How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks In South Africa
Overview
Stretch marks, also called striae, happen when your skin changes shape rapidly due to growth or weight gain. They usually aren’t a sign that anything is wrong with your health.
Anyone can get stretch marks, regardless of gender. Pregnancy and puberty are the two most common times in life to get them.
At first, a stretch mark will appear as a thin red or purple line of a different texture than the skin around it. Most stretch marks will fade on their own over time.
They may become less noticeable after fading. Faded stretch marks usually look lighter in color than the surrounding skin and a little shiny, like a scar.
Research tells us there is no secret cure-all ingredient for stretch marks — at least not yet. But some home remedies can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks and could help them fade more quickly.
How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks In South Africa
Natural Remedies For Stretch Marks
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A in skin care products is referred to as a retinoid. Retinoids can make skin appear smoother and more youthful. They’re used in many over-the-counter (OTC) topical cosmetic creams.
Research from 2015 focused on tretinoin, a prescription-strength form of retinol. In an older study from 1996, researchers found that tretinoin helped stretch marks appear smaller and less severe.
However, few recent and large-scale studies have examined the efficacy of tretinoin for stretch marks. More research is needed to identify all its effects on stretch marks.
Vitamin A products can sometimes irritate the skin, so it’s best to follow instructions carefully if you try this ingredient. Because there are known risks to using retinoids during pregnancy, you should not use them if you are:
- pregnant
- lactating
- trying to become pregnant
2. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient for moisturizing and skin healing. It’s often used in creams, lotions, and serums.
The visible appearance of stretch marks comes along with invisible changes to your skin. These changes make skin less elastic, in part because collagen isn’t doing its usual job of strengthening the skin.
Hyaluronic acid could have the potential to effect skin elasticity, according to a 2014 study.
In fact, some research from 2017 suggests that hyaluronic acid can improve the appearance of stretch marks, though more research is needed to be sure. To try it, apply a hyaluronic acid product to the affected area each day.
3. Centella
Centella asiatica is an herb that’s a popular ingredient in Korean beauty (K-beauty) products.
Known as cica creams, products containing centella are sometimes used as scar treatments or to help calm and repair sensitive skin. Cica creams are growing in popularity in the United States, but they can be pricey.
Centella helps reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. Research from 2015 suggested that creams containing centella may help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and improve how they look. But the researchers cautioned that more evidence is still needed.
4. Sugar
Sugar is a popular exfoliator. The small crystals gently scrub away dead skin and leave you feeling smoother.
Microdermabrasion performed by a dermatologist is one of the few clinically proven methods to make stretch marks fade. So, this home remedy for exfoliation seems worth a try. You might already have the ingredients at home.
To make a sugar scrub:
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar with a softening agent, like almond oil or coconut oil. Mix the oil into the sugar, a little at a time. Your scrub is ready when it looks like wet beach sand. You may need to add up to 1/2 cup oil in total.
- Gently rub the mixture over the part of your body where the stretch marks are.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times per week while in the shower or bath. Rinse with warm water.
Make small batches of the scrub as needed. You can store your sugar scrub in a sealed container for a short time, but if it starts to look or smell off, start fresh with a new batch.
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has a long history as a natural skin treatment. The jelly from inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant can be applied directly to skin to soothe and moisturize.
Research from 2018 suggests that aloe vera helps skin heal from burns and wounds. Because stretch marks are a type of scarring from damaged skin, aloe’s skin-repairing properties might help with stretch mark prevention or fading.
While little clinical evidence exists for aloe vera as a stretch mark cure, pure aloe vera may be worth trying because it can soften and heal skin.
Apply pure aloe vera from a plant or an OTC product to your stretch marks daily after your shower.
6. Coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil has some known benefits for the skin. It can help maintain your skin’s protective barrier.
Research from 2018 suggested that coconut oil improves dry skin and some skin infections. And in a 2010 study using rats, virgin coconut oil helped skin wounds heal faster.
There’s not a lot of evidence to promote the use of coconut oil for stretch marks. Research on other plant oils (olive oil, almond oil, and cocoa butter) hasn’t shown any improvement from their use.
That said, it’s possible that the action of gently massaging an oil onto your skin could prevent stretch marks, 2015 research suggests. A gentle daily massage of your stretch marks with coconut oil might help, and it’s not likely to cause harm.
Of course, if you’re allergic to coconut, you’ll want to avoid this ingredient.
Keep in mind that any skin care treatment can occasionally cause allergies or sensitivities. This includes home remedies and natural approaches. So, if you notice a reaction, stop using the ingredient.
Medical treatments for stretch marks
Medical procedures for stretch marks are delivered in-office by trained professionals. You will likely be treated by a doctor — a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or plastic surgeon — or a licensed professional, depending on what state you’re located in, the procedure, and the possible risks.
More research is needed. However, studies — such as one from 2017 and another from the same year — suggest that stretch marks can be visibly improved by the medical treatments listed below.
It’s best to have realistic expectations about the results. Even medical treatments can’t fully erase or prevent stretch marks.
7. Laser therapy
Lasers deliver focused light to the skin. Depending on what kind of laser is used, treatment could have the potential to increase collagen production and help stretch marks fade to blend in with the surrounding skin, 2017 research suggests. Some laser treatments require multiple sessions before you’ll see effects.
Laser therapy is also used to diminish skin texture and redness caused by scars and rosacea. So it makes sense that laser therapy could potentially improve the look of stretch marks.
8. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the skin in a way that at-home remedies can’t. Using a handheld wand, a professional applies an abrasive substance to your skin to gently scrub away dead skin cells.
Research on microdermabrasion for stretch marks is limited, but a 2017 research review suggests it may reduce the severity of the marks.
9. Microneedling
Microneedling uses a device that creates tiny pricks in the skin. This treatment causes the skin to produce collagen and elastin, which could help loose skin appear tighter.
Unlike at-home tools, in-office microneedling goes deeper into your skin to target the skin’s healing function more effectively and more safely, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Microneedling is a minimally invasive way to treat the texture of stretch marks, even older ones, and it may help to even out skin tone.
10. Radiofrequency therapy
Radiofrequency treatments send energy waves into your skin that stimulate collagen production. The result can be firmer skin.
Recently, radiofrequency treatments have been combined with microneedling treatments in order to send the energy waves even deeper into the skin. The needle penetrates the skin and releases radiofrequency into the channels, stimulating deeper layers of collagen, per 2019 research.
Additional research from 2019 indicates that radiofrequency therapy may improve the look of stretch marks, but more studies are still needed to understand how it compares to other available treatments.
11. Chemical peel
Chemical peels involve the application of an acid, such as glycolic acid, to the skin’s surface. Professional chemical peels are more powerful than at-home versions and are applied in-office.
Peels provide a deep exfoliation of the skin and promote collagen production, per a 2018 review. This may help make stretch marks look smaller, but the available evidence is limited.
In general, clinical procedures are more effective than home remedies for stretch marks. But these procedures aren’t typically covered by insurance, and they can be costly.
Not all options are appropriate for all skin types, so it’s important to consult a dermatologist to find out which one is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks?
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable. Treatment can also help alleviate the itch. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before treating stretch marks. Some products contain ingredients, such as retinol, that can harm your baby.
How do I permanently get rid of stretch marks?
- Moisturizers: Hyaluronic acid-based cream is most often prescribed. If applied in the early stage of stretch marks, it may make the stretch marks less noticeable.
- Topical retinoid therapy: Tretinoin (retinoid) or retinol works best for some people
How do celebrities remove stretch marks?
If you’ve ever wondered why celebs don’t have stretch marks, the big secret is lasers and NanaoFractional RF. Stretch marks are formed in the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, which is the area that determines the shape of the skin.
Can Vaseline remove stretch marks?
“Vaseline works to lock moisture and help reduce dryness of the skin,” she explains. As such, it can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and keep the skin on the belly, breast, and hips looking and feeling healthy throughout pregnancy.
How can a teenage girl get rid of stretch marks?
To reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they might use prescription creams, microdermabrasion, and laser treatment. But doctors don’t usually recommended these for teens because they’re still growing. So new stretch marks might appear and existing ones will probably fade a bit over time
Can toothpaste remove stretch marks?
So from how I have observed toothpaste being used for stretch marks, all you have to do is take two pea-sized amounts of toothpaste and mix with a dab of petroleum jelly (also commonly known as Vaseline) and apply on the affected skin evenly at night and wash it off in the morning.
How long do stretch marks take to fade?
How long do stretch marks take to fade? In general, stretch marks take between six and 12 months to fade. With treatment, they often fade faster.
Why do I have stretch marks on my bum at 14?
Puberty (Or Growth Spurt) – During pubescent years, growth spurt begins to take place in teenagers. Especially for young girls, their body starts to change in areas such as the buttocks, hips, and thighs. This leads to stretch marks in these areas.
Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?
“It’s literally impossible to 100 percent get rid of your stretch marks,” says Dr. Akhavan. But don’t freak—there are steps you can take to reduce their appearance, namely by rebuilding the collagen in your skin with some excellent OTC products and a committed skincare routine, like the below
Will losing weight get rid of stretch marks?
As you lose weight, and the skin shrinks, sometimes, deep stretch marks remain, and look even more prominent with excess skin around them. So if you’re on the weight loss train, you should know that there are ways to avoid stretch marks as the pounds fall off.
Does the sun fade stretch marks?
You should never tan in the sun to get rid of stretch marks — not only can tanning increase your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer, but it can also darken your stretch marks, making them more noticeable instead.
Do stretch mark creams work?
According to a variety of studies, stretch mark cream has very little proven effectiveness. It might help slightly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but none have been scientifically proven to completely remove the marks.
Why is my teenage daughter getting stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. When a person grows or gains weight really quickly (like during puberty), that person may get fine lines on the body called stretch marks. Stretch marks happen when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching.
How many females have stretch marks?
An estimated 50% to 90% of women have them, but men can get them, too. It’s also common for teen girls (breasts, thighs, hips, or buttocks) and boys (lower backs or hips) to get stretch marks during growth spurts.
Do guys care about stretch marks?
What Men Love: Your Stretch Marks. “Stretch marks—especially on the hips… They’re very personal and few men get to see them.”
Can Lemon remove stretch marks?
It removes the dead skin cells and thus removes stretch marks whereas lemon has bleaching properties that lighten the skin. The mixture of baking soda and lemon juice is an effective and quick way to remove stretch marks.
Why do I have stretch marks?
The cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin. Their severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol — a hormone produced by the adrenal glands — weakens elastic fibers in the skin.
Does having stretch marks mean your fat?
The marks occur when a person experiences a significant amount of growth or weight gain in a short period of time, such as during puberty. Getting stretch marks does not necessarily mean a person is overweight. Thin people can get the marks too, especially when experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
Why does my daughter have so many stretch marks?
Other factors that makes teens predisposed to stretch marks appearing include a genetic risk or family history of stretch marks, pregnancy, being overweight or obese, or taking a cortisol medication. Stretch marks occur when skin gets overstretched. They can occur in the abdomen, chest, hips and thighs.
Are stretch marks normal at 16?
They do not cause any harm or pain to your body, however dry skin types can sometimes suffer from itchiness in the area of the marks. It is completely normal to have stretch marks in teenagers and they do not have to be a burden or cause of shame in any shape or form
What do old stretch marks look like?
Stretch marks often begin as red or purple marks, and slowly fade to white or silver over time. The difference in color distinguishes how old the marks are. Though they may never disappear completely, treatment can lighten the color of your marks and shrink them. In other cases, stretch marks fade away on their own.
Can coconut oil remove stretchmarks?
Stretch marks can’t be removed by using coconut oil or any other topically applied product. But coconut oil may improve the overall appearance of skin, which could reduce the look of stretch marks. It may also promote healing and prevent stretch marks from occurring.
What do purple stretch marks mean?
Although purple stretch marks are physically harmless, they can be a source of significant anxiety and affect your quality of life. If you have stretch marks, and they make you uncomfortable or affect your self-esteem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
Can you tattoo over stretch marks?
Technically, yes, you can get a tattoo over your stretch marks, just like it is possible to get a tattoo over healed scar
Does hot water make stretch marks worse?
Having a very hot (or very cold) bath or shower dries out your skin. And dry skin’s more likely to develop stretch marks. “The moment your skin gets dry, the elastin fibres start breaking down, increasing the chances of stretch marks,” says Dr Haus.