2023-06-17 15:00:32
Nearly 70 percent of women suffer from it streaks. Those stretch marks can’t hurt, but sometimes you wish they were just a little less visible. In Grazia we therefore answer the question: what works and what does not work for stretch marks?
Streaks
Stretch marks: most women (and men) get them eventually. Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches too quickly, causing tears in the connective tissue. This can happen after a growth spurt, if you gain a lot of weight in a short time, if you do a lot of strength sports or if you pregnant are. The outer layer of your skin is very elastic, but the subcutaneous connective tissue cannot keep up with this rapid growth. You may now think: but why do those stripes mainly appear on the buttocks, stomach, breasts and thighs? Fat is the first to store in these places. That means that your skin can quickly stretch there in a short time as it grows. The tears that form in the connective tissue become small subcutaneous scars that show up on your skin as red, purplish welts that can also itch. Over time, those red welts turn into lighter lines, after which they are usually permanent. But if you now have red, purplish stretch marks, you can make them less visible with some treatments.
Lubricate or not?
The beauty shelves are full of creams, lotions and oils that claim to make stretch marks disappear. Unfortunately, those ointments do very little for subcutaneous scars. In the end, the redness of the cream stripes may be slightly less, but the question is: is that because you use that cream every day? Or is it simply a case of your skin repairing itself over time? We find the most plausible solution. The scars are so deep in the skin that the ingredients from creams and oils can hardly get there. But on the other hand: if it doesn’t help, it won’t hurt. Do you want to lubricate? Then choose products with a high concentration of vitamins E and C, and glycolic acid. These active ingredients are good for skin renewal anyway, so you have the best chance.
Other treatments
What does make stretch marks less visible and has been scientifically proven is lubricating with vitamin A acid (tretinoin cream). This mega-powerful antioxidant stimulates, among other things, the production of collagen and elastin. But unfortunately vitamin A in the concentration that it really works is only available with a doctor’s prescription. In addition, there are also some treatments that can reduce stretch marks. For example with a glycolic acid or a cosmetic TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peeling. Both chemical peels penetrate deep into the skin and help improve skin texture. You need several treatments for this.
Laser and light therapy can also sometimes be effective. This makes your skin more even, which reduces the contrast between the colors of your stretch marks and your skin. But unfortunately it is impossible to say in advance whether the stretch marks will disappear completely and how many treatments you will need. Do you want one now quick fix to hide your stretch marks? Then reach for a self-tanner. With this you can give yourself an even complexion so that stretch marks are less noticeable. Or use a concealer or foundation to hide your streaks. No puff or feel like it? Then there is only one thing to do: to fully embrace your stretch marks. Because let’s face it: the majority of people have them, so why be ashamed of them?
Text: Babette Dessing | Image: Adobe Stock
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