser therapy is safe and effective for both new (red) and old (white) stretch marks.
There are many effective types of laser, so consult with your doctor first to find out what what suits you.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
As you might have guessed, with this type of treatment is used intense pulsating light.
As with laser therapy, light and heat destroy some skin cells so that they can subsequently recover.
Several studies have shown that intense pulsed light effective and safe.
Cola
Gotu Kola – a medicinal plant that is already in use for hundreds of years.
Studies have shown that regular use of the plant Gotu Kola improves skin condition, lightens stretch marks and scars.
How to get rid of stretch marks: the main conclusions
So, if you have stretch marks, then not everything is lost, there is several ways to deal with them.
Depending on the method chosen, you will notice positive changes within a few months.
And, of course, it is worth recalling that the treatment would not be complete without appropriate lifestyle.
So if you are tuned, do everything to prevent the appearance of stretch marks (or increase the effectiveness of treatment), then you It is worth following the following rules:
- Stick to a healthy weight.
- Avoid abrupt weight gain and weight gain.
- During pregnancy, make (with the help of specialists) a plan for smooth weight gain.
- Choose foods rich in nutrients and essential vitamins.
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Exercise regularly.