Stretch marks basically consist of fine lines or stripes that appear mainly on the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks. They are thin, elongated and slightly wavy marks, which although they are not harmful to health or have any type of detrimental effect on the body, it is true that they can end up being extremely unsightly, as they are not so pleasing to the eye. While it is true that they may never really go away, they can decrease over time or even with the help of certain treatments, products and procedures.
There are several, as we will see, the causes that can influence the formation and appearance of stretch marks. It is true that any time the skin is stretched very quickly, there is a chance that they will form. Hence, pregnancy, for example, is one of the most common and obvious risk factors, to which are added the hormonal changes that usually occur during this stage, causing the skin to become drier and more vulnerable right at the times when it is growing very fast. Therefore, stretch marks are basically scars, which occur when the different underlying tissues tend to grow too quickly, and small lacerations – totally and completely painless – occur deep in the dermis.
It is these small tears that cause the formation of scars, which then end up appearing on the upper layer of the skin as small lines, or scratches with a jagged appearance. On the other hand, it is also known that the risk of their formation during pregnancy is usually greater when gestation occurs at an earlier stage or age. For example, one study found a higher risk of developing stretch marks when moms-to-be were younger.
In any case, it is not necessary for the woman to be pregnant for them to arise or appear. In fact, pregnancy is not the only time in life when stretch marks can appear. For example, some may appear during puberty, after a rapid growth spurt, or after very rapid muscle growth or weight gain. And, again, women are not the only ones who can suffer from them. Men, it is true, can also develop them, although it is true that women are more likely to suffer from them. Despite this, it is estimated that around 40 percent of adolescent boys develop them during puberty, at some point.
Genetics also tend to play a big role. In fact, there is a strong association between genetics and the formation of stretch marks. In this way, if your mother or grandmother contracted them during pregnancy (or, in short, at any other time or stage of life), the probability of developing them is much greater, regardless of the amount of product or lotion you use. in order to avoid them or minimize the risk of their formation.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of different treatments that can be of some help when it comes to minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. However, before discovering them, it is vitally important to know what the differences are between red stretch marks and white stretch marks. And, among the most useful and effective home remedies, here is a compilation with some of the most interesting options.
Sugar scrub
Sugar is considered a very interesting natural microdermabrasion method when it comes to exfoliating the skin naturally, which would help positively when it comes to reducing the most visible stretch marks, hiding some of its most obvious symptoms. Luckily, making a sugar scrub is extremely easy and straightforward. You only need one cup of sugar and ¼ cup of sweet almond oil (or coconut oil).
Then, once you have the two ingredients, mix them well until you get the desired consistency. Now add some freshly squeezed lemon juice, and mix again. To finish, simply rub this mixture on the part of the body where you want to treat stretch marks.
It is convenient to repeat this process several times a week, if possible always in the shower or during the bath. The best? Rub the skin with this scrub for 5 to 10 minutes to achieve the expected results.
Fresh aloe vera juice
At the moment, it is true, there is not enough clinical evidence to show that aloe vera is effective as an anti-stretch mark treatment. Although it is known that pure aloe vera becomes an active ingredient with interesting healing qualities, as well as acting as an excellent skin softener. Thanks to this, it becomes a very useful natural remedy for the treatment of stretch marks.
To prepare this home remedy, you should only have an aloe vera plant at home. Cut one of the leaves of the plant, place the cut part on a bowl or small bowl and let all the pulp and juice come out little by little.
Then, you should only apply this pure aloe vera gel on top of the stretch marks, daily after showering or bathing. Until you see some benefit.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the best vegetable oils that exist to apply to the skin of the body. Although it is true that it tends not to be as suitable or recommended for facial skin, especially if we take into account that it is a comedogenic oil, which means that it can clog pores and increase the risk of acne breakouts. However, applied to the skin of the rest of the body, it does offer interesting qualities.
For example, it stands out enormously for its interesting healing qualities, and may even be able to reduce the time it takes for scars to heal on the skin.
The best? Apply a little virgin coconut oil on the stretch marks every day, which could be very useful in reducing their reddish color as much as possible. In addition, unless there is an allergy, it becomes an extremely safe natural treatment option.
Likewise, you can also mix equal parts sweet almond oil with coconut oil, becoming an even more effective natural remedy to treat and fight stretch marks. To do this, once both oils are mixed, apply to the skin and massage regularly, until you see some improvement.
Lemon juice
The lemon juice I freshly squeezed is most known for its whitening qualities, so that helps reduce the most visible parts of the grooves, simple, easy and simple.
Its preparation and application, in fact, is characterized by being extremely simple and straightforward. It is enough to squeeze a lemon daily and spread it over the areas of the skin to be treated with the help of a gentle massage. Or simply rub a slice of lemon on the stretch marks every day to see the expected result.
Of course, while it acts as a natural skin whitener, it can also make it more sensitive to the action of ultraviolet rays, being able to darken it instead of lightening or whitening it. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using lemon juice in those areas commonly exposed to the sun, or when you plan to sunbathe on the beach or in the pool.
Apricot oil and mask
Did you know that apricots have an enormous exfoliating quality? This makes them tremendously effective in reducing and even curing stretch marks.
To prepare this remedy, you only have to cut 2 or 3 apricots, remove the seeds and crush the fruit until it forms a paste. Then, apply this paste as a mask on the areas most affected by stretch marks, and let the natural remedy act for at least 15 minutes.
After this time, with the help of a little warm water, rinse your skin. If necessary, repeat the process daily for at least a month to see the expected results.
On the other hand, apricot oil can also become another excellent option, thanks to its rejuvenating qualities for the skin, so it is also of some use when it comes to diminishing and reducing stretch marks to the maximum. In this case, you only have to mix it with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice, and then massage this mixture on your skin, to obtain effective results.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter can become a truly effective natural remedy when it comes to reducing stretch marks, thanks to the fact that its texture and consistency is capable of filtering into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) and not only into the epidermis (top layer). Thus, just as the cocoa butter is absorbed into the dermis, it may be able to retain even more moisture. Thanks to this, it helps to soften stretch marks, and can even end up becoming an excellent preventive.
For this reason, at the beginning of pregnancy, many beauty experts advise pregnant women to apply cocoa butter to those areas of the body that can be easily affected by stretch marks from the first month, right up to the time of delivery. In addition, it is also advisable to continue applying it as the mother’s body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, as the skin begins to shrink.
Due to this, this natural ingredient also becomes an excellent option for weight loss programs, and, in turn, during periods of adolescent growth spurt (puberty).
The best time to use cocoa butter is always at night, to leave it on all night. Therefore, after bathing and before going to bed, you only have to apply a little butter to your skin, with the help of a gentle massage, if possible every day (for example, if it is during pregnancy, during practically every month that the pregnancy lasts and even a few months later after the birth of the baby, until observing that the stretch marks are reduced and disappear).
Cucumber and lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice contains a natural acidity that can be very helpful in not only healing but also reducing scars, while cucumber juice provides a soothing effect that leaves skin feeling fresh and smooth. deflated as possible, which is why it is very common for cucumber slices to be used to treat and conceal as much as possible the bags that usually form under the eyes.
To prepare this home remedy, you only have to blend a cucumber, cut a lemon in half and squeeze it to obtain all its juice. In a small bowl mix both juices in equal parts, and then apply this mixture on the affected areas (that is, where stretch marks may form or have appeared), and massage until the skin has absorbed it completely. Then leave it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, and finally rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Argan oil
Argan oil is another plant-based oil that is well known for its qualities on the skin. For this reason, it has become a more indispensable ingredient in the formulation of many products, as an active ingredient.
In fact, it is a total and completely natural oil that stands out for its high content of vitamin E, which is effective in preventing oxidative stress, reducing the negative action of free radicals and increasing the elasticity of the skin, all This is totally and completely natural.
To enjoy its anti-stretch mark qualities, it is only necessary to apply a small amount of this oil to the palms of your hands and gently massage the area to be treated. It will help to heal the broken tissues gradually, little by little and over time, helping the marks to disappear.
Egg whites
The egg becomes a superfood for the skin, thanks mainly to its high protein content and essential amino acids (which means you need to provide them to our body through food because our body is unable to produce them If only).
And, according to some people who have tried them, when egg whites are applied to stretch marks, they help to lighten them easily, while also tightening the skin.
Potato juice
The potatoes contain starch and other enzymes capable of illuminating and whiten skin naturally. For this reason, it is very common that they are used in order to lighten spots on the skin, dark circles and other imperfections, by whitening it naturally.
Therefore, they can also end up becoming an excellent natural option when it comes to effectively reducing the visibility of stretch marks, as long as it is applied with some regularity.
To make it, you just have to peel a potato and mash it well in a blender to obtain its juice. Then, soak a cotton pad or disc, and then apply it to the area where the stretch marks are.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a unique yet wonderful ingredient, packed with natural antioxidants, healthy fats, and other interesting nutrients to repair skin damage. In this sense, the most advisable thing is to use extra virgin olive oil, as well as any other variety of cold-pressed olive oil, which is very useful when it comes to reducing stretch marks, making them fade little by little. over time.
To apply it, the steps to follow are extremely simple and straightforward: you only have to put a small amount of product on the palms of your hands, and massage gently until the skin has been able to absorb it. Likewise, it is recommended to apply it every day, until you notice some improvement in the visibility of stretch marks.
The truth is that you can also use olive oil to make a scrub with sugar and lemon juice. To do this, you just have to squeeze a lemon, and mix sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix well to form a uniform mixture. And, to finish, apply the product on the stretch marks, rubbing for 10 minutes. To finish, rinse with a little warm water.
Castor oil
Castor oil is also another natural ingredient that we can sometimes find in different skin care products. It acts as a good natural healing agent, so applied directly to the stretch marks in the form of a massage, and with circular movements, it can help a lot when it comes to reducing their appearance.
How to do it? It’s very simple: you just have to apply a small amount of this oil on the palms of your hands, and apply it on the stretch marks by massaging with circular movements between 15 to 20 minutes. Then, once the massage has been applied, it is convenient to cover the area with the help of a fine cotton cloth, and apply a little heat with the help of a heating pad. Of course, to obtain the best results, it is recommended to do it every day for at least a month.
Black tea
Black tea becomes a wonderful drink, full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants of natural origin. In fact, among the nutrients contained in its composition we must mention the presence of vitamin B12, which helps control skin pigmentation.
When using black tea for stretch marks, you only have to prepare the drink as you usually do, boiling a couple of tablespoons of black tea, and also add a little salt. Once prepared, let the drink cool completely.
Finally, apply the black tea on the stretch marks, repeating the process until they completely disappear.
How to make anti-stretch mark skin masks:
Nourishing mask
Masks become an excellent option when it comes to nourishing and caring for the skin in an easy and simple way, since they provide a whole set of different nutrients and enzymes useful when treating a wide variety of skin disorders and problems. On this occasion we propose a nourishing mask, ideal for reducing stretch marks in a simple, easy and straightforward way. And what is even better: in a totally natural way.
Ingredients: 2 beaten egg yolks, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of oatmeal, 2 teaspoons of almond paste, milk.
Preparation: Separate the whites from the egg yolks and beat them very well. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze it to obtain its juice. In a bowl add all the ingredients in the amounts indicated, and mix well to form a paste. Remember to use enough milk to mix well and thereby obtain a paste as smooth as possible.
Application: Once the paste is made, after obtaining the right texture and consistency, apply it directly on the stretch marks and let it dry completely, leaving it to act for at least 30 minutes. Then simply rinse with cold water, rubbing gently until it is completely removed. It is advisable to apply it on alternate days.
Aloe vera mask
As we have already seen, and we have mentioned to you on many occasions, aloe vera is characterized by being one of the best natural ingredients that exist for skin care. In fact, it is tremendously popular -and known- for its enormous ability to heal the skin. And, as is logical to imagine, stretch marks are no exception. With aloe vera, and some other ingredients, it is possible to prepare a wonderful anti-stretch mark mask that provides most of the benefits of each and every one of its natural ingredients.
Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of almond oil or olive oil, a capsule of vitamin E.
Preparation: In a bowl add the fresh aloe vera gel, freshly squeezed lemon juice, almond or olive oil, and puncture a vitamin E capsule to obtain all its liquid. Then mix well.
Application: Once the mask is made, with clean skin, apply the mixture on the stretch marks with gentle massages, leaving it to act until it has been completely absorbed. If you wish, repeat the process every day until the stretch marks diminish.
Egg white mask
As we have already seen, egg white becomes one of the best ingredients that exist when preparing an anti-stretch mark mask, thanks to its richness in proteins and amino acids and its binding qualities, giving the mask the most appropriate texture.
Ingredients: 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
Preparation: Carefully separate the yolk from the egg white. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it to get its juice. In a bowl, put the egg white, lemon juice and honey in the amounts indicated. And mix well, conveniently and carefully until all the ingredients have been properly integrated.
Application: After making the mask, simply apply it to the skin areas where stretch marks have formed, applying it with the help of a gentle massage. Then let dry between 15 to 20 minutes, to finish rinsing with warm water once this time has elapsed.
Turmeric face mask
Turmeric has excellent benefits for pregnant women, as it is capable of reducing both inflammation and swelling. In addition, it also contains an active ingredient known as curcumin, which appears to be able to treat stretch marks when this wonderful yellow spice is applied directly to the skin.
Ingredients: Turmeric powder and lemon juice (you can substitute coconut oil or water).
Preparation: In a small bowl mix turmeric powder with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice. Although, as we have mentioned in the ingredients section, you can replace it with water or a little coconut oil. Mix well to form a paste.
Application: Once the mask is made, it is convenient and recommended to apply the mask on the stretch marks, if possible between one or two times a day, to maximize its anti-stretch mark qualities and effects.
Aloe vera and coffee mask
Coffee has the ability to lighten scars, while tightening the skin and gently and naturally exfoliating it, being very helpful in concealing and softening stretch marks. And by combining coffee with aloe vera we can learn how to prepare an extremely interesting anti-stretch mark mask.
Ingredients: Ground coffee and fresh aloe vera gel.
Preparation: In a small bowl, mix fresh aloe vera gel and ground coffee, until it forms a paste as fine as possible.
Application: Gently massage this paste on the affected area to be treated (where the stretch marks are located), for at least 5 minutes. Then, once fully applied, let it dry completely, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes. Finally, clean with the help of a warm wet towel, and rinse with warm water until it is completely removed.
Aloe vera and castor oil mask
To the soothing qualities of aloe vera we must add castor oil, which is an oil of vegetable origin ideal for enjoying the most perfect skin possible, by helping to reduce stretch marks by repairing the collagen damage caused by the appearance of wrinkles. stretch marks.
Ingredients: Fresh aloe vera gel and castor oil.
Preparation: The process of making this mask is even simpler and simpler if possible. To do this, you just have to mix both fresh aloe vera gel and castor oil in equal parts, until you get a rather watery consistency. Then heat this mask a little in a saucepan on the fire.
Application: When it is still slightly warm (but obviously not burning), apply this mask to your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes, to finally rinse with warm water and remove it completely.
And how to make a homemade anti-stretch mark cream?
If in addition to one of the many anti-stretch mark masks that we have talked about throughout this note, you also want to learn how to prepare a homemade cream against stretch marks, this time we propose a simple and simple recipe that you can make at home without too much complication, and with few ingredients. Do you dare to do it with us?
Ingredients: ½ cup of raw cocoa butter, ¼ cup of shea butter, ¼ cup of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, 2 tablespoons of rosehip seed oil and 20 drops of lavender essential oil.
Elaboration: In a double boiler, we will start by gently melting both the cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil, until these three ingredients have completely melted and have been properly combined with each other. Then, pour them into a glass container, and let cool to room temperature. Now add the rest of the ingredients, in the quantities indicated, and mix well. Reserve in the fridge until the different butters begin to solidify (about an hour will suffice). Once this time has passed, remove from the refrigerator and beat with the help of an immersion blender, until the texture acquires a consistency similar to that of whipped cream. When you have acquired this consistency, pour into a glass container, close and seal hermetically, and store in a dark and cool place,
Application: Whenever you want, or at least two to three times a day, apply a little of this wonderful homemade anti-stretch mark cream on the skin of the belly, breasts and any other part of the body where stretch marks have also formed.
Simple homemade stretch mark cream
If you want to prepare another homemade cream with anti-stretch mark qualities, but that is characterized by being even simpler than the previous one, because it has fewer ingredients, then we propose another recipe.
Ingredients: ½ cup of shea butter, ⅓ cup of coconut oil, 4 teaspoons of vitamin E oil.
Preparation: In a bain-marie, melt the shea butter together with the coconut oil, until they have been liquefied and completely combined. Now remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down for at least 10 minutes. Then, once this time has passed, add the vitamin E oil, and mix well. Now pour the mixture into a glass jar, and reserve in the fridge until it has cooled completely. The mixture should be creamy but thick (although it is true that its texture and consistency will vary depending on the temperature of the room where you keep it).
Application: For best use, it is advisable to apply it to the skin immediately after getting out of the bath or shower, and then gently pat your skin dry.
Cream against stretch marks with essential oils
If you also prefer to go a little further and learn how to prepare a homemade anti-stretch mark cream tremendously rich in essential oils, as well as in other natural ingredients with recognized qualities against stretch marks, we now propose another complete and different recipe.
Ingredients: 85 g of coconut oil, 20 g of cocoa butter, 20 g of shea butter, 6 tablespoons of water, 4 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil, 15 drops of essential oil of lavender, 20 drops of essential oil of cypress and 10 drops of essential oil of grapefruit.
Elaboration: In a small saucepan put the coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and sweet almond oil, and melt over very low heat, until all the ingredients have been mixed and combined together. Just when the various oils and shortenings have completely melted, add the water, until now all the ingredients have been combined and are smooth. Remove from heat, and continue mixing oil and water until the mixture has cooled to room temperature and has a rather creamy consistency. When the mixture has reached room temperature, add the vitamin E oil, and the different essential oils proposed in the ingredients section (essential oil of lavender, cypress and grapefruit). Mix well, and reserve in a dark glass container, away from heat and sunlight.
Application: As in the previous cases, you should only apply the anti-stretch mark cream several times throughout the day, focusing especially on those areas where stretch marks have formed.
Another wonderful recipe for homemade stretch mark cream
If you want to go a little further, and encourage yourself to prepare another completely unique and different anti-stretch mark cream recipe, we will discover another equally easy option to make at home.
Ingredients: 30 g of shea butter, 25 g of cocoa butter, 15 g of argan oil, 15 g of rosehip oil, 5 g of liquid lecithin, 1 g of vitamin E oil, 5 drops of essential oil of lavender, 5 drops of frankincense essential oil and 5 drops of geranium essential oil.
Elaboration: In a bain-marie, melt both the shea butter and the cocoa butter until they are completely melted and combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Then, once cooled, add the argan oil and the rosehip oil. Mix well and now it’s time to add the liquid lecithin. Since the lecithin is a bit sticky and slightly heavy, you should give it a good shake before fully incorporating it with the shortenings and oils. Continue stirring well until the oils have cooled completely. Then add both the vitamin E and the rest of the essential oils. Mix again and shake again until the oils get a thick and creamy consistency, which can take a while (to speed up the whole process you can submerge the mixture in an ice bath, in a separate bowl).
Application: You should only apply a small amount of this cream, gently massaging it into the skin, just in the areas where stretch marks have formed. It is recommended to use this homemade anti-stretch mark cream every day, preferably always after bathing or showering, to make the skin as smooth as possible. On the other hand, since this cream also acts as a wonderful moisturizer, it is ideal for dry and mature skin as well. It can even be used as a body moisturizer, applied all over the body.
How to make a wonderful anti-stretch mark oil?
In addition to the home remedies that we have talked about throughout this note, anti-stretch mark masks and creams, it is also possible to learn how to prepare a complete anti-stretch mark oil, which combines different vegetable oils with recognized action against stretch marks. Since there are multiple options, below we propose a wide variety of recipes. Do you dare to also prepare any of them with us? Take note:
- Lavender and jojoba anti-stretch mark oil. To make this oil you only need 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 4 drops of frankincense essential oil, 4 drops of Neroli essential oil and 4 teaspoons of jojoba oil.
- Lavender and patchouli anti-stretch mark oil. To make this oil you need 6 drops of orange essential oil, 5 drops of patchouli essential oil, 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 tablespoons of rosehip oil.
- Jasmine and lavender anti-stretch mark oil. To make it you need 8 drops of jasmine essential oil, 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 5 teaspoons of argan oil.
To prepare them, you just have to choose each recipe, with the amount of ingredients indicated, and combine and mix them well in a bowl or small bowl. Or, add the ingredients in a small glass container, close it well, and shake until all the ingredients are combined and mixed well.
Finally, when using them, you just have to massage the anti-stretch mark oil that you have prepared into warm skin both in the morning and at night, using sparingly to ensure that the carrier oil is completely absorbed into the skin.
On the other hand, when it comes to ensuring that anti-stretch mark oils are well preserved for as long as possible, it is important to store the combination of oils in a glass container or bottle, either transparent or dark. Of course, if we choose to store them in a glass bottle or transparent container, it is essential to protect them from sunlight, keeping them in a place that is as cool and dark as possible, since both heat and ultraviolet rays can end up affecting the quality of the product. oil.
The best? Always prepare a small amount of oil, enough so that it is always as fresh as possible, so it is essential to only prepare an equivalent amount that can last a week at most. Of course, if you want to make a larger quantity, it is convenient to choose to always add the liquid from a vitamin E capsule (or vitamin E oil), or a teaspoon of wheat germ oil, since both ingredients in turn act as preservatives.
Other useful tips that will help you a lot
In addition to opting for some natural remedies that can help positively when it comes to concealing stretch marks to the maximum, it is also possible to follow other simple and straightforward tips that maximize the effects of home remedies, such as, for example, some dietary tricks that also They are extremely useful in this regard. Take note:
- Drink water. Maintaining adequate daily hydration is essential to keep not only the body properly hydrated, but also the skin. In fact, as many experts believe, drinking between 8 to 10 glasses of water a day is tremendously positive for the health of the skin, thanks to the fact that it helps to recover its natural elasticity, keeping it as flexible and soft as possible. Therefore, thanks to this effect, stretch marks are reduced and diminished (at least their most visible symptoms).
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C, as we have already mentioned at some point, consists of an essential nutrient with recognized antioxidant action, useful for avoiding oxidative stress and, also, the more negative action of free radicals (when our body tends to produce them in excess and without control, mainly due to excess sun exposure). In fact, vitamin C stands out mainly for being a total and completely natural antioxidant that helps fight not only free radicals, but also toxins. Therefore, with an adequate daily intake of vitamin C, we manage not only to avoid oxidative stress, but also skin scars tend to heal much faster. The best? Choose foods such as citrus fruits (lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit), melons, berries, raw cabbage, kiwi, peas, peppers (green and red), pineapple, spinach, turnips and tomatoes. In this last food, the presence of lycopene also stands out, another highly antioxidant nutrient.
- Vitamin E. Like vitamin C, vitamin E also stands out for being a powerful antioxidant, useful for fighting free radicals, while deeply nourishing the skin from within. You can find it in foods such as raw seeds (sesame and pumpkin, mainly), almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, spinach, chard, broccoli, papaya, avocado, olives and parsley. Consuming foods with a high content of vitamin E on a daily basis will help to better eliminate and conceal stretch marks.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy fats are essential for our cardiovascular health, and they are also essential for our skin. Not in vain, they are essential when it comes to increasing and improving the elasticity of the skin, so they can contribute greatly to keeping stretch marks at bay. You can opt for foods such as salmon, sardines, cod liver, soybeans, walnuts, tofu, shrimp, cauliflower, flaxseed and chia seeds.
- Jelly. Gelatin is tremendously rich in collagen, which, as we have already seen, is also present in our skin, being essential when it comes to enjoying skin that is as smooth and firm as possible, so it is extremely useful to prevent expression lines and wrinkles. Not surprisingly, it is the main responsible for providing elasticity to the skin. You can opt for gelatin for dessert, without added sugars, or opt for bone broth (chicken, beef or lamb), which becomes an excellent natural source of gelatin -and therefore collagen- in the diet.
As we can see, when it comes to enjoying skin that is as healthy as possible, it is also essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. And, in short, follow an equally healthy lifestyle, avoiding those harmful habits that can negatively harm the skin, and that can even end up influencing the appearance of stretch marks and other common skin problems.
Especially during pregnancy, following a varied, healthy and balanced diet is essential, as well as taking care of your weight and only gaining the kilos necessary for pregnancy. Remember that, during pregnancy, it is an erroneous belief to eat for two, and yes, at least take care of your diet and only increase your daily calories per day between 200 and 300, at most.
Starting at the beginning: Red or white stretch marks?
It is common for stretch marks to begin as reddish or purple marks, which tend to slowly fade over time until they turn white or slightly silver. In fact, the difference in color distinguishes the very age of these marks or scars. So while it is true that they will never completely disappear, the treatment could lighten their color, or even shrink them until they diminish or disappear. In some cases, stretch marks may even end up disappearing on their own.
As far as the color of the brand itself is concerned, it is true that reddish stretch marks (the newest ones) are the simplest and easiest to treat. In fact, they usually acquire that red hue because there are blood vessels under the skin. This is precisely what allows red stretch marks to respond much better to treatment.
White stretch marks, however, being older, are usually more complicated to treat. Not surprisingly, over time, blood vessels narrow, making it extremely difficult to stimulate collagen production. Hence, the simplest home remedies or treatments may simply not be as effective.
Other useful treatments against stretch marks
In addition to the home remedies that we have talked about throughout this note, it is true that there is a wide variety of useful medical treatments for the treatment of stretch marks. Below we briefly mention some of the most interesting or useful.
Exfoliation
Especially for white stretch marks (that is, the oldest ones), exfoliating the skin regularly can end up being very helpful, since this is extremely useful in removing excess dead skin from the body, leading to appearance of a much newer and younger looking skin.
Not in vain, along with other treatment methods, exfoliation can help improve results, since by removing the dead skin present on stretch marks, it offers the possibility for other treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin, and even work much faster.
Microdermabrasion
It consists of a complete and completely painless procedure, in which the appearance of white stretch marks can be reduced. It is a procedure that is directed directly on the epidermis (upper layer of the skin), and acts above all by stimulating the skin in order to tighten the elastin and collagen fibers.
To do this, small crystals with exfoliating qualities are sprinkled on the area to be treated. Then, with the help of a device, the crystals are gently removed, taking with them the accumulated dead skin of the epidermis layer. Although it is true that it is a very interesting treatment due to the fact that it is certainly effective, it may not be able to completely eliminate stretch marks.
Microneedling
It is a microneedle-based procedure that targets directly the area located in the dermis, which is the middle layer where stretch marks commonly form and appear. When this treatment is applied, very small needles are inserted into the skin in order to trigger a greater production of collagen and elastin. This increase promotes better cell regeneration, thus improving the appearance of the skin, and reducing stretch marks.
However, to be effective, treatment may need to continue for several months. Also, it seems to be more helpful in those with darker skin.
Laser therapy
It consists of a useful treatment option to eliminate white stretch marks, which, as we have already mentioned, are mainly characterized by being the oldest, and in turn, the most complicated to eliminate. During the application of the procedure, the laser is capable of penetrating the interior of the skin in order to trigger a new regeneration process, stimulating the tissues located around the stretch marks, so that they can heal and heal at a much faster rate.
This therapy stimulates the production of a greater amount of melanin in the affected area, which means that it works by activating the pigment cells naturally present in the skin. Thus, the stretch marks end up “blending” with the normal skin tone. Of course, although it is a tremendously useful and effective treatment option, it requires more than one session to see the expected results.
To know: What are the main causes of stretch marks
As we have seen, stretch marks are formed mainly when the body grows rapidly for any reason, and the skin is not quite capable of stretching enough to keep up. Collagen, as we have already mentioned at different times, consists of a protein that helps make the skin much more elastic and smooth. But if the skin does not have enough collagen, marks (stretch marks) can end up appearing as it stretches.
And, as we have mentioned, stretch marks can appear for any of the following reasons:
- Rapid weight gain. This affects not only women, but also men.
- Puberty. Infant growth is greatly accelerated during this stage. However, stretch marks that commonly form during these times can often fade as they continue to grow.
- Pregnancy. It is one of the most common causes, and the stretch marks that form at this stage are the result of both the stretched skin (due to the growth and development of the baby throughout the months of pregnancy), and the increase in hormones, which tend to weaken the fibers of the skin. Fortunately, they can fade as weight is lost once the baby is born.
- Body-building. The practice of sports, even in those who have little fat, can cause certain stretch marks to form where the muscles grow the most.
