Home remedies for stretch marks

Home remedies for stretch marks

Stretch marks are scientifically called “Striae Distensae.” (SD). These are scars which develops due to rapid stretching of the deeper layer(dermal layer) of the skin.
The causes of stretching is related to hormonal changes, genetic factors and physiological changes like puberty and pregnancy.
The causes for stretch marks include:
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Cushing syndrome/ disease
  • Topical or oral steroid use for prolonged period
  • Marfans syndrome
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
One wonders why these stretch marks gain so much attention. It does attract cosmetic concern and psychological distress. More so in individuals who are interested in outdoors activities or in professions where looks are more important. SD affects both sexes but females are affected twice more than men.
The parts of the body commonly vulnerable would include
  • Abdomen
  • Buttocks
  • Breasts
  • Axilla
  • Groin
  • Back
In the early stages the area of skin becomes flattened and thin with a pink colour.
It can turn red and get inflamed in some cases. Later on it turns pale and white.
There are several treatments available to treat stretch marks. All the treatments generally aim at reducing redness, swelling and irritation. This is one aspect to be handled . Finally the treatments target to increase collagen and elastic fiber production, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation especially in the longer standing marks ( usually they are white in colour ).
There are lasers treatment, radio frequency treatment, Platelet Rich plasma and more which are focused towards increasing the collagen synthesis significantly.
Home remedies are also quite a few and have been used more often either to prevent or treat earlier stages of the development of stretch marks.
 
Pregnancy is one commonest of the causes and so when does one start with treatment?
You should start early as 12 weeks. Application of oils on the abdomen, breast and thighs twice per day helps to some extent. Apply them twice per day religiously all through your pregnancy. Badam oil, olive oil, sesame oil and coconut oil also can be used. Badam oil scores better than olive in some studies.
Creams containing hydroxyprolisilane-C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes vitamin E, essential fatty acids, hyaluronic acid etc have a loss proven effective in the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy.
For the other causes and areas where the stretch marks develops let’s discuss as per the ingredient and its benefits.
  1. Retinoids these acts by increasing the collagen synthesis and is used as adjuvant therapy with several other treatments. This helps in reducing the thickness of the marks. It is not advised to use during pregnancy.
  2. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin well and strengthens the mechanical resistance in the cells.
  3. Silicones hydrates the skin by retaining moisture under the silicone layer. This reduces the inflammation in the skin and reduces the redness.
  4. Centella asiatica extract stimulates the fibroblasts in the skin resulting in the tightening of the dermal layer of the skin.
  5. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) helps in improving the collagen synthesis.
  6. Acids like Glycolic acid and TCA(trichloroacetic acid) helps in collagen synthesis and tightening if the marks.
  7. Cocoa butter contains creams helps in moisturising the skin reducing redness caused due to inflammation.
  8. Oils like olive oil, badam(almond)oil, sesame oil, coconut oil etc. helps in moisturising the skin.
These above discussed ingredients are commonly used in creams and lotions recommended for stretch marks. A view of these ingredients makes you choose the right type of home remedy best for you.

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