Stretch marks are typically caused when the skin suddenly expands.
Stretch marks are caused because the skin is stretched beyond its capacity to recoil.
Your collagen and elastin cannot cope with the increase in skin surface area.
It’s like a rubber band that is over stretched and can never regain its original shortened length.
Stretch marks are most often caused by:
pregnancy
weight gain
body building
an increase in the hormone cortisol .
You have to ask yourself if the goal is stretch mark removal or if it’s the discoloration that bothers you.
Stretch marks are difficult to improve.
Most stretch marks fade naturally over time.
Not all treatments respond well on darker skin.
There is no evidence to support the efficacy of any natural substance or home remedy to fade stretch mark.
People with darker skin tones have an additional challenge.
It’s also important to prevent future scarring.
Stretch marks are caused because the skin is stretched beyond its capacity to recoil.
Your collagen and elastin cannot cope with the increase in skin surface area.
It’s like a rubber band that is over stretched and can never regain its original shortened length.
Stretch marks are most often caused by:
pregnancy
weight gain
body building
an increase in the hormone cortisol .
You have to ask yourself if the goal is stretch mark removal or if it’s the discoloration that bothers you.
Stretch marks are difficult to improve.
Most stretch marks fade naturally over time.
Not all treatments respond well on darker skin.
There is no evidence to support the efficacy of any natural substance or home remedy to fade stretch mark.
People with darker skin tones have an additional challenge.
It’s also important to prevent future scarring.
There are treatments to improve the appearance of your stretch marks.
- Your doctor can prescribe retinoid, topical steroids and alpha hydroxyl acid creams to assist in avoiding future stretch marks.
- Hyperpigmentation can be improved using prescription strength hydroquinone. No OTC medications or treatments are going to be very effective.
- Sometimes laser, Infini, microneedling with PRP, microdermabrasion is effective. In inexperienced hands, it may also add to the problem by causing hyperpigmentation. V Beam laser *Syneron - Candela is the best laser for early stretch marks- you will require 3-5 treatments 2-3 weeks apart by a Dermatologist. If they are red, Vbeam or Excel V laser can help. If they are older and stretched/white, then treatments/procedures such as microneedling, lasers or radiofrequency devices can help build collagen and give improvement. The laser will however help the coloration, but the stretch marks themselves will persist.
- Unfortunately stretch marks cannot be removed by any non-surgical method. Fresh (red) stretch marks have a better chance of being treated and lightened, but not removed. The only way they can be removed is through surgery. Your best option is to have them surgically remove where appropriate. Unfortunately not all areas are amenable to surgery.
- We also prescribe a special Vitamin A cream called tretinoin. Expect at least 50-80% improvement within 3 months with the above combination.
- Massage pure vitamin E oil into the stretched skin to keep it moisturized and supple.
- Apply an emollient such as Cocoa Butter by massaging it into the stretch marks for five to ten minutes. An emollient is a substance that softens and soothes the skin, which can break up the scar tissue of the stretch marks or keep new stretch marks from forming.
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel, it will help your skin with healing and replacing the stretches. These creams increase the most important ingredient in your skin, collagen, which increases the elasticity and healing of your skin.
- You Are 60% Water, So Replenish Yourself. While this could be in the same point as living healthier, hydration itself is so important not only to the skin, but to the whole body, that it deserves its own stand on this list. Dark stretch marks are very receptive to treatments because they are fresh. To treat, the skin needs to become more elastic. It makes your skin more elastic. It is what holds us all together.
- Avoid exposure to the sun, which can dry the skin and make your stretch marks appear darker. Always apply sunscreen to your stretch marks when you cannot avoid the sun. Skin protection is something that you should be doing no matter if you have stretch marks or not. Stretch Marks DO NOT TAN. Meaning that if you expose yourself to the sun for too long, your stretch marks will appear even more out of place. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, it is very important to use a sun cream as stretch marks are VERY sensitive towards UV rays.
- Exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells from the area with stretch marks. This involves scrubbing your skin with exfoliants such as micro-beads or crushed seed shells. Commercial exfoliants are commonly available from beauty supply stores or drug stores. Make a gentle scrub with pure cane sugar and honey to remove the dead skin cells in the area of your stretch marks. This will keep the skin soft and smooth and aid in cellular renewal.
- Natural bleaching for dark stretch marks: Rub lemon juice into the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for five to ten minutes before wiping it off. Lemon juice contains natural fruit acid that can bleach the skin and reduce the redness of the stretch marks. This can make the stretch marks less visible.
Your body, with correct hydration, lifestyle and eating habits will be very receptive to any helping ingredients.
It has proved to be a tremendous improvement !
Eating healthy
Living an Active Lifestyle
The important thing to note is that even just 15-30 minutes every day will suffice.
If You Have Them, Stop The Usual Bad Habits
Eating a Healthy Amount Of Sugar, no added sugars, no junk food
If You Have Them, Stop The Usual Bad Habits:: alcohol & cigarettes.
Find the right reason to and you can kick them in the butt.
It has proved to be a tremendous improvement !
Eating healthy
Living an Active Lifestyle
The important thing to note is that even just 15-30 minutes every day will suffice.
If You Have Them, Stop The Usual Bad Habits
Eating a Healthy Amount Of Sugar, no added sugars, no junk food
If You Have Them, Stop The Usual Bad Habits:: alcohol & cigarettes.
Find the right reason to and you can kick them in the butt.