Stretch marks, or striated dermo-epidermal atrophies, form on the skin when it suddenly extends beyond its elastic limit and its natural growth rate. The middle layer of the skin breaks, making the lower layers visible. The "new" stretch marks are red or purple and tend to fade to white with the passage of time; however, their hue varies according to the individual's complexion. Up to 90% of pregnant women have stretch marks at the end of their pregnancy. This imperfection can also form during adolescence, when you grow suddenly, gain weight quickly and develop a lot of muscle mass in a very short time. Most doctors say time is the best "cure" for stretch marks, which will eventually fade and be less noticeable. Newly formed ones can respond positively to a number of treatments, but remember that their effectiveness is still limited.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Home Remedies
Step 1. Drink lots of water
This is the quickest and most effective way to reduce the evidence of stretch marks. Well hydrated skin is softer and more elastic, consequently it has a more toned appearance and some irregularities in the stretch marks are less visible. A good level of hydration prevents new blemishes from forming.
The daily amount of water varies for each person based on specific factors, but generally 10 glasses a day should be enough to keep the skin hydrated and reduce the evidence of stretch marks
Step 2. Use aloe vera
The gel from this plant may be the most effective home remedy for eliminating stretch marks. In fact it is a product known for its calming and soothing properties on the skin; many people use it to treat sunburn. Break a leaf from an aloe vera plant and place the gel that comes out directly on the skin. After a few minutes, rinse the area with warm water. Alternatively, you can use an aloe vera gel-based blend.
- Mix 60 ml of aloe vera gel with the oil of 10 vitamin E capsules and 5 vitamin A capsules.
- Apply the mixture to the affected skin once a day, massaging until the mixture is completely absorbed.
Step 3. Give the egg whites a try
The amino acids and proteins in egg whites are great for repairing damaged skin. This treatment should show its results within a couple of weeks.
- Gently beat the whites of two eggs until stiff using a whisk.
- Spread a thick layer of it on the stretch marks with the help of a make-up brush or sponge. Wait for the egg whites to dry completely.
- Rinse your skin with cold water.
- Rub a light amount of olive oil on the area to moisturize it after washing off the egg whites.
Step 4. Exfoliate your skin with sugar
This food is also a natural exfoliant, that is a substance capable of eliminating dead cells and rejuvenating the skin. It is also considered among the best home remedies for stretch marks. Make a mixture with granulated sugar:
- Thoroughly mix a tablespoon of sugar with a few drops of almond oil and lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to the stretch marks by rubbing it for 8-10 minutes.
- Then take a shower.
- For best results, do this every time you shower for about a month.
Step 5. Apply the potato juice
Although potatoes do not look "juicy", the moisture contained in the raw vegetable is actually rich in valuable minerals and vitamins. It is enough to cut a potato to obtain this liquid, whose nutrients are able to repair and promote the growth of skin cells.
- Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
- Gently rub the slices on the stretch marks for several minutes, taking care to cover the affected area with a lot of "juice" released by the tuber.
- Wait for the skin to air dry.
- Finally rinse with warm water.
Step 6. Use lemon juice
The acid content of this liquid helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Cut a lemon in half and gently rub the surface over the stretch marks. Wait for the juice to work for up to 10 minutes before rinsing your skin with water.
Step 7. Cover the stretch marks with olive oil
This product is rich in valuable nutrients and antioxidants; as it is also a natural moisturizer, there is no need to rinse the skin after application. Just massage the stretch mark area with oil, perhaps warming it up a little, to improve blood circulation.
Step 8. Moisturize your skin with cocoa butter
This fat is known for its emollient properties on damaged skin and for its ability to smooth out wrinkles. Massage the stretch mark area twice a day with cocoa butter for great results.
Method 2 of 3: Using Pharmaceutical Treatments
Step 1. Use cosmetics
Many pharmacies sell over-the-counter products that can be used to "disguise" small areas affected by stretch marks and other birthmarks. Some of these cosmetics are also water resistant and stay on the skin for two or three days.
Step 2. Apply tretinoin cream
This product is also often referred to as a "retinoid" cream. It works by promoting the body's formation of collagen; although it is not able to completely eliminate stretch marks, there is scientific evidence to show that it is effective in reducing the evidence of these marks.
- Remember that retinoids can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using creams with tretinoin.
Step 3. Give it a try with vitamin E, vitamin C, proline, copper peptide or ATP creams
These active ingredients perform a function similar to that of tretinoin, stimulating the production of collagen. Remember that these products do not completely eliminate stretch marks, but they make them less noticeable over time.
Step 4. Invest in a product that contains glycolic acid
This alpha hydroxy acid is a sugar cane derivative and is capable of improving collagen production. While there are several glycolic acid-based tonics, cleansers and moisturisers available, only the dermatologist is able to prescribe more concentrated products when needed. Just like tretinoin, science has confirmed that glycolic acid, at a minimum, can reduce the evidence of stretch marks.
Consider combining tretinoin products with glycolic acid products, as there is evidence that this combination leads to better results
Method 3 of 3: Know the Surgical Options
Step 1. Consult a dermatologist regarding laser treatments
In this case, the intense wavelengths of light are used to stimulate the skin to produce collagen, elastin or melanin. Your doctor may recommend different types of laser treatment, both based on the appearance and age of your stretch marks, and based on your complexion.
Pulsed laser dye treatments are absolutely painless and are done for new stretch marks. The energy emitted by the laser causes the blood vessels under the skin to collapse, so the red or purplish color of the stretch marks completely disappears or they turn white
Step 2. Consider microdermabrasion
The dermatologist uses a manual instrument to blow small crystals on the skin that have an abrasive or "polishing" action. Then both the crystals and the dead cells are aspirated. The procedure allows the upper layer of the skin to regenerate and become more flexible.
Remember that this is one of the few treatments shown to reduce the evidence of old stretch marks
Step 3. Talk to your dermatologist about cosmetic surgery only as a last resort
A tummy tuck, or belly remodeling, removes skin folds disfigured by stretch marks. Keep in mind that this procedure, in addition to being expensive, is also risky. Carefully consider the situation and whether the discomfort caused by stretch marks is worth the risks associated with surgery.
