Stretch marks (striae) result when the skin undergoes excessive stretching. For stretch marks to appear, an increase in cortisone production must also be present, state experts at the Mayo Clinic. They commonly result from pregnancy, rapid weight gain, or certain medications and diseases. Once stretch marks occur, several things may help to decrease their appearance, including time, Vitamin E, massage and sunless tanning.
Time
Stretch marks typically fade, becoming less noticeable, with time, state experts at the Mayo Clinic. When stretch marks first appear, they have a pink, reddish or purplish appearance. The decrease in the visibility of stretch marks may take several years, advises Granny Med. However, on darker skinned people, stretch marks may become more visible as they lighten in color.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, may assist in decreasing the appearance of stretch marks. Foods rich in Vitamin E include seeds, nuts, spinach and broccoli, according to GrannyMed.com. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E protects against free radicals, which can break down the collagen and elastin in the skin, allowing stretch marks to appear. It may also regenerate cells, allowing stretch marks to fade as healthy skin replaces the scar tissue. Creams and lotions labeled for stretch marks usually contain Vitamin E. You can also break open Vitamin E capsules and apply the liquid from inside the capsule to your skin two to three times each day. However, the Mayo Clinic advises that creams containing substances like Vitamin E, cocoa butter or glycolic acid may not be harmful, but they probably will not effectively treat stretch marks.
Massage
Massaging stretch marks may decrease their appearance. Massaging surgical scars is beneficial because it stimulates blood flow and evens out the distribution of collagen, states Dr. Stephen M. Purcell, D.O., chairman of the Department of dermatology at Philadelphia College or Osteopathic Medicine, in an article on MotherNature.com. He goes on to state that same principle should apply to diminishing stretch marks. Cocoa butter creams and lotions may work based on this massage theory.
Sunless Tanning And Makeup
Sunless tanning treatments, like lotions and sprays, may help hide stretch marks. Tanning does not have the same benefit, because stretch marks are less likely to tan then healthy skin, states an article on the Teens Health website. Plus, the sun and tanning beds can damage to the skin after repeated exposure.
It is possible to hide stretch marks with makeup. Makeup matched to the tone of a person's skin may make stretch marks virtually invisible. However, remember that makeup washes off, so it may not be a solution for a person spending a lot of time in the water.
