5 Easy Ways to Minimize Stretch Marks
Love them or hate them, stretch marks are inevitable. Our bodies are always evolving, and these pesky marks are simply an indicator of that. They don't discriminate on age or body type, sometimes they appear with no rhyme or reason whatsoever. Technically, a stretch mark is a scar that develops when our skin stretches out or shrinks quickly. This change, no matter how big or small, can cause the collagen and elastin in our skin to rupture which consequently produces a noticeable mark.
For some people, stretch marks are as irritating as pimples, and for others, they represent the natural beauty of the human body. If your opinion is that of the former, then you're in luck because L'OFFICIEL has a few tips and tricks that might remedy any stretch marks you might want to eliminate. Spoiler alert: collagen is key.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a specific form of lymphatic drainage It's an Ayurvedic practice that requires a paddle brush with thick bristles. Before you shower, simply brush the entirety of your body using upward motions. The intention is to always brush towards your heart so that you simulate sufficient drainage. In terms of stretch marks, dry brushing can actually help soften the fat deposits that live under your skin and force them to distribute more evenly. More importantly, if you maintain a daily dry brushing routine your skin will produce excess collagen, and the appearance of your stretch marks will be dramatically reduced.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion treatments are an easy way to remove stretch marks with the help of a licensed dermatologist or esthetician. This non-invasive procedure essentially removes any lingering dead skin through extreme exfoliation and simulated the production of new, blemish-free skin. This treatment is especially effective with stretch marks because it kickstarts the creation of collagen and elastin.
Apply a Retinol
As a vitamin A derivative, retinol is known for its ability to stimulate cell turnover. When you consistently apply a retinol-based product to your stretch marks, the skin will experience an influx of collagen production and epidermal renewal. Retinols simultaneously exfoliate and hydrate the skin, causing your stretch marks to become minimized or disappear altogether.
Hydration
Easy enough, right? Using a moisturizer on your skin is as simple as it gets when it comes to stretch mark removal and prevention. Anything from coconut oil to shea butter will suffice in leaving your skin nourished and protected from stretch mark-inducing trauma. Most oils and natural moisturizers are rich in lauric acid, which facilitates collagen production. There's no need to splurge on a specialty product when drugstore alternatives will work just as well.
Massage
While it may seem silly, it's never a bad idea to give your stretch marks a good rub massage increases circulation, and encourages better waste removal, as well as new tissue growth, which can heal the ruptures in the skin that cause stretch marks to form. By kneading the skin, you might see a decrease in their visibility over time.
