How to Remove Stretch Marks?

What are stretch marks?

Want to know how to remove stretch marks naturally – Here are some best tips and tricks to remove stretch marks naturally.

Stretch marks, also called striae (striae distensae), appear as a long narrow, thin red or purple streaks or lines occur when skin changes its shape due to rapid growth or weight gain. Men and women both get stretch marks as a part of puberty. Stretch marks are associated with pregnancy normally.

Stretch marks aren’t dangerous, they often disappear over time. For some people,to remove stretch marks in India can be cosmetic concern as it affects the quality of life.

 Stretch marks on the lower back of the body

What are the causes of stretch marks?

Puberty and pregnancy are the two main causes of stretch marks. Skin consists of several layers: the outer layer, the middle layer and the deepest layer names as epidermis, dermis and hypodermis respectively. Stretch marks form in the dermis layer of the skin where the connective tissue of the skin is stretched beyond its limit of elasticity and causes rapid expansion of the skin due to which stretch marks appear on the skin.

The three main layers of the skin from which dermis get affected and stretched out

Body building, weight lifting, obesity, excess use of corticosteroids, Marfan syndrome (MFS); genetic or inherited disorder of connective tissue that affects many parts of the body like bones, eyes, skin, lungs, nervous system of the body along with the heart and blood vessels and Cushing’s syndrome (An abnormal condition occurs due to high level of cortisol) causes stretch marks.

Body part affected are:

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body but the most common areas affected are:

• Stomach
• Breasts
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Upper arm (shoulders)
• Lower back.

Changes in skin are common in pregnancy occurring in over 70% of pregnant women, usually after 25 weeks of gestation period.

Stretch marks in pregnancy after 25 weeks of gestation

What are the tests and diagnostic procedure to remove stretch marks?

Signs and symptoms are the easiest ways to diagnose and remove stretch marks. Skin appears to be thin and pink in color in starting. Stretch marks generally do not cause any medical problems but people try to remove stretch marks due to the appearance and cosmetic concern.

How stretch marks can be prevented?

“Prevention is better than cure” as it is said. To prevent stretch marks is better than to remove stretch marks. Starting a day by going on a jog and drink healthy juices. This keeps your body to remain hydrated. People used to take lunch early in the morning earlier but now-a-days people are so busy with their work lives that they don’t have time to take food on time so it is better to take healthy breakfast.

Make it as a routine as regularly skipping breakfast can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, weight gain and obesity which is one of the reason for stretch marks.

Yes, treating yourself with a certain dessert or eating a McDonald’s meal once in a while is alright but try eating nutritious foods mostly. This will not only help to make your skin as well as for your body to remain healthy.

How to remove stretch marks naturally?

Stretch marks disappears over time but to remove stretch marks itchiness and dryness can be decreased by the use of natural resources.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is the easily available remedy to remove stretch marks in India. Coconut oil might help remove stretch marks and heal the appearance quickly. Mainly coconut oil is known for its property to heal and reduces the time it takes our skin to heal the wound. Oils like castor oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil and almond oils can be used to remove stretch marks.

Sugar: Rubbing sugar scrub on skin will exfoliate the affected area. Make the scrub by mixing the sugar with coconut oil or almond oil and adding some lemon juice in it. Rub the scrub over the affected area of the body where you want to remove stretch marks. Make sure to rub the sugar scrub several time in a week for 8-10 minutes to remove stretch marks.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A also known as retinoid. Retinoids makes skin smooth and more youthful. Vitamin A is normally used in many over-the-counter topical cosmetic medications. Extract of vitamin A taking orally will help to remove stretch marks. A diet rich in vitamin A like carrots, spinach, butter, eggs, winter squash, beef liver and sweet potatoes.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a home remedy to remove stretch marks. Aloe vera has both the properties. It is a healing agent as well as a skin softener. Pure aloe vera can be obtained from a plant aloe barbadensis which is another name for aloe vera plant. Aloe vera helps to remove stretch marks.

Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter helps to remove stretch marks during and after the pregnancy over a period of time. Massage the cocoa butter on to the skin at night and it will start disappearing.

Hyaluronic acid: Collagen is the protein the skin which keep the skin in shape and appear to be healthy. Hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of the collagen in the skin which promises to remove stretch marks.

Stretch mark cream in India is consist of peptides and collagen-enhancing that will remove stretch marks. Stretch mark cream in India like Mederma, striVectin and clarins. The cost of the creams may range from brand to brand and where you are purchasing it from.

Lemon juice: Natural acid are pre sent in lemon juice. They are known for brightening the skin and fade the discoloration of the skin. Lemon juice may also increase the production and stimulation of the collagen protein in the skin. It is the cheapest natural way to remove stretch marks.

Buy best and fresh lemon to remove stretch marks, it takes long time to produce the satisfactory results.

Vicks vaporub: As Vicks vaporub consist of many essential oils, it moisturizer the skin and helps to remove stretch marks but there is no scientific data which support this remedy.

Potato juice: Potato contains minerals and vitamins which helps to restore the skin cells. By cutting the thick pieces of the potato and rubbing it and allowing the juice to dry for some time will help to remove stretch marks.

Other treatments to remove stretch marks:

Other treatments for how to remove stretch marks includes chemical medications, laser treatment and microdermabrasion.

Retinoid cream: Main ingredient for retinoid creams is vitamin A. Retinoid such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita). Stretch mark cream are applied topically on skin to remove stretch marks. Tretinoin works by increasing the synthesis of collagen.

It helps rebuilding of collagen. These stretch mark cream removes the color differences, it makes stretch marks more like normal skin. Stretch mark cream in India is only available by prescription. Tretinoin may irritate human skin.

Pregnant women should consult to the doctor because retinoid creams can have side effects that may affect the baby.

Laser and light therapies: Laser therapies works for new, red striae, those stretch marks which are faded. It is absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin and the heat of the laser light stimulates new collagen or elastin in the skin. Laser stretch mark removal cost in India starts at $200 per treatment. Laser stretch marks removal cost in India also depends upon the area of the skin with stretch marks also on the type of laser used.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a simple procedure to remove stretch marks in India and dead skin cells. It involves a hand-held device that blows crystal onto skin. These crystals remove the fine upper layer of the skin, thus promoting the new growth of the more-elastic skin.

Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion to remove stretch marks:

Scares due to pox, acne scars, scars from accidents and diseases can be treated by dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is usually safe for people with fair skin. People with darker skin may affect by scarring and skin discoloration.

Microdermabrasion works on all skin types casing no scarring and skin discoloration. After treating the affected area of the skin with microdermabrasion skin remains temporarily pink but it gets recover after 24 hours of the treatment.

Dermabrasion includes giving anesthesia, high-speed instrument is used with an abrasive wheel and brush to remove the outer layer of the skin. It usually takes seven to ten days to heal the skin after the treatment. People can resume their normal work in 14-15 days after dermabrasion.

Sunscreens and moisturizers to be protected by the sunlight. Avoid direct exposure of the skin to the sun light. Take regular follow-up to the doctor after the treatment to avoid any harm to the skin.

On an average, microdermabrasion may range from $75 to $200.

Stretch marks after Microdermabrasion

When to see your doctor?

Go to the doctor if you are concerned about the appearance or if you want to remove stretch marks which covers large areas of the body. Doctor will help to determine the cause and the best suitable treatment of how to remove stretch marks accordingly. Always seek advice of the doctor before starting any medication or changing any medication so as to avoid any side effects.