Stretch marks are scars that no one wants to see on their skin. When the dermis layer of the skin stretches because of pressure, stretch marks occur. In most cases, stretch marks come with pregnancy. Weight loss is another reason why you start seeing stretch marks on your body. You can find it challenging to get rid of stretch marks, especially if you don’t have the best stretch mark cream. Below are some practical ways to get rid of stretch marks, but you need to know more about stretch marks.
What causes stretch marks after weight loss?
Extra Skin
Losing weight is an achievement worth celebrating. After losing excessive weight, the body gets excess skin. In most cases, this excess skin causes the appearance of stretch marks. What happens is that the area of the skin which was responsible for supporting extra skin becomes weighed down. The additional weight of the excess skin will cause scarring, stretching, and tearing.
Muscle Gain
The journey of weight loss starts with the training of some sort, probably weight lifting. When your muscles increase at a rapid rate, your skin will begin to stretch and tear. This will lead to creating a larger room for your muscles, and thus, stretch marks will form.
Pre-existing stretch marks
Stretch marks are as a result of weight loss, that’s when they are visible. When a body gets smaller, pre-existing stretch marks may start to get visible. These pre-existing stretch marks appear larger than they are. Weight loss is excellent, but the stretch marks are in the skin already. The upside of this is that there are treatment methods to combat stretch marks.
Rapid weight loss
Losing weight fast can also cause stretch marks to form. When you lose more than two pounds of weight in a week will prompt the body to release hormones. The hormones released will interrupt the production of collagen. With your body having low amounts of collagen, the skin becomes weak, and stretch marks occur.
Ways to get rid of stretch marks after weight loss
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is essential to your health; you will subsequently have a healthy skin. Proper hydration helps to keep your organs working at optimum levels making the skin soft and supple. Drinking water is also an excellent tool for weight loss and is the simplest method of minimizing stretch marks. Make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, making your skin more resilient. Having a bottle of water with you throughout the day will reduce stretch marks.
Egg whites
Egg whites greatly assist in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The protein content found in egg whites is enough to help reduce stretch marks. These eggs are rich in protein known as albumen. It helps to tighten the skin by shrinking the skin pores. Egg whites can dry out the skin, and it is recommended you apply olive oil to help the skin remain moisturized.
Having Aloe Vera
The benefits of taking aloe vera for your skin need no mentioning. Aside from reducing inflammation and reducing pain, this plant also heals the skin by triggering the growth of fresh skin. You can extract aloe vera gel and apply it to the stretch marks. Make sure the nutrients stay for 15 minutes to effectively nourish and reach the surface.
Healthy fats
You should ensure you consume healthy fats. Healthy fats will significantly improve the look of your hair and skin. Make sure you have a diet that is rich in healthy and unsaturated fats. Healthy fats come from avocado, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, nut butter, and more.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also used in various skin home remedies. Thanks to the natural acidic properties, lemon juice is perfect for treating scars and, in some cases, acne. Cut the lemon in half and take one half in your hand. Rub the lemon into the affected area in a number eight motion for 10 minutes. With regular application of lemon juice, stretch marks will become less prominent.
Omega 7 Fatty acids
Omega 7 fatty acids have beneficial healing properties. Sea Buckthorn berry oil is the richest source of Omega 7 fatty acids. Most stretch marks lotions will come with this ingredient. Since the oil has an orange color, make sure you stay away from white sheets. You can also opt to take Omega 7 supplements for stretch mark reduction.
Radio waves for stretch marks
Radiofrequency devices have proven to heat tissues under the skin. This triggers the production of collagen, which leads to fading stretch marks. The problem with this remedy is that it is not permanent. Once you discontinue treatment, the creation of collagen stops. You have to redo this process after a couple of years to maintain results.
Tummy tucks
For people having trouble with saggy skin, you should consider a tummy tuck. You should know tummy tucks do not correct stretch marks; they eliminate and improve their appearance. Tummy tucks may also leave surgical scars, and you must weigh the risks before having one.
Vitamin C
Certain over the counter products have become popular thanks to increasing the production of collagen. Get supplements with Vitamin C and combine them with glycolic acid for optimum effect. Vitamin C supplements alone can be useful once you take 500 milligrams three times a day. Make sure your diet has fresh herbs, fruits, and starchy vegetables.
How to avoid stretch marks when losing weight
Make sure you plan for a steady pace when losing weight. You should also get your skin the nutrients it needs. Add foods high in Vitamin A, C, and E to your diet plan. With the right amount of collagen production, stretch marks can be prevented. Ensure you keep your skin moisturized; make sure you get a cream formulated to avoid stretch marks.
Before you start exercising, make sure you stretch. A light stretch before exercising will promote circulation as well as skin elasticity.
Bottom line
Although stretch marks have no side effects, they make you feel self-conscious about your overall appearance. You can always use creams and moisturizing gels available in the market. Homemade remedies are also an effective method for reducing stretch marks.
Resources – Livin3, Ultra Crown, Retone Skin