How To Deal With Stretch Marks After Weight Loss

Get rid of unsightly stretch marks and learn how to avoid new ones!

How To Deal With Stretch Marks After Weight Loss
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Link between weight loss and stretch marks
Rapid fluctuations in weight can cause stretch marks, clinically referred to as striae, for both men and women. Although not everyone gets stretch marks after weight loss, genetics can play a role, as can skin type, as some people have more elastic skin than others. Stretch marks typically occur on the thighs and stomach, but they may sometimes also appear on the arms, buttocks and breasts.

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Causes of stretch marks after weight loss
Stretch marks occur when you gain a considerable amount of weight, whether due to pregnancy, puberty or consuming high calories food in large amount. Stretch marks after losing weight are rare, but do occur in some individuals. When weight is lost, the remaining loose skin sometimes weigh itself down and rips, causing stretch marks. Genetics can also cause post-weight-loss stretch marks. In one study, researchers examined the possible effects of genes associated with obesity as well as the development of stretch marks with respect to weight changes, either by weight gain or weight loss.

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How to deal with stretch marks after weight loss
Visit a dermatologist if you have stretch marks after losing weight. He can give you some of the best suggestions to deal with your problem. There are also numerous natural home remedies that you can try to get rid of your stretches. Some ingredients have been proven beneficial for reducing stretch marks, such as cocoa butter. It is the most concentrated natural fat, high in Vitamin E and soothing moisturizers. When applied daily, it can deeply condition your skin and promote the growth of elastin fibers and collagen by fibroblasts of your skin. These two things are crucial for supporting your skin! Cocoa butter helps to lighten darker scars over time.

Treatments to remove weight loss stretch marks
Don't waste your time if you have stretch marks. They should be treated sooner rather than later to get rid of them fast! There are many options available in the market such as topical creams, scrubs, laser therapy and beauty treatments.

Over-the-counter topical moisturizing creams and lotions are often better choices than wasting your money on expensive ones. They are easy to use and contain special ingredients that allow the cream to penetrate into the dermis deeply and increase the production of collagen.

Ways to prevent stretch marks after weight loss
There are no health risks associated with having stretch marks, but there are still ways to prevent them from developing as you lose weight.

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  • Lose weight slowly. The skin loses its elasticity as it shrinks, especially when you lose weight rapidly. Losing weight slowly can help to retain collagen fibers in the dermis and thus prevents the formation of stretch marks.
  • Eat a nutritious diet. Foods enriched with vitamins, zinc and protein stimulate the production of collagen, which can help to prevent stretch marks. Individuals above 40 are less likely to develop stretch marks because in midlife skin begins to lose its elasticity and becomes thin as collagen within the skin layers breaks down.
  • Keep your skin well hydrated. Drink adequate amount of water to keep your skin supple and soft and to avoid the formation of stretch marks. Dry skin loses its elasticity.
  • Exercise. Perform light stretching exercises daily to improve skin elasticity and circulation. Exercise also tones and tightens your muscles. Besides stretching, resistance and strength training exercises helps to form lean muscle mass as you lose fat from the body.

Live a well-balanced life to keep stretch marks at bay. It is important to take a proper diet high in vitamins and other essential nutrients. Hydration and exercise are also equally important. If you are overweight, try to lose weight slowly with the help of correct techniques. Don't be in a hurry!