How To Hide And Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are caused by rapid growth, such as occurrences during weight gain, muscle gain, or pregnancy, and are characterized by reddish or silver colored marks in the skin. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin, and is quite elastic. The dermis is the layer of skin which is responsible for keeping its elasticity. The skin itself is already quite elastic; however, rapid stretching causes the supply of collagen to be disrupted, resulting in stretch marks. The disruption of collagen is responsible for causing stretch marks.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere in one’s body, but more likely where there is more fat stored such as in the breasts, hip, abdomen, thighs, upper arms, buttocks and thighs.

How to hide and prevent stretch marks

Although stretch marks may seem inevitable at one point in life, there are many options you can do to treat and make them look less obvious. For drastic stretch marks, you can resort to surgery with a certified surgeon or dermatologist. Some medications we may be taking can be the culprit for stretch marks, so a certified medical professional can help in analyzing unknown causes.

Methods such as dermabrasion and chemical peels help in removing unwanted stretch marks, as well as new laser methods. For stubborn stretch marks in the abdominal area, one can resort to a tummy tuck, which removes the skin underneath the navel where stretch marks can frequently occur. Drastic methods such as surgery and laser procedures are expensive and only advisable to older men and women; it is not advisable to do so when one is still young as they have still not finished growing.

Daily and religious moisturizing has also been known to be effective in preventing and reducing stretch marks. The number one moisturizer we should all take in is water. The consumption of water makes skin soft, reducing stretch marks. Certain oils, creams and lotions are also good in preventing stretch marks, such as those that contain centella Asiatic extract, Vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates.

Stretch marks are practically a given for women who are expecting, as the body is going through a period of rapid growth and change. It is best for you not to try any creams or lotions before consulting physicians and getting other opinions as this can harm your baby.

Diet and exercise are also a great, inexpensive and efficient way to prevent and reduce stretch marks. Eat healthy foods and make sure you get enough exercise. Certain foods also contribute to healthy skin, such as foods that are rich in zinc, Vitamins A, C, D, and foods that are high in protein. Lack of these vitamins and minerals can also result in stretch marks. Since caffeine can increase your risk to stretch marks, make sure that you balance it out by drinking plenty of water every day.

Sunless tanning and fake tans can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and these are not expensive. The dark pigments they produce are safe without the harmful rays of the sun, and also help to hide the stretch marks.