Sothys - 728x90 1

The low-down on stretch marks

stretch-marks2

Your dermis does a lot for your body. This thick middle layer of your skin that feeds the top layer, the epidermis, its energy and nutrition. It makes sweat, houses the nerve endings that lets you feel things, grows hair and makes oil to keep your skin soft and waterproof.

But at a stretch, and we mean a big stretch like a pregnant belly, it can only take so much. Connective fibres start to break. Collagen production is disrupted.

And then your dermis leaves you wearing the scars. Stretch marks. They don’t do any damage and you could get used to them. Men, for the record, don’t notice them as much as women do. But if they make you self-conscious or ruin your beach time, there are treatments that can help. Some only a little, some more than you’d think.

Who gets them?

Almost three in four women after pregnancy – mostly on the belly. No wonder, since the skin has expanded to the max. This causes tiny tears in the supporting layers.

As if puberty isn’t hellish enough, a growth spurt can also leave stretch marks. Thankfully, these usually heal during your twenties.

People who shed a lot of weight and body builders whose muscles balloon in quick time, can also get marks.

As with everything else, genetics play a part. Your mum has them, so you’ll probably get them. Dryer skin is more at risk than darker skins with more melanin.

So can mum have a make-over?

Sure – especially when they’re fresh and all red and purple. You can try natural remedies like wheat germ oil, especially good for itchiness, or prescription ointments like cream with retinoic acid that can help with rebuilding collagen. Moisturise with products containing natural oils. Use a body brush at least three times a week to improve circulation and regeneration.

Special diets and exercise might also do some good. Feed your skin with lots of water, as well as a balanced diet with heaps of greens and food with omega 3 acids. Keep your weight steady and stay away from medication that messes with your hormonal levels. All of these will do good, but don’t expect miracles.

Can you go all Star Wars on stretch marks?

You mean laser treatment. First, how it works. The excimer laser is the best option. It doesn’t cut or burn skin like other beams. Instead, it disrupts the molecular bonds in the skin. The tissue breaks up.

Second, how well it works. New layers of healthy skin form and the stretch mark disappear.

Older marks are tougher to deal with. The best option is microdermabrasion. A hand-held device blows crystals on to the skin to polish the surface. The crystals and top skin layer are sucked up by a vacuum tube and new, more elastic skin will grow.

Third, what it feels like. It will be red and tender and might blister like a burn injury. But it should get better after only a few days. The older the marks, though, the more treatments you’ll need. It could be up to ten. The bottom line: it’s safe, costs less than most cosmetic treatments and most patients are happy with the results.

What about surgical?

A tummy tuck is what it takes to remove the marks permanently. So far there aren’t other effective surgical procedure for the job. The abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin on the abdomen is removed. That gets rid of all marks below the navel. There aren’t ops for other parts of the body yet.

Anything else?

Micro-needling. Tiny needles puncture the skin. Your body sees the tiny holes as injuries and makes collagen to heal it. One bonus is it helps topical treatments to penetrate deeper, so your dermatologist might combine the needling with something like a chemical peel or retinoid.

Pulsed dye lasers are used for rosacea and red birthmarks. They go for red skin, so now they’re also being tried on new stretch marks that are still red. Two to six treatments, maybe some bruising, improvements not only in the colour of the scars, but size and depth, too.

stretch-marks-recommended

Over-the-counter treatments

If you don’t want to go the cosmetic surgery route to get rid of those pesky stretch marks then try these alternatives.

Bio-Oil, R72,99, 60ml: Bio-Oil has been a local favourite for nearly thirty years and from the thousands of testimonials we’ve heard over the years, it doesn’t disappoint and really does reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

GlüKi Organic Tissue oil R130, 50ml: It’s perfect for correcting stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, as it supports collagen and elastin regrowth, allowing the skin to regain its flexibility. Apply daily for best results.

Busby Naturals Oils Liquid Gold Tissue Oil, R74,95, 100ml: The vitamin E enriched formula found in this liquid oil combines a unique blend of naturally derived avocado, grape seed and rose hip oils to nourish and improve the appearance of the skin.

SOiL Rosehip Oil R80, 30ml: Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for skin health. It helps rid your skin off stretch marks, pigmentations and scars.

Palmers Massage Cream for Stretch Marks, R53, 125g: With a special blend of pure cocoa butter, vitamin E, shea butter and bio c-elaste, this rich cream concentrate helps improve elasticity and suppleness of stretching skin.

 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp

13 Responses

  1. I have stretch marks on my knees and I’m hoping to try the Palmer’s cocoa butter formula to help with them.

  2. I have been using Bio Oil since I was a teen and I never had a problem with stretch marks even during my pregnancy I didn’t get them… Fast forward to a few weeks after giving birth I noticed I have those thick dark ones around my waist and they are so stubborn. I recently tried Palmer’s coconut formula and they seem to be getting lighter.

  3. I have had stretch marks since puberty but have learnt to live with them since nothing I tried worked. I am quite interested in the micro needling even though it sounds quite painful.

  4. I have had stretch marks since I was a teen so it’s really frustrating but thanks for the helpful comments and the article I now have options of what has worked for other people, and I will try that.

  5. Bio oil never worked for me, I’ve used it for years.I have tried cell tone and I can see a difference.

  6. I have started to use Justine tissue oil and I can see the results and I’m not even using it for a month yet.

  7. Ja Bio Oil doesn’t really work for me either, ugh I switched to Justine tissue oil which is a lot better but still not WOW.

  8. I have used Bio-Oil over the years to get rid of my stretch marks on my tummy. To my dismay this product didn’t even reduce or lighten the appearance of the stretch marks. I suppose a tummy tuck will do the trick.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RELATED POSTS
Clicks Beauty Fair: Step up your makeup game with Smudge and @SaylaDean

Clicks Beauty Fair: Step up your makeup game with Smudge and @SaylaDean

Sayla Dean shows us how to create the "Sugar Plum" look using Smudge beauty products.
Win a Smudge makeup hamper

Win a Smudge makeup hamper

Win all the Smudge makeup used to create Sayla Dean's look.
The new Reebok Sensation Body Mists are here to awaken your senses

The new Reebok Sensation Body Mists are here to awaken your senses

New Reebok Sensation Body Mists offer a moment of wellness with every spritz.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Latest on Instagram