Stretch marks are the natural result of gaining weight or having a baby. That is why moms and mothers to be are at an increased risk for developing them- and often, stretch marks can distract from what should be a happy time in a woman’s life. Some people find having stretch marks embarrassing, and they can cause one to feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to treat and prevent stretch marks, because who needs them?
First things first: prevention tips:
Stay Hydrated
Water helps keep your skin cells plump. It also helps remove toxins from the body. If you drink lots of water, then your skin will be more likely to bounce back from the stress caused by the stretching. Try to drink eight or more cups of water every day. Herbal teas without caffeine are also great for keeping the body hydrated.
Exercise
Exercise helps prevent stretch marks in two ways. It prevents you from gaining too much weight. Exercise also helps improve blood circulation, which keeps the skin elastic. Try to incorporate some type of exercise into your daily routine.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy will keep your skin healthy. It will also prevent you from gaining excess weight.
Dry Brushing
Exfoliating your skin regularly helps increase circulation and keeps it healthy. Dry brushing is also recommended for women who already have stretch marks.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Your chances of getting stretch marks will be a lot lower if you keep your skin moisturized. You should use oil-based moisturizers, such as wheatgerm oil and olive oil. Regular lotion does not penetrate deeply enough to keep the skin hydrated.
Are you past the point of prevention? Here’s how to treat them:
Potatoes
As strange as it may sound, potatoes can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The minerals and vitamins in potato juice make the stretch marks less noticeable.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is one of the many nutrients that is essential for healthy skin. Some health experts call it a “miracle” cure for women who have been affected by stretch marks. For the best results, you should combine vitamin E with an unscented moisturizer.
Laser Treatment
If you do not notice an improvement with home care, then you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist. Cosmetic dermatologists can perform a laser treatment that shrinks the blood vessels and stimulates the growth of collagen.
Retinoid
A dermatologist can also prescribe a retinoid. A retinoid is a product that keeps the skin healthier and plumper by stimulating the growth of new collagen. Keep in mind that retinoids are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is not considered an effective treatment by itself. However, patients get the best results when they use microdermabrasion along with other treatments. Microdermabrasion involves using small crystals to remove the top layer of the skin.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the last resort for stretch mark treatment because it can be risky. One of the procedures that can reduce the appearance of stretch mark is a tummy tuck. This procedure removes skin and fat from the abdomen. The stretch marks in those areas will be removed also.
Stretch marks can be a pain, but luckily there are ways to get rid of them. Hopefully this guide was informative for you- nobody should have to deal with unsightly stretch marks!
Cammie Channing is a dental hygienist and health writer from Tucson, Arizona. Besides her interest in the field of dentistry, she enjoys writing about skincare, beauty, and general health.
First things first: prevention tips:
Stay Hydrated
Water helps keep your skin cells plump. It also helps remove toxins from the body. If you drink lots of water, then your skin will be more likely to bounce back from the stress caused by the stretching. Try to drink eight or more cups of water every day. Herbal teas without caffeine are also great for keeping the body hydrated.
Exercise
Exercise helps prevent stretch marks in two ways. It prevents you from gaining too much weight. Exercise also helps improve blood circulation, which keeps the skin elastic. Try to incorporate some type of exercise into your daily routine.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy will keep your skin healthy. It will also prevent you from gaining excess weight.
Dry Brushing
Exfoliating your skin regularly helps increase circulation and keeps it healthy. Dry brushing is also recommended for women who already have stretch marks.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Your chances of getting stretch marks will be a lot lower if you keep your skin moisturized. You should use oil-based moisturizers, such as wheatgerm oil and olive oil. Regular lotion does not penetrate deeply enough to keep the skin hydrated.
Are you past the point of prevention? Here’s how to treat them:
Potatoes
As strange as it may sound, potatoes can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The minerals and vitamins in potato juice make the stretch marks less noticeable.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is one of the many nutrients that is essential for healthy skin. Some health experts call it a “miracle” cure for women who have been affected by stretch marks. For the best results, you should combine vitamin E with an unscented moisturizer.
Laser Treatment
If you do not notice an improvement with home care, then you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist. Cosmetic dermatologists can perform a laser treatment that shrinks the blood vessels and stimulates the growth of collagen.
Retinoid
A dermatologist can also prescribe a retinoid. A retinoid is a product that keeps the skin healthier and plumper by stimulating the growth of new collagen. Keep in mind that retinoids are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is not considered an effective treatment by itself. However, patients get the best results when they use microdermabrasion along with other treatments. Microdermabrasion involves using small crystals to remove the top layer of the skin.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the last resort for stretch mark treatment because it can be risky. One of the procedures that can reduce the appearance of stretch mark is a tummy tuck. This procedure removes skin and fat from the abdomen. The stretch marks in those areas will be removed also.
Stretch marks can be a pain, but luckily there are ways to get rid of them. Hopefully this guide was informative for you- nobody should have to deal with unsightly stretch marks!
Cammie Channing is a dental hygienist and health writer from Tucson, Arizona. Besides her interest in the field of dentistry, she enjoys writing about skincare, beauty, and general health.
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