What are effective ways to remove or prevent stretch marks?

 Oh! that’s the painful question.

In this article we will try to summarize the information wich can be helpful and we will also share  some personal stretch marks experience.

So, let’s start with the basics.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere where the skin has been stretched, but they usually affect areas where fat is stored, such as the: tummy (abdomen), breasts, upper arms, buttocks, thighs,and even shoulders (in bodybuilders).

And the sad truth is that some people seem to get stretch marks at the slightest sign of weight gain, while others have resilient skin that resists all stretching.

Factors beyond your control such as genetics, age and pregnancy may make your skin more likely to develop stretch marks, but you can control other factors to help prevent these lines.

How do stretch marks occur and develop?

Stretch marks are ruptures (subcutaneous haemorrhages), which over time heal and are replaced by connective tissue. Originally, they have a red or purple color, but they become lighter in time. When touched, the sensation is like a slight convex strip or recess.

Stretch marks appear in the dermis, the middle elastic tissue layer that helps the skin retain its shape. The ability of the skin to stretch (its elasticity) is a major factor in where stretch marks would eventually appear and in what direction they will form.

Not always, but especially during the development period, atretch marks can cause burning and itching. These imperfections do not pose a health risk nor compromise the ability of the body to function properly and recover. It is estimated that more than 70% of women who were or are pregnant and 40% of adolescent teenagers have stretch marks.

What causes stretch marks?

The main reason for their appearance is the excessive stretching of the skin. Stretch marks may be more visible if the phenomenon is combined with dehydrated skin. People with dry skin are more prone to the formation of stretch marks.

Examples of stretch marks are often seen when rapid increase or decrease in weight is existent (muscle mass and / or fat), pregnancy, periods of corticosteroid intake or topical application of corticosteroid lotions and creams, puberty.

Other factors that may have a serious impact on these women who have given birth are: lower maternal age, excessive fat accumulation and weight gain of over 15 kilograms.

Specific factors such as existing personal or family history of stretch marks, breast augmentation procedures, Marfan Syndrome, Cushing's Syndrome, and other genetic diseases also provoke the appearance of these scars.

Here’s more info about the medical conditions mentioned above:

- Cushing’s Syndrome

Very typical symptoms, related to this medical condition are stretch marks. They develop because the condition involves the overproduction of cortisol, which causes very rapid weight gain, mostly in the abdomen.

Skin changes to watch for include stretch marks on the arms, thighs, abdomen, and breasts, along with acne and skin that bruises easily.

Because skin becomes more fragile, thin and more susceptible to bruises, it can easily lead to stretch marks development.

- Marfan syndrome

People who have Marfan syndrome are very prone to stretch marks development. They usually appear on the lower back, buttocks, shoulders, breasts, thighs, and abdomen.

In that case, stretches on the skin are not related to weight gain or loss. This a genetic condition that causes weakness and decreased elasticity in body tissues.

-Ehler-Danlos Syndrome

This is a heritable connective tissue disorder. It's common physical characteristic is stretch marks’ development. Affected individuals tend to bruise easily, and some types of the condition also cause abnormal scarring.

Occasionally, in the prolonged or inappropriate use of corticosteroid creams and lotions used to treat skin diseases and eczema, stretch marks can occur due to decreased collagen levels and thinning of the skin. The last stage of the stretch marks is a scar characterized by loss of collagen. Collagen is a key protein throughout the body, providing strength and softening in various areas, including skin.

Stretch marks prevention

The best way to reduce the likelihood of getting stretch marks is by keeping a healthy weight. Fast weight changes through aggressive diets are not only a serious prerequisite, but are, in most cases, unhealthy.

During pregnancy, it is inevitable to gain weight in a short period of time, but there is still some way to controthe cndition of your skin to some extent (through a healthy diet and regular exercise).

This will not only reduce the chance of stretch marks during the pregnancy period, but will also be healthy for the pregnant woman and her baby.

# 1. Internal Hydration

One of the main reasons for the appearance of stretch marks is dry skin or dehydration. Drinking enough water can improve skin elasticity and have a beneficial effect. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:

-About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

-About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

# 2. Shea butter or cocoa butter

Another prerequisite for the appearance of stretch marks is the lack of collagen and elastin, which are essential elements supporting the skin structure. It is possible that cocoa butter with vitamin E and elastin or shea butter can help prevent, but a number of studies prove that they do not have any particular effect on stretch marks that have already appeared.

# 3. Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A:

Important for the regrowth of the skin, maintaining healthy bones, nails and hair. Helps restore damaged tissue and improves dry and scaly skin. Experiments show that the use of vitamin A locally supports the vitamin saturation in the epidermis.

Vitamin A also stimulates the process of epidermal cell renewal. The content of collagen in the skin increases and an improvement in elasticity can be observed.

Vitamin A rich foods: sweet potato, carrot, cabbage, lettuce, apricots, melon, red peppers, tuna, mango.

Vitamin C:

One of the most important roles of vitamin C is that it helps to heal wounds and scars. It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and acts as a strengthening substance between the skin cells. The action of collagen is to provide a barrier against infections and diseases and promote wound healing.

Foods rich in vitamin C: yellow peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, peas, papaya, guava.

Vitamin E:

Another important vitamin in the treatment of stretch marks. It is necessary to maintain the normal cell metabolism. Protects and heals the tissues of the body and skin. It acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is also used to support healing processes after surgery and scarring.

Vitamin E-rich foods: spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, shrimp, olive oil, broccoli, kiwi.

Zinc:

An important ability of zinc is that it helps to produce collagen. It in turn has the property of keeping the skin tissues of the body together. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein and accounts for 80% of all connective tissue.

Zinc rich foods: oysters, veal and lamb, chicken and pork, wheat germ, spinach, cashew, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas.

The next step is performing home treatment.

The following list represents some of the more successful proven remedies for stretch marks, which you can prepare at your home:

LEMON JUICE

The natural acids containing in the lemon juice can make stretch marks to fade. Rub with lemon juice on the affected areas and wait about 10 minutes before removing it from your skin.

SHEA OR COCOA BUTTER

Massaging the skin with shea or cocoa butter two times a day will help your damaged areas become more hydrated.

According to various researches made, stretch marks will not fade completely, but will visibly diminish their sizes. The application of shea or coconut butter during periods of pregnancy may prevent forming of stretch marks.

OLIVE OIL

Applying olive oil on affected areas may prevent further striae formations. It locks the moisture in the skin cells and is rich in vitamin E, which improves skin elasticity and collagen production. Olive oil has antioxidant activity and the essential nutrients in it recover the damaged cells.

COFFEE GROUNDS

Caffeine has smoothing and circulation stimulating effect, which improves skin elasticity and only after a few weeks visible stretch marks begin to fade. Mix coffee grounds and hot water and rub into the skin about 5 minutes. Then wrap the area with a cloth for about 30 minutes.

CASTOR OIL

It has extremely rejuvenating properties and is used to remove any skin imperfections. Massage the affected areas about 15 minutes every day, then wrap with a thin cloth for 30 minutes. Repeat this process daily for about a month and you will see the improvement yourself.

POTATO JUICE

Vitamins and minerals containing in the potatoes stimulate the development and reconstruction of skin cells. Shred a potato into thick slices and rub them onto the stretch marks, so that the juice covers them. Leave a few minutes and repeat this procedure every day for at least 2 months.

CARROTS

Beta-carotene containing in carrots is a great protective and regenerating agent for the skin. Boil some carrots until they are soft enough to blend. Spread the mashed carrots on the affected areas and leave it on the skin as long as possible. Then, rinse it with lukewarm water. Follow the process for one month and see the promising results.

" Source: Stretch marks: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention - SkinPractice "

To reduce stretchmarks, try to follow those simple tips:

•Try to consume unprocessed foods with high nutritional values. Thus, the skin will receive the nutrients needed to recover and maintain its healthy appearance.

•Drink plenty of water, dehydrating the skin leads to loss of elasticity. Keeping healthy weight also has a good impact.

•Physical activity does help you maintain a healthy weight, which may prevent your skin from stretching in the first place. Exercise and healthy eating are the best preventative measures for stretch marks, even during pregnancy

Without surgical intervention, it is virtually impossible to completely remove them as they are ruptures/scars in the dermis of the skin and are the result of the healing process.

I consider unnecessary to spend your money on surgical procedures before paying attention to your physical shape, healthy weight and healthy skin, as new stretch marks may occur.

You can help your stretch marks fade faster and become less noticeable color by protecting your skin from sun damage. The sun's rays can weaken the skin and cause the stretch marks to look worse. Use sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher each time you expose your stretch marks to the sun. Be sure to reapply it regularly.

Most treatments have a partial or unsatisfactory effect according to many studies. Be realistic in your expectations.

Some creams and procedures may cause allergies or injuries, so you have to be prepared for the eventual risks and whether a particular treatment is even worth it. But there is Revamin Stretch marks, this cream is very effective because it is made with only Natural Ingredients, After two months of use, you will notice a difference in the disappearance of stretch marks, and the most important thing is that it has no side effects

So, it’s time to share some experience with the ‘lovely’ scar formations.

"Аlthough I still have stretch marks due to a 3-months corticosteroid intake (unfortunately, I could not escape it), they are considerably smaller than before. Here’s something I found very effective:

Egg whites - they help your skin recover very quickly. Apply egg whites on the affected areas at least 2 times a day (for at least 2-3 months) and you will notice that your stretch marks diminish their sizes and they may also lighten a bit (at least mine did.

I have tried this method on mine; you will experience a slight tightening of the skin while the egg whites are applied to it.

Just remember to stay persistent!"

"I thought I would never be touched by the problem of stretch marks... Unfortunately, after the birth of the baby, I got them, I felt unattractive and didn't like showing myself to my husband. I accidentally came across Revamin Stretch Mark - thanks to systematic use my stretch marks became invisible and my skin regained its firmness from before pregnancy!"

Note: The difference between home uses for removing stretch marks and other creams such as Revamin Stretch Mark, is that the former takes a long time and may not have any effect due to the wrong use of it, while special creams made from natural materials can remove stretch marks as quickly as possible.

WE really hope someone will find this information useful!