Stretch marks occur during pregnancy due to rapid stretching of skin resulting in scaring. Marks are commonly seen on the waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks.
To get rid of stretch marks you can apply a vitamin-rich moisturizer such as Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, exfoliate to remove dead cells, or consider laser therapy
What Causes Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused by stretching of the skin due to an increase in cortisone. Most pregnant women experience the condition of stretch marks due to the growth of breasts and stomach during pregnancy. Stretch marks are also caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
As the skin starts to get thinner, the blood begins to pool under the skin as well as the tissue underneath. If the skin is not allowed to rest on the surface for some time, then it will stretch and cause those stretch marks to appear.
To avoid getting stretch marks, keep your skin moisturized, stay hydrated, sleep for 8 hours, and taking your prenatal vitamins.
What Causes Stretch Marks on the Thigh and Bum?
Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, develop naturally mostly on the inner thighs. After being stretched for a period of time, they form in the middle layer of your skin. If the connective fibers of your skin continue to extend they will most likely tear and leave a scar.
These emerging scars can therefore seem like red or purple blood vessels visible through the skin. With time, the stretch marks can develop into a silver or white color and become more difficult to heal.
What causes Stretch Marks on The Bum (Buttocks)?
Stretch marks on the bum normally occur as the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin are extended. When individual ages or expands in weight fast, they normally take on a lighter, scar-like complexion over time. Stretch marks can also develop when one loses weight as well.
These marks look skinnier than those you would get if you are gaining weight, because as the body gets smaller the stretch marks that were developed before shedding pounds become more visible.
There are other health-related reasons one can develop stretch marks, some of these conditions include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Steroid use
- Corticosteroid creams
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
5 Amazing Ways to Remove Stretch Marks
Besides creams, there are other ways of reducing the appearance of stretch marks. And here are the 5 most efficient and amazing ways to remove stretch marks:
-
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water and always keeping yourself hydrated is yet another trick to fight against the ugly stretch marks. It is known to all that water is essential for healthy looking skin, as the skin cells require an adequate amount of water to replenish and repair themselves.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , recommends women "drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water every day"
Read How to Drink More Water During Pregnancy
-
Use a Skin Moisturizer
Keeping your skin moisturized is a key to the kingdom of healthy skin. Choose your moisturizers carefully because some might contain harmful elements that might not be recommended while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Select a hypoallergenic moisturizing creams for increasing the production of natural collagen in the body to provide elasticity to the skin.
Mega Moisturizing Belly Mask from Element Mom
For intense moisturization, improved skin elasticity and helping reduce the appearance of stretch marks. $10
-
Stay active and follow an exercise regime
You should keep yourself active and work out regularly to control the stretch marks from appearing. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles of your body which is why the loose skin also tightens thereby leading to the visible reduction of stretch marks.
If you've never exercised before, try Pilates
Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
-
Promote Skin healing with Aloe Vera
It is a potential and very effective home remedy that can surely heal your skin and provide a soothing effect.
How to apply Aloe Vera
Rub the pure aloe vera gel directly on the stretch marks. Leave it for at least 20 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure as often as you'd like.
What's the best Aloe Vera to Buy
I recommend Seven Mineral Organic Aloe Vera Gel. It has 50,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Seven Mineral's Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Pure Aloe From Freshly Cut Aloe Plant
-
Good massage oil or cream
A good oil massage or massaging with cream can be helpful. Massaging your hips, thighs, belly and bust areas can be fruitful. The nutrients that are essential for the skin to repair itself can be obtained from the healing cream. You can try the Lucent Skin Stretch Mark Removal Cream & Lotion for smooth skin.
How to use massage oil
Smear the cream on the target areas for at least 2 to 3 minutes so that the skin completely absorbs it. For better results, you can apply warm water on the target area before applying the cream so that the skin pores open up and the cream can penetrate within the depths of the skin. You can use some other healing oil as well.
-
Laser Therapy
This procedure involves the destruction of the dead skin cells and stimulates cellular growth and restoration. Laser Therapy treatment requires continual follow-up appointments to ensure successful results.
-
Microdermabrasion
You can reduce the appearance of these scars uses exfoliating crystals and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. These two substances are responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin which will allow you to have less scarring on your skin.
-
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of dead cells on the surface of the skin. These dead cells are the ones that cause the marks to form. When you exfoliate your skin, you get rid of this dead skin layer and make your skin look and feel smoother. It does not take long before you notice a difference in how smooth and beautiful your skin feels and looks.
One of the reasons that exfoliating your skin may help to remove stretch marks is because it removes the dead cells. This also helps to minimize the appearance of new ones as well.
As you are exfoliating, you should try to avoid using scents or other products that can irritate your skin. This may cause you to scratch, but if you are careful about what you use, this should not be an issue. The best way to exfoliate is to do it once or twice a week, and then you can continue with your normal skincare routine.
In Closing
Your dermatologist can tell you whether you have any type of scarring that will make removing your marks harder than you had originally expected. If there is, then you may have to deal with the scarring until your skin heals, or until the marks go away entirely. With proper care, getting your stretch marks removed is not impossible.
There are so many ways to prevent stretch marks. You can opt for any one method. Stay beautiful during pregnancy and look great after pregnancy too.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/stretch-marks-on-butt#topical-treatments
https://www.healthline.com/health/inner-thigh-stretch-marks#outlook
https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/causes-and-home-remedies-for-stretch-marks-62446.html
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team and please know we only recommend high quality products.