Five ways for smoother skin, and a few colored stretch mark prevention methods for the future.
“You’re a tiger who has earned her stripes.” At least, that’s how we like to think of stretch marks! While we believe that you should love and accept your body at all times, we do understand, and can relate to, the desire to cover up or minimize any imperfections.
First, we'll tackle the prevention of colored stretch marks, and then we'll share a few methods for minimizing them if they do make an appearance on your skin.
The first step is prevention. Do everything you can for your body to prevent stretch marks from happening in the first place. As most solutions to minimizing the appearance of stretch marks only serve to work on new stretch marks, prevention is especially important. That way, you don’t end up with life-long skin imperfections that can’t be reversed.
Start by maintaining a consistent, healthy weight. Losing or gaining weight quickly is the most common cause of stretch marks.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Hydrated skin is less susceptible to stretch marks than dry skin is. Remember that hydration starts from the inside out; drinking enough water, daily, is necessary to maintain healthy skin.
Exfoliate often and moisturize daily. That regimen will keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
Eat skin-happy food. Items that contain protein, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E will help keep your skin free of stretch marks.
Specific lasers can help boost the production of elastin and collagen, proteins that are plentiful in youthful skin. Laser therapy can stimulate new skin cells to grow and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Retinoid cream, formulated from vitamin A, is used to stimulate collagen. It's effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, but it's most effective on new stretch marks. So, if you want to use a retinoid cream, it’s important to start using it as soon as you notice your skin changing. If your stretch marks are more red or purple in appearance, rather than white, that typically means that they’re newer. That's the time when most topical treatments will work best.
Since stretch marks are technically just scars, many scar creams will also work to minimize their appearance. Unfortunately, these creams are also less effective on older stretch marks.
A chemical peel treatment from a cosmetic surgery clinic, or medical spa, is another effective treatment for stretch marks, although it can be pricey! Chemical peels work to strip dead and damaged skin chemically, and encourage the turnover and growth of new skin cells, getting rid of the old skin - and therefore, stretch marks!
When in doubt, tan it! Self tanner is like confidence in a bottle! Self tan tints your skin a darker shade, and can temporarily minimize the look of colored stretch marks because of that added color to your skin. We recommend this option if you’re in a pinch and don't have months to spend using creams, or hundreds of dollars on treatments!
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