Most people have stretch marks. If your body has undergone a considerable change in shape or size in any capacity, chances are that your skin has stretched, and there are a few tracks to show.
These lightened or darkened lines in the skin are called stretchmarks, an outcome of skin expansion and contraction, meaning skin stretching.
Stretch marks are normal and most commonly experienced by people with weight fluctuations, especially women who have had pregnancies.
These, scientifically known as Striae Distensae, a permanent dermal lesion that can cause significant psychosocial distress.
Genetic Factors
Your genes can dictate whether you develop stretch marks or not. As your body ages and your shape changes, you might develop stretch marks.
According to The Renewal Institute, your skin needs to give way as your body goes through these changes. Collagen and elastin ruptures during this process, causing stretch marks. If your parents never suffered from stretch marks, you likely won’t either, because you inherit your body shape from them.
Stretch marks can form on any part of the body but are most prominent on thighs, arms, and waist – places that can expand significantly during pregnancy.
Many cosmetic brands advertise creams to minimise the appearance of stretch marks – as many people are self-conscious of the lines on their bodies. But remember, your body is beautiful and unique, and stretchmarks happen to everyone.
However, if you would like to lighten the effects of stretchmarks, there are many at-home remedies that help you feel more comfortable with your skin.
You cannot eliminate stretchmarks and scarring – only lighten the effects or prevent them together.
Who Gets Stretch Marks?
Everyone can develop stretch marks. The South African Medi-Sculpt Clinic reports that you’re more susceptible to stretch marks if:
- You are pregnant,
- Weightloss patients,
- People who have gained loads of weight quickly, and
- Adolescents in a growth spurt.
If you need assistance managing your weight to prevent stretch marks, Medical Society can help. We have nutritionists who can assess your dietary needs and guide you to a better, healthier lifestyle.
How Do We Lighten Or Prevent Them?
Hydration
Drinking water keeps the skin stretchy and supple. This means that hydrated skin can accommodate more stretching before marks appear. However, hydration of the skin will lighten existing marks. Using oils like castor oil. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient for moisturising and skin healing. It’s often used in creams, lotions, and serums.
According to a 2016 study, argan oil helps increase skin elasticity and may reduce stretch marks. Pomegranate oil is also a popular remedy. It is made from pomegranate seeds.
Both of these ingredients are thought to be antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. However, there isn’t much scientific evidence to substantiate the claims that these natural oils work, so there is no harm in giving them a go. It will provide you with soft, moisturised skin, at the very least.
There are many more oils to help the appearance of stretch marks and to nourish the skin. Speak to your healthcare practitioner about which oil is best for your skin type.
Collagen
Collagen and elastin are responsible for soft, plump skin. You can supplement them with over-the-counter collagen tablets or topical creams that include it.
However, collagen cannot fix stretch marks you already have. According to The University of Cape Town, there is a difference between normal skin and scarred skin. The skin has now stretched and is scarred permanently.
By consuming more collagen before stretch marks occur, you can infuse the damaged skin with collagen and improve elasticity. You can minimise or prevent stretch marks from forming before they form at all.
Aloe Vera
Many cultures have hailed Aloe vera as a natural healing agent for years. Many mainstream beauty product manufacturers boast aloe extract in anti-ageing products. It has been seen as a SA miracle remedy.
Many people use the gel, straight and unfiltered from the succulent and put it straight on the afflicted skin. To use this remedy, remove the aloe vera leaf’s outer layer and use the sticky gel inside the leaf.
Massage the gel on the skin until it gets tacky and dry. This is best done after a shower when the pores are open – it can soften and heal the skin and stop it from developing any more marks in future.
