Sooner or later it happens to many people to have stretch marks, or very small scars that form when the body grows in a lightning-fast way, without the skin being able to keep up with it. Some of the more common causes are growth spurts, fast weight gain, pregnancy, and weight lifting. During adolescence, the predisposition is greater, as the body undergoes sudden changes. If you have stretch marks that make you uncomfortable, you can try several methods to make them less noticeable.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prevent and Reduce Stretch Marks
Step 1. Use moisturizers and ointments
They keep the skin soft and hydrated, reducing discomfort and preventing the appearance of stretch marks at best. Avoid alcohol-based products, which tend to dry out the skin. Look for creams containing vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and onion extract, which can promote skin healing.
Step 2. Eat healthy
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The skin needs vitamins and minerals to be healthy at all times.
Get enough hydration by drinking water and avoiding diuretics like coffee. Hydration promotes good skin elasticity and can prevent stretch marks
Step 3. Talk to a dermatologist
If your stretch marks are particularly severe, it is best to see a doctor to prescribe treatment and examine any disorders that caused them -
For recent stretch marks, tretinoin creams are sometimes prescribed to promote healing by increasing collagen production. This medicine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women: it can cause birth defects or be harmful to babies
Method 2 of 4: Dress the Right Way
Step 1. Avoid low-cut shirts
During puberty and development, stretch marks often appear in the chest area, right between the breasts. It's easy to hide this area with discreet, low-cut dresses. In the colder months you will always be on the safe side with a turtleneck.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand the real estate of a garment. If you are looking for clothes that allow you to hide stretch marks, be sure to try them on before purchasing
Step 2. Wear long or short sleeved shirts
Stretch marks are also very common in the armpit area and upper arms, especially if you play sports or train to develop the muscles in this area. Avoid tops and tank tops with thin straps, which would only draw attention to the stretch marks.
When trying on a short-sleeved shirt, raise your arm in front of a mirror. Sleeves that don't bother you when you keep your arms at your sides may pop up, showing the stretch marks
Step 3. Look for the right accessories
In cold weather, use scarves and shawls to cover up stretch marks. Avoid putting jewelry or costume jewelery on bare skin near stretch marks. The shine of these accessories will draw attention to problem areas. Instead, wear the most eye-catching pieces away from the chest, such as around the ears and wrists. If you carry a bag, choose a clutch bag or one with a long shoulder strap. A short bag, held next to the armpit, will draw attention to the chest.
Step 4. Choose the right costume
Skimpy costumes are in fashion, but there are many designs that can cover problem areas of the chest. If you don't want to look too understated, look for a swimsuit that hides stretch marks and at the same time enhances an area you are proud of, like a crop top. For a trendy look, you can also wear models with mesh inserts to camouflage imperfections and still show the skin.
Method 3 of 4: Makeup
Step 1. Choose the right cosmetics for the body
Look for specific foundation brands for the body to cover stretch marks, tattoos, scars and / or pimples. The color should be as close as possible to the skin tone of the chest. The chest tends to be a few tones lighter than the face and forearms because it is covered much more and exposure to the sun does not happen in the same way.
Step 2. Prepare the area you intend to make up
Make sure your skin is dry and clean. Massage in some moisturizer. To make makeup last longer, apply a primer: it will also help smooth the epidermis, visually reducing stretch marks.
Step 3. Relieve stretch marks
You can apply the product with your fingers or, for greater control, with a thin brush. Blend until you get a homogeneous result, without detaching from the surrounding skin.
If your stretch marks are particularly deep or dark, try applying concealer to your foundation
Step 4. Apply a thin layer of setting powder with a broad-bristled brush or puff
Remove excess product with a clean brush. The powder helps keep makeup intact, which is prone to dissolve much more easily than that of the face.
Method 4 of 4: Apply a Self Tanner
Step 1. Choose the right self tanner
There are several products on the market; choose one that comes close to your chest skin tone or that tans it slightly.
Pregnant women should not use spray self-tanners containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical can be applied safely to the skin, but it can be dangerous when inhaled. Instead, use cream or mousse products
Step 2. Exfoliate the area where you will be applying the self-tanner
You can use a scrub, glove, or loofah sponge. Gently exfoliate, wash and pat it dry with a towel.
Step 3. Follow the application instructions
If the stretch marks are dark, apply self-tanner to the surrounding skin to even it out. If they are clear, focus the application on the stretch marks themselves. Blend the product with your fingers or using a sponge that you can get dirty without any problems.
Step 4. Let the self tanner dry
Wait for at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. Wash your hands immediately to avoid getting dirty. Wait for at least another 6 hours before bathing or swimming. Reapply the product every day until the stretch marks have become invisible.
Advice
- Remember to remove make-up from your chest every night. You can use a suitable product or soap and water. Furthermore, once the application is complete, it removes make-up residues from the hands.
- Don't feel embarrassed about stretch marks. It is absolutely normal to have them, in fact sooner or later they appear to almost every woman. The secret to looking your best is being confident in your body!
- Contrary to popular belief, sunbathing does not fight stretch marks. Since scar tissue does not produce the same amount of melanin as normal skin, tanning will not even out the complexion - in fact, it may make stretch marks even more noticeable.
- Make up your chest when you are wearing your bra. Before putting on your shirt, brush off any excess with a brush.
- If you swim or do activities that cause heavy sweating, try using a water-resistant tinted moisturizer instead of traditional cosmetics. Apply it as if it were a foundation, but you can avoid using moisturizer, primer and face powder. If you ever decide to use the powder, make sure it is water resistant.
- Remember that most stretch marks go away on their own over time, just like other types of scars.
