Tips To Reduce Stretch Marks After Weight Loss

Stretch marks (striae) are stripe-like marks on the skin which appear as a result of overstretching of the skin, due to rapid weight gain or weight loss. They also appear after pregnancy, during puberty, and in a medical condition like Cushing syndrome.

Rapid weight loss especially leads to prominent stretch marks, since body produces excess hormones that disrupt the collagen (structural protein found in skin) structure and production. Another reason could be the inability of the skin to regain its normal shape after overstretching.

Initially, stretch marks might be visible as purple, pink, or brown stripes, which appear due to the breakdown of the middle layer of the skin called dermis. As time passes, they might appear as silver or white stripes. They are most commonly found on the belly, hips, thighs, arms, lower back, and breasts.

 Stretch marks can largely affect your aesthetic appeal, restricting you to wear only certain kind of cloths, or use a range of beauty products to hide them. These can be avoided if the following tips are followed.

How To Reduce Stretch Marks After Weight Loss

1. Hydrate Yourself Sufficiently

The best way to combat stretch marks is to mend their roots, and it is done through hydration. Studies show that drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water per day reduces the prominence of stretch marks. Apart from working as a treatment, it also acts a preventive measure. Drinking at least 3–4 liters of water every day, during your weight loss program, helps avoid stretch marks to a considerable extent.

You can also opt to drink herbal teas, fruit juices, vegetable smoothies in order to keep yourself hydrated while gaining healthy nutrients.

2. Moisturize The Skin

Moisturizing the skin using oils supports collagen production, avoiding its breakdown, and thus reducing the stretch marks. Olive oil, castor oil, bitter almond oil, coconut oil, wheat germ oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter are the best options. It is suggested that you mix at least two oils/butter before applying, and gently massage the area for about 15 minutes.

It is good to avoid chemical containing lotions and moisturizers to reduce stretch marks, as the harsh ingredients could worsen the marks. The results sometimes might be lightened marks which reappear in future.

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