How to Be Proactive About Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a normal part of bodies as they grow and change, but what if you want to be as proactive as possible about them? If you want to avoid severe stretch marks, here are a few things you might want to know.
Massage
When you want to be proactive about preventing stretch marks, massage is going to be one of your best bets in doing so. Massage is not only an excellent form of stress relief, but it’s also a great way to improve circulation and even prevent the formation of stretch marks on your body. And while you certainly can go to a professional massage therapist for all of your stretch mark prevention needs, it’s not necessary. A few simple massaging movements and a good moisturizer can help you be proactive about the formation of stretch marks right in your own home. Massaging with emollients is an excellent way to soften the skin and help it maintain elasticity.
Moisturize
What’s the best treatment for stretch marks, you ask? As we covered above, the first step is investing in the right prevention techniques. Fortunately, one of the best stretch mark treatments you can perform to be proactive is simple: moisturize consistently. When your skin isn’t properly moisturized, it loses a little bit of its elasticity. Unfortunately, that can contribute to the formation of stretch marks on your body. If you want to be proactive about stretch marks, moisturizing daily is one of the simplest preventive measures you can take to do so. Not to mention your skin will feel silky smooth when you remember to moisturize daily!
Use Retinoids
While it’s more common to treat acne scars or wrinkles with retinol, the truth is that topical retinoids can be a great option for treating stretch marks. The active ingredient, tretinoin or Retin-A, is a derivative of vitamin A. It’s this ingredient that holds the key to treating stretch marks. Tretinoin, as a derivative of vitamin A, encourages a process called collagen remodeling, which can help heal scars. Since stretch marks are effectively treated as scars by the body, this means that topical retinoids can help reduce their appearance when applied. It’s important to remember that retinoids work best as a skin treatment for stretch marks while the marks are still new and inflamed. If you’re dealing with older stretch marks that have already faded, it may be more difficult to minimize their appearance.
Consider Laser Stretch Mark Removal
If you want to start being proactive but you already have some stretch marks, it’s worth it to consider laser stretch mark removal treatment. While erasing stretch marks completely is incredibly difficult, this treatment can help drastically minimize their appearance while you work to prevent new stretch marks from forming. In fact, laser stretch mark removal currently has the best results of any stretch marks treatment. The lack of downtime post-treatment is one of the biggest benefits it offers. A few other benefits include stimulation of collagen production, improved circulation, and even reduce inflammation in the treatment area.
Stretch marks might be a normal part of life, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep them around. If you want more information on how to prevent and treat stretch marks, book your consultation with SE Dermatology Specialists today.