Stretch marks are common in women after giving birth. It can also be the result of losing a lot of weight in a short period of time. When a part of the body deflates too quickly (usually the belly area), the surrounding skin will not be able to adapt to the rapid change. As a result, the skin collapses and wrinkles, this is the skin condition known as stretch marks.
Unlike other skin conditions, these marks don’t actually pose any health risks. You can leave it there and it won’t hurt you. What is unpleasant is its appearance. This is the reason why many women can no longer wear part of their clothes after giving birth: they try to hide unsightly stretch marks.
But while some women find satisfaction in leaving their marks untreated, especially when the condition isn’t that bad, some women desperately search for solutions. If you are one of them, here are treatment options for stretch marks:
Peeling
This is one of the most common treatment methods for stretch marks. Its goal is to gradually peel off the damaged layers of the skin. As a result, the healthier, less damaged layers of skin underneath will emerge.
Peeling can be done continuously, usually with rest periods. This is to allow new layers of skin to grow under the damaged layers. Over time, the signs of these marks will reduce significantly. If the condition is not that worse, the skin may come back completely.
Exfoliating lotions and creams that can be used to gradually improve the appearance of stretch marks can be purchased over the counter. These products often contain exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, and others.
Firming
These marks are the result of ‘loose skin’. That is, the skin is larger than the part of the body that surrounds it. Therefore, a known solution to treat stretch marks is to make the skin “shrink”. When the skin shrinks, it will re-conform to the surrounding body part.
So how can ‘reduction’ be achieved? This is usually done with skin firming products. These are designed to restore the damaged structure of the skin. A common ingredient is collagen, an ingredient known throughout the world to have effective firming effects on the skin.
Moisturizing
Stretch marks are usually dry skin. By providing plenty of moisture on a regular basis, the appearance of these marks can be improved. Additionally, moisturizers can help enhance the firming effects of firming lotions.
Moisturizers are also commonly used in conjunction with exfoliating lotions and creams. This is because exfoliation products can make the skin dry and therefore aggravate it further.
Whitening
One of the reasons stretch marks are unsightly is because they show symptoms of intense discoloration. Simply put, these markings are dark and sometimes cracked. Bleaching products help stretch marks appear less noticeable.
However, as a quick fix option, surgical treatment methods can be employed by a qualified physician. Laser treatments are now all the rage. They provide quick results but for a hefty price.