Stretch marks can be a common concern for our bodies, especially for those on a weight loss journey. Avoiding stretch marks effectively can help keep your skin smooth and resilient, ensuring your body transformation is as positive and healthy as possible.
Depending on the tone of your skin, these may appear red, pink, or brownish when they first start to form. You can almost feel them as raised fine lines when you run your fingers through the affected area. The color may fade with time, but they never disappear entirely.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, are scars on the skin when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, hence their appearance during pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss, or even extreme weight training.
Rapid changes that cause stress on the skin make collagen and elastin that support the skin to rupture; while healing, stretch marks may appear. Remember, not everyone is prone to them. Some people are born with excellent genetics, and their skin does not develop them, no matter how much it is stretched.
Studies have also shown that the long-term application of corticosteroids to the skin can cause stretch marks. People with Cushing’s disease and Marfan syndrome are also prone to them.
Does weight loss make your stretch marks more visible?
Some people argue that weight loss does not cause stretch marks. However, abrupt and rapid weight fluctuations, including weight gain and loss, can disrupt the skin’s elasticity, damaging collagen and connective tissues and, hence, cause these. Also, excessive skin due to rapid weight loss can weigh down on healthy areas of your skin, causing such marks.
Therefore, it is common and possible for people to have visible stretch marks during or after weight loss. Do you want to avoid these during your weight loss journey? Worry not. Below are tips to help you have a smooth transition while staying healthy.
How to avoid stretch marks during your weight loss journey
In most cases, stretch marks that appear during weight loss disappear over time. You can also ensure that you lose the weight gradually instead of rapidly. Gradual weight loss gives the skin time to heal and regenerate, avoiding the stress that causes these.
Consume enough vitamins and minerals
During your weight loss journey, consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is vital. Studies suggest that vitamin D will protect your skin against stretch marks. Your body does not make vitamin D, but you can get it free from the sun. Spend 10 to 30 minutes in the sun daily, and you are guaranteed enough vitamin D.
Remember to use sunscreen if you spend more time under the sun, especially if you are using topical creams such as retinoids.
You should also consume a balanced diet with many proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. These help your skin regenerate and rejuvenate.
Hydrate
Your skin needs water to stay healthy. Not consuming enough fluids during weight loss can make you dehydrated, leading to dry skin. Dry skin is not elastic; overstretching it during workouts and weight loss can cause stretch marks.
Moisturize and massage
Moisturizing your skin, especially after a shower, makes it supple and elastic. A 2022 study indicated that using vitamin-rich moisturizers and massaging stretch mark-prone areas will reduce stretch marks. However, the study did not clarify whether massaging or moisturizing minimizes their appearance.
Include a dermatologist in your weight loss journey
Dermatologists deeply understand the changes that occur on the skin throughout the different stages of life. If you plan to lose weight, it is important to include someone to walk the journey with you. They can tell you when you are over-stretching your skin and prescribe creams, supplements, and medications to help you maintain healthy skin throughout your journey.
How to get rid of existing stretch marks
If you have stubborn stretch marks that make you uncomfortable in your skin, here are tips to help you reduce them and eventually get rid of them.
Topical creams and lotions
Studies have shown that two products, tretinoin and hyaluronic acid, relieve stretch marks’ severity. People who applied tretinoin early saw a reduction in severity than those who did not.
You can also use lotions containing retinol and vitamin C on areas affected by stretch marks. These products increase cell turnover, improving the appearance and skin tone.
Dermatological procedures
A dermatologist will devise a treatment plan that best suits you for stretch marks that will not go away with the above remedies. Some of the procedures that dermatologists use to treat stubborn cases include;
- Chemical peel
- Laser therapy
- Pulsed magnetic fields
- Microdermabrasion
- micro-needling
- Radiofrequency
- Galvanopuncutre
Depending on the severity of your stretch marks, your dermatologist may use multiple procedures. These procedures may also have side effects such as reddening, swelling, and peeling of the skin. Still, your dermatologist will help you understand which method best suits you and with minimal side effects.
Do home remedies work?
Unfortunately, researchers reported that home remedies such as cocoa butter, almond oil, olive oil, and vitamin E do not prevent, reduce, or eliminate stretch marks.
Some health gurus suggest maintaining a healthy weight may keep stretch marks at bay. But it is impossible to avoid some changes that come in life along the way, like getting pregnant for ladies. Overall, avoiding rapid weight loss or weight gain and leading a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in maintaining healthy skin.
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