How to remove stretch marks – cosmetologist’s advice
Stretch marks are tinted creases that form on the epidermis, particularly in the regions of belly, flanks, thighs, backsides, and breasts. Fair-skinned women are among those most affected by this kind of dermal changes. Known also as striae, they appear when the skin fibers undergo a significant and rapid stretching – for instance, during pregnancy, drastic weight changes, fast growth in adolescence or cortisone treatment. They are accentuated by a hereditary predisposition (insufficient skin elasticity), as well as poor blood and lymphatic circulation. At first reddish, pinkish or purplish, the streaks assume a white color over time. As a rule, the earlier you make your move against your striae, the less difficult they are to get rid of.
Six tips on prevention of stretch marks
- Adopt a balanced diet. Limit fatty, sugary and high-salt foods and avoid subjecting your organism to the ‘yo-yo effect’.
- Care about your skin on a daily basis. Drink one liter of water a day and apply nourishing creams after each shower.
- Remember that regular physical training improves the tonus of your skin and muscles.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which dehydrates your skin and diminishes its elasticity.
- Practice palpate-and-roll massage two times a week to promote blood circulation and oxygenation of the dermis, as well as restoration of collagen fibers.
- Start applying anti-stretch creams or lotions the moment the first signs appear (red lines).
Medical treatments
Today’s medicine can help in several ways, namely:
- Laser sessions to repair vascular lesions of the skin (reddish striae).
- Peeling (dermabrasion and also microdermabrasion) to do away with the superficial skin layers in a mechanical/chemical way and stimulate the rejuvenation.
- LED light pulses to promote the formation of cellular collagen plus elastin.
- Plastic surgery, which includes procedures on the removal of excess skin and fat (abdominoplasty).
Homemade treatments
It’s possible to make do without pharmacy creams and create an anti-stretch oil on your own. You can boost the elasticity of your epidermis with the following recipes:
- Almond oil and coconut oil. Mix half a spoon of sweet almond oil with half a spoon of coconut oil and rub in locally 2-3 times a week. You can also include half a spoon of lemon juice and an equal portion of sugar.
- Lemon, avocado, and honey. Use a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice and half this quantity of avocado. Crush and mix the components until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Rub in locally 2 to 3 times a week.
