How do you get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks are body marks often described as unsightly. Getting rid of them is a struggle for some women, including yourself, and it takes time. However, there are simple and effective ways to get rid of stretch marks.

What is a stretch mark?

Stretch marks are streaks, red or pink when they first appear, which become lighter over time. They look like fine scars on the skin and are due to a lack of skin elasticity (1). They often run parallel to each other.

The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Within the dermis are the elastin fibers, responsible for the skin’s ability to be elastic. If the fibroblasts, which produce elastin, no longer function properly and do not produce enough of it, the skin may be scarred. This is a sign that the skin loses its elastic capacity and this sometimes leads to stretch marks. Women are generally more prone to stretch marks, as their bodies are often the ones that undergo the most changes.
Stretch marks appear because the skin is stretched too intensely and/or for too long, and sometimes because the level of cortisol – the stress hormone – is too high.

What causes stretch marks?

There may be several reasons for their appearance. In adolescence, stretch marks can occur and are due to a hormonal upheaval, particularly the stress hormone.

Weight gain or pregnancy are also responsible for this. The skin distends, elastin fibers no longer follow and this causes stretch marks (2). The genetic part can also be involved. The younger a woman is pregnant, the more likely she is to have stretch marks. However, pregnancy remains an important source of stretch marks. It combines two essential elements: the rise in hormones and weight gain.

Stretch marks most often appear on the chest, stomach, buttocks, arms, thighs… These are the areas that are most marked by significant weight gain, and that stretch more easily.

It is possible to prevent stretch marks

Hydration is the first element to be put in place to prevent stretch marks. Moisturizing the skin allows for better functioning of the dermis as well as the fibers it contains, including elastin fibers.
This should be considered if you are planning to become pregnant or if you hope to lose a lot of weight. As a result, hydration will help your body to cope more easily with this change.

The application of moisturizing creams or oils will be effective in preventing or fighting stretch marks. Moisturizing the skin must be a daily gesture, without forgetting so-called “risk” areas, to nourish the skin in depth. Nourishing the dermis will allow its fibers to increase their effectiveness so that your skin will be less prone to marks. Since making stretch marks disappear is a bit complicated, it is best to prevent them by applying oily skincare products to the most prone areas.

The different stretch marks

When they appear, they are red or pinkish and will lighten over time. They end up as thin white scars on the most at-risk areas: love handles, stomach, thighs, arms and chest.

The more the skin is stretched, the darker the stretch marks will be. Tension can be rapid, occurring in a very short period or be prolonged. If you don’t nourish your skin properly, if you don’t moisturize it, the elastin fibers will be less effective and therefore unable to provide good elasticity to your skin.

How can stretch marks disappear?

Several solutions exist to make stretch marks disappear. The goal of the treatment is to nourish the skin and moisturize it so that it is more elastic. Nourishing and greasy oils are very effective. Jojoba and sesame oils are known for their nourishing action and their active ingredients increase the effectiveness of elastin and soften the skin. A daily application of the oil on the marked areas will allow you to make stretch marks disappear more quickly.

Preferably apply an anti-stretch mark oil that does not contain essential oils but rather vegetable oils. Make sure you also choose oil made from natural ingredients.

If you are pregnant, be careful with the oil you take. Check that it is possible to use the stretch mark treatment while pregnant.

The best oils to get rid of stretch marks

This oil has many benefits on the skin and especially on stretch marks. Indeed, jojoba oil stimulates collagen and elastin in the skin to prevent stretch marks. It helps to fill scars and smooth the skin to reduce stretch marks.

It helps to keep the skin supple and elastic. It penetrates easily and hydrates the skin deep down. It is an excellent healing agent that helps to fight stretch marks effectively.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is very nourishing and rich in vitamins A and E. It softens the skin, fades scars, and eliminates stretch marks related to pregnancy or weight loss or gain.

You can also use an oil that contains several types of anti-stretch mark oils, the results will be all the more positive.

Also read: Men’s stretch marks: causes and solutions