Stretch marks are shiny lines on the skin of the abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks that often appear lighter than the rest of the skin caused by stretching and weakening of elastic tissues as a result of rapid weight gain or weight loss.
The skin consists of three layers, the outer layer called the epidermis, the middle layer, dermis and the inner layer, the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)stretch marks form in the dermis part of the skin when the connective tissue under the skin is stretched out beyond its flexibility capability due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin. As the skin is stretched out, the collagen fiber becomes weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. In the event this results to the development of fine scars under the top layer of the skin, initially it appears as pink or red scars but after some time thin silvery line appears on the surface of the skin and hence the stretch marks.
Stretch marks can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing especially to people who are conscious of their body appearances.
Stretch marks can be hereditary, they can be caused by pregnancy, and also the skin type, dry skin type are less elastic than oily skin type hence they are at high risk of getting stretch marks.
How to get rid of stretch marks
Natural treatment
Water: Consume a lot of water, keeping your body hydrated will results in regular detoxification of skin pores and restore elasticity which will greatly help in getting rid of the stretch marks. Avoid coffee, tea or soda as they lead to dehydration
Do a lot of exercises, this will also reduce the chances of getting stretch marks
Consume a lot of fruits: fruits are full of vitamin c which is an important ingredient in the skin, this will help a lot in removing stretch marks
Potato juice: Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals which help in the growth and restoration of the skin cells. By just applying a cut potato piece on the affected area will work the magic. Make sure the potato juice gets into contact with the skin; allow it to dry for a while before cleaning it. Do this daily until you see the result
Sugar: mix properly the natural white sugar with almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice and apply this mixture to the area, gently rub the place for 5 minutes before taking a shower. Try this routine until you get the desired results
Aloe Vera: this plant’s leaves have various essential nutrients and active compounds that can be used to get rid of stretch marks .directly rub Aloe Vera gel on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing the area.
Lemon juice: in circular motions, rub the lemon juice around the affected area. Allow the juice to soak the skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. Also, you can mix the juice and cucumber for a better result.
Egg whites: wash the affected area then gently apply the egg white on the area, wait for it to dry then rinse the are
This is the best and most preferred option, besides being almost free, there are no side effects involved with these methods
Oil and chemical treatment
Use lotion on your body daily. If your body is moisturized with lotion, your skin is less likely to tear and create stretch marks. Apply oil to your body as often as you can, this will help in getting rid of the stretch marks
Use Retin-A: this product boosts collagen production, helping the skin to stretch out and avoid tears.
Use glycolic acid: this also increases collagen production making your skin more elastic.
Use a mixture of glycosidic acid and Retin-A: this solution will work more effectively than when used singly.
Use essential oils: the oils can be applied directly to the skin or using a carrier such as coconut oil to make application easier. An example of such oils includes rose, lavender, geranium, and many more. They are also believed to remove the stretch mark.
Laser treatment
Try laser treatment options such as:
Pulse dye laser treatment.
For old stretch marks, fractional laser treatment is believed to remove the stretch marks.
Laser treatment has numerous side effects besides being quite costly. You might be removing the stretch marks but in the event, you might expose yourself to greater risk.
Surgical treatment
Surgical options include: You could get an abdominoplasty commonly referred to as a tummy tuck.
If all the options have failed, then you will have to consider cutting off the stretched area, this option is very costly besides being very dangerous; it takes around 3-6 months for the operated body to heal
Further still, you might gain weight gain or lose it which means the stretch marks are prone to come back, hence proving how costly and unnecessary it is
How to avoid stretch marks
Avoid excessive weight gain.
Watch your diet, take the appropriate diet. If possible avoid junk and oily foods in your diet. Consume a lot of vegetables in your diet.
Avoid dry skin by oiling yourself as at least twice or thrice a day.
Avoid steroid medication.