Can Weight Loss Reduce Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, an ugly side effect of rapid weight gain or pregnancy, push many of us to the edge trying find a way to eliminate them. Can weight loss reduce these unwanted scars? The answer, unfortunately, is that it can actually make them worse.
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Rips, Tears, Scars
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Stretch marks, or striae, are common scars caused when the skin is rapidly stretched, often as a result of rapid weight gain or pregnancy. Essentially, as the skin is stretched, it thins and elastic fibers holding the skin together break, resulting in thick purplish or reddish scars. As these scars heal, the color of the mark begins to mute in color and turns into a lighter, glossy tone of the skin's natural complexion.
Prevention/Solution
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, healthy skin is less likely to develop stretch marks. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that boost the healthfulness of your skin is the best way to begin an action plan against stretch marks. The Cleveland Clinic suggests consuming foods rich in zinc; vitamins A, C, and D; and protein.
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What Not to Do
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Stretch marks are caused by rapid, excessive stretching of the skin. Rapid, excessive loss of tension on the skin, for example by extreme weight loss, will not help the skin settle back into place. Extreme weight loss may actually cause hanging skin to develop. A gradual return to your original weight should help avoid this.
Over the Counter and Prescription Remedies
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Many people combine their approach to reducing stretch marks with the various creams and lotions available either over-the-counter or through prescription by a physician. Many of the commercially available creams, Retin-A for example, contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which purported to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends that those seeking a permanent remedy for stretch marks consult with a physician or dermatologist before using creams or lotions.
Alternatives
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No home remedy has been proven effective in reducing stretch marks. The Cleveland Clinic suggests surgical methods, some of which employ lasers.
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