How to Reduce Stretch Mark Appearance

Stretch marks can be a frustrating result of positive accomplishments in a persons' life such as having a baby and losing weight. However, stretch marks can also be a result of hormonal changes and genetics. Stretch marks are caused by the excessive stretching of the skin creating reddish, purple, or even white lines on the skin. Here are steps to prevent and reduce the visible signs of stretch marks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Diet is essential in maintaining a healthy weight and body mass. Reduce your sugar intake and increase your vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein. Flax seed oil and Omega 3 fish oil has been known to be beneficial to your skin's health and appearance.

2. Maintaining a healthy weight is a huge factor in preventing stretch marks. A balance of cardio and weight lifting 3-6 days a week will help maintain your weight by burning calories and increasing your metabolism. Toning up your body through exercise will not only help prevent future stretch marks; it can also improve your mental well-being, acting as a natural anti-depressant. This in turn will help you not dwell on the appearance of your stretch marks and improve self-esteem.

3. Using moisturizers with vitamin A and E may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by penetrating skin cell growth. There are many advertisements of skin creams that claim to remove stretch marks but nothing has been 100% proven to work. In the meantime, keeping your skin moisturized can't hurt.

4. Self tanners do wonders in disguising the appearance of stretch marks. Often, if the self tanner is applied evenly, you can completely cover your stretch marks and make it last for up to a week and longer depending on the self tanning product used. If you want a professional spray tan, many salons offer this service for a reasonable price.

5. Exfoliating and massaging the skin will help increase the circulation of the skin and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

6. There are extreme methods of removing stretch marks using laser treatment by certified dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons. Micro-Dermabrasion is used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and minimize stretch marks on the body. A relatively new procedure that has gained a lot of popularity due to promising results is called Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation. This procedure uses light energy to stimulate skin cells to repair themselves into newer versions of themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep skin moisturized.
• Exfoliate before using a self tanner.
• Vitamin A can be dangerous if taken in high doses during pregnancy.
• If you want to get a tan to hide the appearance of stretch marks, avoid tanning beds as they are equally dangerous as laying out in the sun, and can increase your chances of getting skin cancer.
• Always use an SPF of 15 and higher when in the sun.