When it comes to stretch marks, it does not come considering gender, both men and women suffer. It may be due to various reasons like pregnancy, instant weight gain/loss, puberty, and the reason varies from person to person. It appears either like a white streak or red/purple color on areas like things, stomach, hips, breast or even lower back.
Even though this is completely harmless and normal to have, it might make you feel a little low or less confident. In such cases, it is vital to understand how to remove them naturally with preventive safety methods, especially in the right approach. Know everything about the removal process in detail.
How to Remove Stretch Marks Fast
This is one of the common questions which generally pops up when we suffer from stretch marks. It generally depends on various factors like stage, skin type, and based on your everyday routine too! The red/purple stretch marks generally face away faster as they are new, while the white ones take some extra time than new ones.
Some of the common things to consider include hydration, collagen, gentle exfoliation, lifestyle habits, and more for the fading process to happen sooner than usual.
Stretch Marks - The Main Cause
Stretch marks, generally called as “Striae” occur when the skin stretches fastly beyond the limit. When the stretch happens faster, there is a tear happening in the collagen and the elastic fibres.
Some of the common causes of stretch marks include pregnancy phase, instant weight loss/gain, puberty, body-building, muscle building, hormonal imbalance, and most importantly genetics!
It’s important to identify the cause initially and go with the right treatment.
Types of Stretch Marks
1. Red/Purple Stretch Marks
There are marks which have recently come up! They are initially itchy and will sometimes be itchy too! Best time to treat now, for fading them sooner as they respond better.
2. White/Silver Stretch Marks
In this case, the stretch marks have already been older. They are harder to fade fastly, but with the proper routine and consistent care, you can reduce their texture and appearance.
Natural Remedies - For Fading Stretch Marks
1. Aloe Vera
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Has skin healing properties, and also helps in improving the skin elasticity.
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Take a fresh scrape of aloe vera gel, and gently massage them for 5 to 10 mins. You can leave them overnight or wash off after 10 - 15 mins.
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You can use them everyday for visible changes.
2. Coconut Oil
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Extra Virgin Coconut oil helps in deeply moisturizing skin and supporting skin barrier.
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Warm the oil using double boiling methods and massage on your belly area; Using cold pressed oils twice in a day helps.
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Massage while applying consistently for improving blood circulation.
3. Vitamin E Oil
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Vitamin E, a perfect option to use for skin regeneration and collagen production.
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Take a few drops of oil from the capsule and apply on the stretch marks directly. Massage for better results.
4. Sugar Scrub Exfoliation
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Exfoliating once a week helps in removing the dead skin cells and improves the product absorption too.
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Mix sugar powder with almond oil; Massage for good 10mins, and wash off. Follow up with a moisturizer for best results.
5. Castor Oil
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Because of it’s thicker texture, they help in deeply moisturizing skin,
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Take a few drops of castor oil and apply over the stretch marks. Leave them overnight or wash off after 10 - 15 mins for best results.
6. Stretch Marks Cream
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There are creams in the market with the right blend of ingredients focusing on the stretch marks, dryness, and itchiness in the body.
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Scoop out the stretch marks cream and apply twice in a day for better results.
Treatments for Faster Results - Medical Version
For faster and noticeable results, it is important to do professional treatments; In this way they fade faster and give you visible changes.
1. Retinol Creams
Retinol helps in enhancing the collagen production and improves skin texture. When you have new stretch marks, they work best. Ensure to not use them during pregnancy.
2. Microneedling
This process helps in stimulating collagen by creating micro injuries in the skin. Works for all types of stretch marks.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser, one of the instant remedies when you target pigmentation and stimulate the collagen level. But when it gets older, more sessions are required.
4. Chemical Peels
Helps in removing the damaged outer/surface layer of the skin. In this way the appearance gets better.
For any of the above treatments, ensure to consult your dermat first, and they will guide you in the right direction.
Hydration - Foundation for Healthy Skin
Hydration is one of the most important parts to keep skin more stretchable and less prone to damage. Ensure to drink atleast 2 - 2.5litres of water everyday; And hydrate using a moisturizer post face wash or shower routine, to seal the moisture.
Boost Collagen Naturally
For naturally increasing the collagen level, it is vital to take care of your health internally. Better the collagen level, the stronger the skin is, and better stretchable they are!
Including citrus fruits, protein rich foods, nuts and seeds, broth, and leafy vegetables in your everyday routine for increasing the collagen level. Or you can even consult a doctor for collagen supplements.
Best Ingredients to Look For
When buying stretch mark creams, look for retinols, HA, ceramides, butters - shea & cocoa, peptides, ceramides, etc for healing and working on the skin issues. Avoid harsh products which tend to irritate the skin.
Can You Remove Stretch Marks Completely?
No, there is no 100% guarantee your stretch marks will be completely removed. It depends on when you treat them. You will be able to see the reduction around 50% - 80% when following a consistent pattern in a more disciplined way.
Preventing New Stretch Marks
Finding a solution to a problem before it even comes is a wise decision. So, here are some preventive steps to opt for:
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Follow a stable weight without fluctuating more or less on a limited time period.
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Keep your skin well moisturized using butters, oils, or creams; Knowing the benefits of cold-pressed oil, will help especially during pregnancy or muscle-building phase.
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Taking a healthy and balanced diet with protein, fibre, and carbs helps in keeping the weight and body stable.
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Keep yourself well hydrated internally too, during both summer and winter.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
With natural remedies, you will be able to see improvement in 4 - 6 weeks time span.
When you are going with professional or medical treatments, you can see the reduction in a span of 2 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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I want to see the result instantly in a week.
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Too much exfoliation will lead to skin dryness rather than cure.
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Skipping SPF on areas which are exposed to sun.
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Going with DIY remedies which do not suit your skin types.
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Improper or not so consistent skincare routine.
Complete Weekly Stretch Mark Care Routine
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On a daily basis, moisturize twice with a gentle massage.
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On a weekly basis, exfoliating once or twice works best; And also use a hydrating body mask.
Conclusion
Ensure to prevent it at the start and go with a routine which helps in maintaining your skin. But once they pop out, make sure to treat them at the earliest. But it is important to start now that never. New stretch marks instantly show results than the older ones. Following right remedies and being consistent will surely improve the reducing the visibility of the stretch marks in the body.