Though your skin may have a natural elasticity, it's quite possible for it to distend beyond its normal capacity, which can cause the formation of stretch marks. Often referred to as striae, this form of scarring is characterized by pinkish to reddish indentations on the skin. The stomach and breasts are two of the more common areas of the body to suffer from stretch marks, but you may also find them developing along the buttocks, thighs and arms, according to the Mayo Clinic. To rid any area of your body of striae, try some home remedies.
Step 1
Drop excess pounds. One of the most effective methods of reducing the appearance of stretch marks is to lose the weight that has caused them to form. Accomplish this with a combination of diet and exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, stretch marks can frequently fade after the cause of their formation is gone.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizer containing vitamin E, cocoa butter or glycolic acid to those areas of the body suffering from stretch marks. These three substances are thought to help reduce the appearance of striae, so daily application can be beneficial for some people. However, the Mayo Clinic states that these types of moisturizes may not provide the desired results.
Step 3
Avoid products that claim to treat or prevent stretch marks. Both the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic warn that creams advertised for either stretch mark prevention or stretch mark removal rarely help improve the appearance of your skin. Stick with regular moisturizers as they often contain some of the same ingredients, such as vitamin E, cocoa butter and glycolic acid.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider talking to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about stretch mark removal. These medical professionals have products and procedures that are proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, including tretinoin cream, microdermabrasion and laser therapy. If you're pregnant and concerned with the development of stretch marks, healthy weight gain combined with daily exercise can help to prevent them. Work with your doctor to ensure proper nutrition. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can usually prevent the development of striae. This is because you're not causing the skin to stretch beyond its normal capacity.
- If you're suffering from extensive stretch marks, it may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as Cushing's syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Talk to your doctor for proper diagnosis.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer
