If you are tired of having stretch marks, know that you are not alone! Many people have to face these blemishes at some point in their life, especially women. They can occur after sudden changes in the body, for example during pregnancy, puberty or due to rapid weight gain or loss. 90% of pregnant women have them on the abdomen, hips and thighs and, unfortunately, it seems to be a genetic factor; if your mother had them, you might develop them too. While it is difficult to get rid of it completely, there are topical treatments and medical procedures that can minimize its appearance.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Topical Treatments
Step 1. Try a retinoic acid cream
This product has proven effective against stretch marks; however, it is more effective on newly formed ones. It works by increasing the production of collagen, which in turn helps to make the skin look better.
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, you should not use this cream, as it may have adverse effects on the baby.
- A prescription is required to get a product like Retin-A, but there are other low-dose creams available for free.
- The doctor is able to tell you the dosage; read the instructions on the leaflet if you use a cream that does not require a medical prescription.
Step 2. Try a combination of glycolic and ascorbic acid
These combination creams improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. Generally speaking, by applying these products every day you can start seeing results in just three months.
They are available without a prescription, but you must purchase them separately
Step 3. Use a chemical peel based on trichloroacetic acid
This solution is useful for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, although it is generally more effective when used in combination with other treatments, such as microdermabrasion.
- Usually, it is recommended that you go to a professional to undergo the procedure, although you can find over-the-counter products.
- Following the treatment, the skin flakes off within a few days, causing the color of the stretch marks to fade; more sessions may be required to obtain visible results.
Step 4. Minimize the appearance of these blemishes with vitamin E
By applying a lotion every day you can reduce its evidence; However, keep in mind that they hardly disappear, but over time you can improve the complexion.
- Vitamin E is effective in several ways. Helps protect the skin from damage, thus reducing imperfections; in addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- You can find vitamin E creams in pharmacies for free sale.
Step 5. Apply Shea Butter
This is another effective option for some people; it can reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin a lot. Smear the pure product or take a lotion that contains it to apply daily.
Step 6. Use coconut oil
This type of product and lotion is perfect for moisturizing the skin and reducing stretch marks. You can buy pure oil in major supermarkets; massage your skin with solid coconut oil or a lotion bar.
Step 7. Try a Eutra Tetina ointment
It is an incredibly moisturizing lotion, originally used for chapped and irritated cow udders, but now readily available in major supermarkets or even online. You can use it as a topical cream and it proves particularly useful for breastfeeding women and people with stretch marks. You can apply it regularly to reduce blemishes and to prevent new ones from forming.
Part 2 of 3: Medical Procedures
Step 1. Learn about pulsed dye laser treatment that improves elasticity
This is a procedure also known as the "vascular laser" which minimizes the appearance of stretch marks; increases the production of collagen making the skin more elastic.
- The treatments have an initial cost of € 200-250 per session and it may take 3-6 appointments before you notice any improvement; moreover, the number of sessions depends on the type of stretch marks and the area in which they are located.
- No recovery is needed, but you shouldn't be exposed to the sun for a while after the procedure.
Step 2. Evaluate the fractional laser to "blend" the stretch marks with the rest of the complexion
This therapy focuses on superficial shaping of small areas; the doctor points the laser on the edges of the imperfections, making them uniform to the surrounding skin and modifying the texture of the surface of the areas to be treated, making them similar to the rest of the epidermis.
This treatment has a variable cost between 150 and 3500 euros and it is very likely that several sessions (at least three) are needed to notice results, although this detail depends on the severity of the situation; after the treatment you cannot expose yourself to the sun for a few days
Step 3. Get injections of platelet-enriched plasma to manage all types of stretch marks
The doctor uses your own blood to "cure you"; it extracts the plasma and injects it into the stretch marks because it promotes the production of skin and collagen.
The procedure has a minimum price of 500 euros; it is likely to cause some pain for a couple of days, but you should recover quickly. Sometimes, just one session is enough, but it all depends on how the skin reacts
Step 4. Learn about microdermabrasion to manage any type of stretch mark
In practice, the skin is hit with a fine abrasive powder, a bit like grinding imperfections, although the procedure is far more delicate than what the description implies. This method allows you to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
The treatment costs at least about 130 euros; you may feel a little sore, but it shouldn't take long before you start to feel better. One session may be enough, but be prepared to undergo even more
Part 3 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Maintain a normal weight
The best way to avoid stretch marks is to avoid them from forming right from the start. You can maintain a normal weight by exercising at least two and a half hours a week and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Make sure you eat nutrient-rich foods so your skin gets the substances it needs to heal on its own
Step 2. Avoid exposure to the sun
Even the sun's rays can make stretch marks more visible; if you don't want to avoid it, at least cover the parts of the body that present these imperfections when you are outdoors.
Step 3. Stay hydrated
Moisturized skin is more elastic; thus ensuring an adequate supply of fluids, you can prevent new stretch marks from forming. Drink about 2 liters of water a day to supplement lost fluids.
Step 4. Moisturize your skin every day
You can prevent or minimize the development of new blemishes by properly moisturizing the skin; this is especially important if you are pregnant or if you are losing weight or gaining weight. Apply an oil and cream at least once a day, especially if you are pregnant.
- Apply a moisturizer frequently to avoid itching or drying out the skin. if you experience these sensations it means that the epidermis is not hydrated enough and you may start to develop stretch marks.
- If you are pregnant, use safe products, such as olive oil, Eutra Tetina ointment, or shea butter.
Step 5. Put on supportive underwear
Delicate supportive clothing that hugs the abdomen and thighs can help prevent or reduce stretch marks, especially if you are overweight; they also represent an excellent alternative to expensive cosmetic surgery, especially if the blemishes cover a large area.
Advice
You might as well just wait; if you are patient, stretch marks can shrink on their own, although they never go away completely
Warnings
- Most treatments offer partial benefits at most; get realistic expectations, given that stretch marks are permanent.
- These blemishes can be particularly problematic and difficult to hide if you have lost a lot of weight; these signs occur in large areas of the abdomen and thighs. If so, hydrating your skin heavily every day is a great option, especially if you're still losing weight right now.
