There is one factor common in pregnancy, puberty, sudden weight gain or loss, the after-effect named as stretch marks. Stretch marks can develop as a result of the skin’s rapid expansion. During pregnancy, up to 90% of women get stretch marks. But stretch marks can affect individuals of different ages and skin types due to many other reasons. So, everyone who gets stretch marks wants to answer only one question: How to get rid of stretch marks?
Yes, the stretch marks can be treated & there are many treatments for them. One can remove their stretch marks through both medical ways, which are fast & by home remedies, which will work slowly, but effectively.
This article will be your complete guide to stretch marks, their reasons & treatments. So, let’s get started!
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae, occur when your skin rapidly changes shape as a result of weight gain or rapid growth. Collagen and elastin, the proteins that sustain our skin, are ruptured as a result of the sudden shift.
This reveals the underlying blood vessels, resulting in the red or purple markings left behind. As blood vessels mend, their color fades to white or silver over time, which are called stretch marks.
Stretch marks can happen on shoulders, breasts, stomach, arms, legs, thighs & even butts.
Also Read- How to Get Rid of Acne Scars?
What are the causes of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks can happen due to many reasons, here are those reasons:
- Pregnancy (90% chances)
- Sudden weight gain
- Sudden weight loss
- Puberty
- Bodybuilding
- Family history
- Breast enhancement surgery
- Certain Diseases
How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?
Usually, stretch marks do not fade completely if you will not do any treatment. But still, they appear lighter over 6 to 12 months. They will become less noticeable as time goes.
If you want to disappear the stretch marks completely, then you will need to get either medical treatments, products, or home remedies.
How to get rid of stretch marks?
Here are all the effective and best remedies to get rid of stretch marks:
Natural Ways & Products:
1) Vitamin A/Topical Retinoids
Retinoid is the term used to describe retinol, which is the active ingredient in vitamin A-based skincare treatments. The use of retinoids may improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots on the skin. They’re found in several OTC (over-the-counter) cosmetics.
It’s possible that tretinoin helps some people’s stretch marks by penetrating through the top layer of skin and regenerating collagen.
Pregnant or lactating women should not use retinoids, as it involves issues like skin redness and peeling. Instead, use retinoids directly after prescription.
2) Bio-Oil
The Bio-Oil is a cult favorite to treat stretch marks because it is specially made for stretch marks. With the use of porcelain oil, the product is straightforward to apply and light to the touch. Rich moisturizers moisturize and nourish your skin for hours after application since it nearly melts into your skin.
Aside from being an effective scar therapy, it may also be used as a post-sun lotion and bath oil. However, you will need to wait for some time to see good stretch marks fading.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bio-Oil Skincare Oil |
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3) Hyaluronic Acid
Stretch markings may be treated using hyaluronic acid-based lotions and treatments. However, stretch marks may be less evident if this treatment is used early in the development of the markings.
To erase stretch marks, hyaluronic acid may have the ability to improve skin suppleness.
One of the most important ingredients in moisturizing and skin-healing serums is Hyaluronic acid. However, daily application is necessary to see visible results over time.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid |
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4) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been shown to aid in the healing of burns and wounds, according to a study published in 2018. In addition, Aloe’s skin-repairing abilities may assist with stretch mark prevention or fading since stretch marks are a kind of scarring caused by damaged skin.
After showering, use aloe vera gel or an OTC medication to stretch marks every day.
5) Cocoa Butter
When it comes to improving the look and health of skin, cocoa butter is a household name for a reason. It goes deep into the skin’s layers to provide powerful hydration.
Cocoa butter is frequently used in the treatment of stretch marks because of its ability to dissolve scar tissue, making those silvery lines less noticeable.
Medical Ways:
1) Microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion, an expert uses a portable wand to brush away dead skin cells from your skin gently. It helps fade the new stretch marks.
It may be more effective if used in conjunction with skin-peeling therapy.
Research on microdermabrasion for stretch marks has been few, but 2017 research shows that treatment may diminish their severity.
2) Laser Therapy
Laser therapy looks to be one of the most promising new therapies for stretch marks. The use of a specific kind of laser therapy may be able to boost collagen formation and erase stretch marks so that they blend in with the rest of the skin.
Stretch mark pigmentation might take anywhere from one to four months to even out.
Get treatment from only a medical professional who has undergone thorough training and has a valid license.
3) Chemical Peels
Glycolic acid, an acidic solution, may stimulate new skin development by burning the top layer of your skin. Stretch marks may be less noticeable with this procedure, but it is not guaranteed to be effective in the long term.
4) Microneedling
In order to get rid of stretch marks, microneedling is an excellent alternative. In micro-needling, microscopic needles enter the skin and inflict micro-trauma, resulting in the formation of new collagen. It aids in the reduction of stretch marks by regenerating collagen and elastin.
In-office microneedling, in contrast to instruments used at home, penetrates deeper into the skin to better target the skin’s healing function.
5) Radio Frequency
The collagen-stimulating effects of radiofrequency treatments are achieved by delivering energy waves into the skin. Firmer skin may be achieved as a consequence. In addition, stretch marks may be less visible with this treatment, which has been shown to be safe.
6) Ultrasound Treatment
In a way, it’s like radiofrequency therapy. Using sound waves, your skin is heated, tightened, and stimulated to manufacture collagen during this process, which ultimately benefits in the reduction of stretch marks.
7) Plastic Surgery
Stretch marks may be removed with procedures like a stomach tuck. However, there is a chance that the operation may result in a fresh, painful scar and the high cost of the procedure.
This sort of plastic surgery may not be a possibility if the skin is not loose. Before having any surgical operation, patients should consider their doctor’s potential risks and advantages.
How to remove stretch marks fast?
If you want to remove stretch marks, then using any home remedy is a waste as it will take a lot of time. You have to either go on the side of products or medical procedures. Through these treatments, your stretch marks will definitely fade away.
Let’s have a look at treatment that will help remove stretch marks fast:
1) Tretinoin Creams
Retinoid creams are another name for tretinoin products. They operate by assisting your skin’s natural collagen regeneration process. Tretinoin products have been shown to enhance the appearance of stretch marks.
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | TriLASTIN-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Cream |
| Buy Now |
2) Microdermabrasion
Microneedling is an excellent option for removing stretch marks from the skin. Tiny needles penetrate the skin and create micro-trauma, resulting in new collagen production.
3) Laser Treatment
Laser therapy uses high-intensity light waves to encourage the formation of collagen, elastin, and melanin in the skin’s surface layers. This helps the stretch marks to fade away & it is a fast way to do it.
4) Cosmetic Surgery
Tummy tucks may eliminate folds of skin that have been scarred by stretch marks using an abdominoplasty. However, keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is both costly and harmful.
5) Try Skin Camouflage
It is the fastest way to remove or hide stretch marks. In order to conceal tiny patches of skin affected by birthmarks or stretch marks, several pharmacies provide over-the-counter skin camouflage products.
How to get rid of stretch marks permanently?
The permanent removal of stretch marks is only possible with medical treatments. Products or home remedies cannot remove the stretch marks permanently; they will only make them fade a little. So to remove the stretch marks permanently, you can get the following medical procedures:
- Laser Therapy
- Microneedling
- Dermabrasion
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Radiofrequency
- Ultrasound
- Chemical Peels
How to get rid of stretch marks on stomach?
The stomach is the most affected area for stretch marks. It gets stretch marks after pregnancy, sudden weight gain or loss, or due to any health condition. So to get rid of stretch marks on your stomach, you try the following treatments:
- Retinoid Creams: Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are derived from vitamin A and may help fade stretch marks that are just a few months old.
- Light & Laser Solutions: A range of light and laser treatments may increase collagen formation or enhance suppleness. It’s best to consult with your doctor before deciding which procedure is best for you.
- Microneedling: A hand-held device with microscopic needles is used to promote collagen development in the skin, which helps in removing the stretch marks.
- Chemical Peels: Glycolic acid is used in chemical peels to apply an acid to the skin’s surface. Peels exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen formation, which helps remove the stretch marks.
- Microdermabrasion: At-home skin exfoliation methods can’t compete with microdermabrasion. An expert uses a portable wand to gently brush away dead skin cells from your skin, by which the appearance of stretch marks improves.
How to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy?
In 90% of pregnancies, women get stretch marks. These stretch marks usually get lightened, but they still appear. So to treat those pregnancy stretch marks, here are some solutions:
- Massage: Stretch marks may be reduced by massaging the skin on your hips, tummy, and breasts. Stretch marks may be reduced with a light massage promoting blood flow and breaking up scar tissue.
- Creams with hyaluronic acid: Early stretch marks may be less evident if hyaluronic acid is applied to them. You can either use creams or gels that contain hyaluronic acid.
- Creams with Tretinoin: Using Tretinoin-based lotions may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, mainly if they are used early and consistently.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures that help you get rid of dead skin cells. Doctors, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons can do these treatments.
- Exercise: Exercise can be a fun and effective way to get rid of stretch marks after giving birth. Strengthening the muscles makes the skin tighter and helps it heal more quickly.
- Radio Frequency: Radiofrequency and multipolar-pulsed electromagnetic fields cut the length and width of stretch marks by a lot. You should talk with your dermatologist if radiofrequency is something you’re interested in.
Some other things to try:
- Try Aloe Vera on the stretch marks.
- Use Honey Scrub on the stretch marks.
- The sugar scrub will also help remove the dead skin & lighten stretch marks.
- Lemon Juice will work to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
How to get rid of stretch marks caused by bleaching creams?
Skin bleaching creams are also one of the culprits of stretch marks. The use of low-quality skin bleaching agents is the main reason why people get stretch marks. Unfortunately, many of these drugs aren’t tested very well when they’re made, so this side effect happens.
The first way to treat stretch marks caused by bleaching cream is to stop using bleaching creams. If the bleaching cream has caused the stretch marks, then they will not be deeper in the skin, and just stopping using the cream will treat them.
However, they are deeper in the skin; then you can try the following treatments:
- Retinoids Products
- Hyaluronic acid creams
- Cocoa Butter
- Massaging
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser therapy
- Chemical Peels
- Radiofrequency treatment
How to get rid of stretch marks on thighs at home?
If you don’t want to get any medical [procedures for the stretch marks on your thighs, then there are still many ways to treat those stretch marks with home remedies & normal products. Here are the home treatments:
- Argan Oil: Enriched with vitamin E, Stretch marks may diminish over time if rubbed with argan oil, which promotes the skin’s flexibility.
- Lemon Juice: Known for its inherent bleaching capabilities, lemon juice is an excellent tool for removing blemishes. Lemon juice can be used to get rid of scars and other markings on your skin.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliating your thighs regularly removes dead skin cells, encourages new skin growth, and lightens stretch marks.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Remove the aloe vera leaf’s outer covering, and the sticky gel from the leaf’s inside for disposal. Apply this aloe vera gel on stretch marks and wash it off with water after around two to three hours.
- Topical Creams: Exfoliating your thighs regularly removes dead skin cells and encourages new skin growth.
- Vitamin A: Topical retinoids are many creams, lotions, or gels that include medication derived from vitamin A. Acne, acne scars, UV damage, and even stretch markings may all be treated with these potent forms.
- Hyaluronic Acid: As a natural polysaccharide, hyaluronic acid helps give skin a hydrated, plump appearance. It’s also thought to boost collagen production.
How to get rid of stretch marks on butt?
The butt is also one of the most affected areas from stretch marks. This happens due to sudden weight gain or loss & even because of childbirth. The stretch marks on the butt can be treated & there are a lot of ways to do it. Let’s have a look at them:
- Topical retinoids: The best thing for some people is Tretinoin (retinoid) or retinol. If it is used in the early stages every night for 24 weeks, it may make them less noticeable. However, this can cause side effects if it isn’t used correctly.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid-based cream is most often prescribed to dry skin people. In the early stages of stretch marks, it may make them less noticeable if used.
- Silicone Gel: Small-scale research in 2013 indicated that silicone gel improved collagen levels and reduced melanin levels in stretch marks.
- Laser Treatment: A variety of light and laser treatments have been shown to promote collagen production and improve skin suppleness. Before determining which operation is best for you, you should check with your doctor.
- Carboxytherapy: To treat stretch marks, physicians use a needle to provide tiny carbon dioxide gas (CO2) doses. As a result, your skin is tricked into believing there is a deficiency of oxygen, which prompts it to deliver blood to the region in need of regeneration. This lightens the stretch marks.
- Chemical Peels: Glycolic acid (an acidic solution) may stimulate new skin development by burning the top layer of your skin. Stretch marks may be less noticeable with this procedure, but it is not guaranteed to be effective in the long term.
How to get rid of stretch marks on arms?
Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks aren’t only for pregnant women or teenagers. Bodybuilders also develop stretch marks on their biceps, shoulders, and thighs. The treatments of these stretch marks is also possible through various ways:
- Silicone Gel: When applied to stretch marks, silicone gel raises collagen and decreases melanin levels. Stretch marks may cause itching, and silicone gel can help alleviate this discomfort.
- Trofolastin cream: Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant, is included in this cream’s formula because of its ability to boost collagen formation.
- Alphastria cream: Alphastria cream contains fatty acids, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid, a lubricant, which promotes collagen formation.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is used to repair and grow new skin cells. It can make some stretch marks look less noticeable. Full treatment can last for 20 sessions over a few weeks.
- Microneedling: Because micro-needling pokes holes in the top layer of skin with small needles, it causes elastin and collagen to be made. It can take up to six treatments over about six months for a full treatment to be done.
- Microdermabrasion: In this case, an expert uses a small, handheld tool to gently brush away dead cells from your skin, which makes your stretch marks look less noticeable.
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How to get rid of stretch marks on legs?
Many people get stretch marks on the inside and outside of their thighs & legs. These are caused by weight gain, muscle growth, or other health problems, and they usually go away over time. But if you want them to fade early, then here are some treatments:
- Topical Creams: It’s a good idea to regularly scrub your thighs & legs to get rid of dead skin cells, encourage new skin growth, & diminish the stretch marks.
- Vitamin A: Topical retinoids are many creams, lotions, or gels that have medicine made from vitamin A in them. They can be used to treat everything from acne scars to sun damage to stretch marks.
- Hyaluronic Acid: As a natural polysaccharide, hyaluronic acid helps give the skin a hydrated, plump look because it is made of sugar. It’s also thought to make more collagen.
- Microdermabrasion: Exfoliating crystals are used in a medical device that removes a very thin layer of skin from the stretch marks after being used. This helps make the stretch marks less noticeable.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses high-intensity light to eliminate the top layer of skin cells. This makes way for new skin that is close to the color of the body to grow in its place.
Bottom Line
This was all about stretch marks on various body parts & how to treat them through different ways. We hope now you can choose the treatment of your choice.
Please let us know your thoughts & suggestions in the comments below if you found this article helpful & informative.
Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Complete elimination is challenging, but various treatments can significantly reduce their visibility.
Stretch marks often result from rapid skin stretching, commonly during pregnancy, growth spurts, or rapid weight gain.
Some remedies like cocoa butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E may offer mild improvement. However, professional treatments often yield better results.
