Stretch marks are scars or injuries on the skin which is caused by degeneration of the outer layer of the skin. Basis the skin color, stretch marks will be red or purple in color and eventually, it will fade and turn to a pale, silvery shade. Stretch marks commonly appear on the stomach, breasts, hips, sides, buttocks, and thighs. It usually occurs due to expansion or contraction of the skin due to sudden weight gain. Therefore most people get stretch marks due to pregnancy, puberty, workouts like weightlifting and sudden weight gain or loss.
How to prevent and get rid of stretch marks
1. Stretch Mark Creams
Creams are helpful to reduce the dryness and itching on the skin, but not very effective in reducing or preventing stretch marks. But certain creams which contain hyaluronic acid is good to prevent stretch marks.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a fatty material acquired from cocoa beans and it is good for preventing stretch marks.
3. Bitter Almond Oil
This is the oil that is extracted from almonds that grow on bitter almond trees. The bitter almond oil must be massaged on the affected area to reduce the development of stretch marks.
4. Silicone Gel
Silicone gel can be massaged on the portion of the skin that has stretch marks and if this is done for a couple of weeks it can help reduce the stretch marks pigmentation.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil must be applied to the affected area of the skin at least twice every day to reduce the occurrence of severe stretch marks.
6. Retinoic Acid
Retinoic acid is a composite that is obtained from vitamin A and is available in certain creams which are used to improve the appearance of the early stretch marks and acne.
7. Microdermabrasion
In this method, crystals are blown onto the affected portion of the skin and later vacuumed away. In this way, the outer layer of the skin is removed and this stimulates the growth of new and improved skin.
8. Laser Therapy
In laser therapy, different wavelengths of light are used on the affected portion of the skin. This is a safe and effective option for improving the appearance of stretch marks.
9. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a skin therapy in which light and heat are used to destroy specific structures of the skin to improve the appearance of the stretch marks.
