Many women silently suffer from stretch marks, considering them to be a permanent skin condition. But not many know that if tackled early on, these can fade significantly.
Stretch marks, medically known as Striae Distensae, are linear lines that appear on the thighs, abdomen, breasts, buttocks and lower back, often appearing during pregnancy, puberty or sudden weight loss/gain. While they pose no medical risk, they do look unappealing and affect women psychologically.
The good news is that these can be visibly reduced with the right approach and they do not have to be your lifetime companion. Read on to know more about treating stretch marks the right way.
What Are Stretch Marks and Why Do They Form?
Stretch marks are dermal scars that result from the rapid stretching of skin during puberty, pregnancy or sudden weight changes. They appear when the skin is stretched more rapidly than it can adapt to. The collagen and the elastin fibres in the dermis break down, leaving behind a visible linear scar which appears pink or purple initially, and gradually fades to a white or silverish hue.
These typically develop in the areas of the body subject to rapid stretching, including the abdomen, breasts, thighs and buttocks. Stretch marks have two stages – striae rubra (which are red or purple newer marks) and striae alba (white, silver older marks). Early-stage stretch marks are easier to treat than the mature ones.
How Common Are They?
Stretch marks are one of the most common skin conditions affecting around 50-90% of pregnant women. These are not limited to pregnancy alone – anyone going through rapid growth spurts is susceptible to these marks.
These marks often cause psychological distress and lack of confidence, particularly in women and in certain professions where physical appearance is important.
Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented?
Although it is not completely possible to prevent stretch marks, it is better to tackle it at the earlier stages. While some of these marks cannot be controlled, maintaining steady weight, staying hydrated and keeping skin well-nourished can reduce their severity.
Pregnancy stretch marks can be visibly reduced by consistently using the right stretch mark cream early on. Popular home remedies may not be as effective as believed. But there are good creams available with scientifically proven ingredients that work on stretch marks.
What Treatments Actually Work?
The following ingredients have been shown to help reduce stretch marks:
StrioverTM
Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula, two plants frequently used in traditional Chinese herbs, are combined with glycerine to create StrioverTM. Within four weeks, it could significantly lessen the appearance of stretch marks if applied daily.
Hyaluronic Acid
In water, hyaluronic acid can retain up to 1,000 times its weight. This effectively allows it to increase the elasticity and plumpness of the skin. Skin that is well-hydrated remains supple and is less prone to stretch marks.
Coffee
The natural component of coffee, caffeine, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, it might help calm your skin. Additionally, it can lessen the redness that comes with stretch marks
Centella Asiatica
Centella asiatica is a well-liked, skin-friendly skincare ingredient. It promotes the synthesis of elastin and collagen. This could lessen the visibility of current stretch marks and stop new ones from appearing.
Apart from these ingredients, cosmetic treatments like micro-needling and laser treatment are the quickest way to fade or lighten stretch marks.
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The Sooner, The Better
Ideally, you should use stretch mark cream as early as possible if you are pregnant, or the moment you start noticing the first signs of these marks in your puberty or during weight gain/loss. It is also recommended that you use this in the postpartum period to continue fading stretch marks. The ideal time would be towards the beginning of your 2nd trimester, as this is when the skin around your belly starts stretching.
Wrapping Up
Stretch marks are common, natural, and nothing to be ashamed of. But if they are affecting your confidence, know that effective options exist.
One natural, dermatologically-approved cream to try is the AreoVeda Stretch Mark Cream. Formulated with Striover™, Hyaluronic Acid, Ghee, CryoCoffee and Aloe Vera, this stretch marks cream helps visibly reduce both new and existing stretch marks within 28 days, while also soothing itchiness and redness.
Stretch marks do not have to be a lifetime companion; with the right care and the right time, significant improvement is possible.
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