Getting rid of stretch marks naturally, is unfortunately unlikely because stretch marks are a type of scar. Luckily, stretch marks are not a sign of poor health or something wrong with your skin. They naturally happen, and although there is no natural way to remove them, there are treatments one can do to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. But before we go into suggested treatments, let’s learn a little more about what stretch marks are.
What are Stretch Marks?
When our skin tightens or stretches too quicky, we develop a type of scar called stretch marks. These scars usually appear as indented, reddish or purple lines and they can take on a different texture than the surrounding skin layer. Stretch marks show up where rapid weight gain and loss can occur – on your thighs, abdominal area, or chest as examples. Stretch marks can happen at any time, but are more common during a growth spurt in adolescence, or after rapid weight gain during pregnancy. Both men and women can get stretch marks.
Most stretch marks fade and take on a lighter color. The lighter stretch marks are more difficult to treat though, so the earlier treatment is applied, the better to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Are there treatments?
When we talk about treating stretch marks, we are actually talking more about how to reduce the appearance of stretch marks – because stretch marks are scars – they will fade but may never disappear.
One way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is to exfoliate the stretch mark area. This can be done naturally using an exfoliate once a week or through a procedure called dermabrasion conducted by your dermatologist. During a dermabrasion procedure, the skin is “sanded” to make way for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace the skin that’s been treated. Although dermabrasion, or another procedure called microdermabrasion, are perfectly okay if offered by your dermatologist, we prefer a more natural and safer way to exfoliate the skin by just using an exfoliate cream. We recommend using an all natural, organic exfoliate like our 24K gold scrub, to gently rub the area with a wash cloth. It is important not to be rough with the skin but gentle.
Increasing the amount of Vitamin A and E in your diet is another way to help reduce appearance of stretch marks. A and E are two vitamins that help heal the skin and improve skin appearance. It is encouraged to take vitamin A and E supplements, if there is not enough vitamin A and E in your normal diet.
When a stretch mark appears, it is good to try any of these treatments as soon as possible to reduce the strength of appearance. Some stretch marks may never go away naturally and a treatment offered by your dermatologist may be more effective.
Though weight loss and gain can happen quickly for natural reasons like pregnancy, making it hard to avoid stretch marks from appearing; keeping your skin hydrated can prevent stretch marks from happening in general. When in doubt, keeping your skin hydrated is the most effective way to avoid a lot of skin issues, and can only lead to healthier, more beautiful skin. So drink another glass of water!