How long does it take to fade stretch marks and what’s the best way to get rid of stretch marks. Our guide outlines how to make stretch marks fade faster.
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Stretch marks occur when you gain weight, during pregnancy or during puberty. The small red-purple marks in the skin are completely harmless and natural. Nevertheless, many of those affected wish to get rid of the unsightly scars quickly. Here you can find out how stretch marks develop, how to make stretch marks fade faster and what you can do about stretch marks on the breasts and other areas.
What stretch marks actually are
At first they look like red-blue bruises that run in serpentine lines over certain areas of the skin. After a while, however, the cracks fade and become white shimmering scars. Not only women are affected by stretch marks, men are also familiar with the small, unsightly cracks in the skin. Regardless of gender, age or weight, anyone can be affected. However, there are a few tricks and treatments that work for how to make stretch marks fade faster.
Stretch marks are also known as striae cutis or striae distansae in medicine. In principle, they can arise wherever there are fat reserves. Most affects the chest, thighs, buttocks, stomach and upper arms.
In our skin and subcutaneous tissue, the collagen and elastin fibers ensure that the connective tissue is held together. A rapid increase in body mass, for example during pregnancy, puts extreme stress on these fibers. The result: the connective tissue overstretched and tore. In the upper layer of the skin, there are small grooves that shimmer purple, blue or reddish. We see this coloring because our blood vessels are visible under the skin. That sounds like an uncomfortable procedure – but we can’t feel the formation of stretch marks.
Causes of stretch marks
Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that contribute to the development of stretch marks. The unsightly little cracks often form during pregnancy – hence they are also known as ” stretch marks “. Within a few months, the stomach finally has to expand significantly – the skin cannot withstand the stress and tears. This affects almost 30 percent of all pregnant women. However, a change in hormones, especially during puberty, promotes the formation of the unsightly stripes – both in men and women.
Another common cause of stretch marks is rapid weight or muscle gain . Because with the rapid growth of mass, regardless of whether it is fat or muscle, the connective tissue cannot keep up. Instead of building new collagen or elastin fast enough, the subcutaneous tissue tears open. Prolonged treatment or the body’s strong release of cortisone can also cause the unloved scars. The same applies to certain infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or typhus.
The bad news: stretch marks can also be genetic . Anyone born with weak connective tissue or sensitive skin is more prone to small cracks over the course of their life. Unfortunately, this particularly affects women: their connective tissue is naturally weaker than that of men.
Prevent stretch marks
The most effective method for how to make stretch marks fade faster and for treating stretch marks is not to let them arise in the first place. It’s not difficult, provided you have a healthy lifestyle and proper skin care. However, preventive measures cannot always be taken against it – sensitive skin is very likely to tear at least slightly during pregnancy. Even those who are still growing know that the likelihood of stretch marks is not exactly low. You can take the following preventive measures:
1. Take a cold shower : A shower alternating between hot and cold should help. This stimulates the blood circulation and the connective tissue.
2. Eat healthily and drink a lot: Proper nutrition is very important for healthy skin. Little sugar and salt, but lots of nutrients from fruit and vegetables. Just as important: always drink enough .
3. Keeping the weight: Both rapid weight gain and weight loss damage the connective tissue. Healthy – and not excessive – weight gain is also possible during pregnancy.
4. Do sports:Keep moving regularly. Whether a half-hour walk or the gym: Sports activities stimulate blood circulation and keep the skin taut.
5. Regular massages : In general, any measure that promotes blood circulation is good for the skin. Whether plucking, kneading or pressing: With a regular massage you can prevent the small cracks in the skin.
6. Applying lotion : Proper personal hygiene is very important for many reasons. With the right ingredients, you can promote and maintain the build-up of collagen and elastin, as well as moisturize the skin . Excellent for this: hyaluronic acid , panthenol, vitamin A serums or caffeine-containing lotions.
How to make stretch marks fade faster: the most effective methods
If the first stretch marks are already emerging under the skin, you can initially only contain the damage. If the cracks have already matured into scars, there are a few ways to make them fade. However, you should know that your skin will not regenerate completely. The good news: You don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for a more even complexion. You can already do a lot with the right home remedies and a healthy lifestyle .
Eat healthy and drink a lot
To support the processes of your body and its regeneration, you should always to a proper hydration eighth. But not only the right drinking is important, but also what you ingest through your diet. An acidification of the body – especially the pathological form of acidosis – the formation, for example, promote of stretch marks. To avoid this, your diet should be low in meat, dairy products, eggs, sugar, and coffee. Instead, incorporate more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts into your diet.
Natural oils
The easiest and cheapest way to treat your stretch marks is with proper personal hygiene. You can do it best with natural oils, serums and ointments . Try to apply lotion to your body regularly – preferably every day. Castor oil and marigold ointment keep the skin supple, give it moisture and also support the regeneration of cells, which is an important factor in how to make stretch marks fade faster.
Vitamin A acid is said to be particularly effective in the fight against stretch marks. You should not use the emollient active ingredient during pregnancy. The most effective oils include: jojoba oil , almond oil and sesame oil . They are all rich in vitamins A and E – both support the regeneration of the skin and counteract oxidative stress.
The medicinal plant aloe vera also provides the skin with plenty of moisture and improves its elasticity. To do this, cut a stalk of aloe vera from the plant and place it in a water glass for about an hour. The rather harmful sap of the plant can drain off in this way. Then cut open the aloe vera and spread the soothing gel over the affected areas. After the gel has dried up, you can wash it off again.
Incidentally, cocoa butter is also said to work like a wonder drug. The effects it is said to have are, among other things, healing and skin rejuvenating.
Creams and ointments
You can also use special cellulite creams for your daily body care routine . Using these alone is not particularly effective, but they can improve the complexion a little. Pay attention to the specified ingredients: The cream should ideally contain the protein collagen and be rich in natural active ingredients.
Microneedling
This method doesn’t sound very pleasant, but it is particularly effective: Microneedling. It is a roller with fine needles. You run this over the stretch marks that you want to get rid of. The thin needles pierce tiny holes in the skin. This stimulates the cells to activate their healing processes. The result: your skin forms new collagen and elastin. These in turn stabilize the skin and make it plumper. The best thing about the method is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you can of course also be treated by a beautician.
Massages
Massages are not only suitable for preventing stretch marks. To fade your scars, massage your skin with oils regularly. An effective method is the plucking massage. To do this, take small rolls of skin between your thumb and forefinger and pull them upwards. This most likely doesn’t feel comfortable to you – but it shouldn’t hurt. You can also use this treatment during pregnancy as a preventive measure. It is only very important that you leave out the area above the pubic bone , otherwise the uterus could be irritated.
You can make your own massage oil from natural and essential oils . Use oils that contain lipids and help regulate the moisture barrier . Almond, sesame, olive, evening primrose, castor and coconut oil are best . You can use these individually or combine them as you like. Essential oils such as lavender or lemon also have a calming effect and are good for the skin. First rub the oils warm between your hands and then massage them into the skin in circular motions.
Laser to remove stretch marks
If tried and true home remedies and regular massages don’t help, a visit to the dermatologist could finish off your scars. The treatment is effective, but it will cost you around $300 at least. The price is usually calculated based on the area of the body to be treated. You will likely have a few sessions ahead of you, and you’ll only see visible results after a few weeks or months.
The so-called fractional laser is said to be particularly effective. The stretch marks are selectively irradiated with countless small flashes of light. This procedure stimulates the body’s own collagen production and the regeneration of cells. To heal the small wounds, the body forms new tissue, which in turn reduces the visibility of the cracks. Fractional lasering does not leave any crust formation or visible wounds . Instead, your skin could redden or swell slightly.
Self tanning
To get rid of your stretch marks – at least temporarily – you can also use a little trick. All you need is a self-tanner . This little miracle cure evens out the color of your skin and the color of your scars. For this you should of course tan your entire body – and not just the stretch marks. By the way, self-tanning is actually the healthiest way of tanning.
Do sports to boost circulation
Exercise is essential for the health of the mind and body. Persistent activities stimulate the circulation and blood circulation, burn fat and tone your body. Just to name a few of the positive effects of exercise. By the way, a healthy diet combined with regular exercise is the most effective cellulite fighter.
To do something good for your skin, you don’t have to rush to the gym every other day. A half-hour walk, bike ride, or light jog is all you need – as long as you do it regularly.
Remember to take a short cold shower after exercising – this also stimulates the blood circulation in the skin.
Stretch marks on the chest
When the breast grows quickly or is exposed to enormous strain, the unloved cracks quickly become apparent on the thin skin. In order not to let the unsightly scars develop in the first place, a well- fitting bra is essential . It should give the breast enough support without pressing it in. A suitable sports bra is therefore particularly important . It is supposed to protect the chest from rapid and bumpy movements and relieve the connective tissue.
Tips for the correct grooming routine
For the most effective way of fading your stretch marks, try to heed each tip. You can do this best if you incorporate it into your daily routine. The best way to start your day is with a large glass of water . If you have a little time in the morning, jogging will give you the perfect wake-up kick and at the same time tighten your skin in the long run. After exercising, you first take a hot shower and then switch to cold water. A scrub stimulates circulation your skin and simultaneously removes dead skin cells. This makes your entire skin look more radiant and supple.
After the shower – which is probably more suitable for the evening routine – you should rub your body with a nourishing lotion or natural oils . If you are using a body oil, try to work it into your skin using circular motions. Incidentally, these routine habits not only beautify your skin – they can also strengthen your immune system and increase your performance.
Accept yourself
It can always be that you never completely get rid of your stretch marks or that they become inevitable, for example due to pregnancy. But that’s not bad – the initially unsightly bluish cracks fade over time. At some point, stretch marks are only noticeable at second glance. You should also be aware that almost everyone has some. Stretch marks are not a blemish – they are completely natural.
