home treatments for stretch marks

Anyone who has been through this knows how unpleasant it is to discover that little mark on the skin. It can be on the butt, breasts, legs, belly and even arms – our enemy doesn’t know where to show up without being invited. Although it is a common problem for many women, stretch marks are often a cause of irritation and even concern for us. But don’t despair, we’ve prepared a complete guide to understand the causes, know the treatments and help you avoid this hassle.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are consequences of excessive stretching of the skin. They are marks caused by the breakage of the skin in a certain area where it has been very “stretched”.

“The stretch marks appear when the skin stretches, and even though it can be stretched, there is a limit. If the pressure is more than the skin can handle, it breaks. Stretch marks are nothing more than this breakup of the skin”, explains dermatologist Daniela Hueb.

Why and when do stretch marks appear?

There are several factors that can be responsible for the appearance of stretch marks. Gaining and losing weight frequently, for example, can cause stretch marks. According to Daniela, this happens because “with the increase in weight, the cells of the epidermis do not have time to duplicate themselves in the proportion that the new fat cells require”.

Likewise, during pregnancy, they can appear due to weight gain and the countless amount of hormones produced by the body. Teenagers can also have the problem, as the body does not always have time to adapt to the accelerated growth of organs.

According to Daniela, even gaining muscle very quickly can cause unwanted stretch marks. She explains that “when the muscles appear too quickly, they end up stretching the skin too much and breaking its fibers”. Therefore, it is not worth opting for supplements without medical advice. “If you want to build muscle, it’s best to consult a physical trainer and nutritionist duo,” she says.

Finally, dry skin or skin that is heavily exposed to the sun’s rays can also favor the appearance of stretch marks, as the sun weakens the skin’s fibers.

How to prevent the appearance of stretch marks?

Keeping your skin hydrated is the most effective way to ensure it doesn’t break down, causing stretch marks. Daniela recommends “moisturizers and oils with hydrating properties (those based on urea, grape seed and almond oil are the ones that have the most moisturizing power) after a shower, because that is when the skin absorbs the product more easily”.

Of course, a diet to control weight gain is also essential for those who want to reduce the problem and, as soon as you notice the first little marks, it is best to make an appointment with a good dermatologist.

Effective home treatments for stretch marks

There are currently several treatments available to soften stretch marks on the skin. Laser, pulsed light and peeling are just a few examples of what medicine can do for you. None of them, however, should be started without the guidance of a professional, since the wrong treatment can even worsen the problem.

At home, there are some actions you can take to reduce this evil. Even so, it is not advisable to start any type of treatment before consulting your doctor.

1 – Home treatment for stretch marks with cosmetics

The combination of moisturizing creams and skin vitamins is quite effective in fighting stretch marks. After mixing the ingredients below, store them in a clean jar with a lid and keep it in the fridge, using the mixture every day, on all areas of the skin affected by stretch marks.

• 1 can of Nivea cream (the one in the blue can)
• 1 tube of Hypoglos
• 1 ampoule of Arovit (vitamin A)
• 1 glass of almond oil

2 – Home treatment for stretch marks with olive oil mask

• Almost half a cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 6 vitamin E capsules
• 4 vitamin A capsules

Blend everything in a blender and keep the paste in the fridge. Apply daily on affected areas. This treatment is best suited for stretch marks that are still red and therefore not permanent.

Home treatment to disguise red and dark stretch marks

As any treatment for stretch marks has progressive and not immediate results, some people may feel the need to disguise their stretch marks while waiting for the treatments to take effect.

If this is your case, you can use makeup to cover the signs left on the skin by stretch marks. If they are red, use a green concealer before the concealer with the same skin tone. If there are already white stretch marks, just concealer in the same skin tone is enough.

Videos on how to prevent and treat stretch marks