Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink. Today, we will learn how to get rid of stretch marks
fast and naturally. Now, let’s begin.
Have you ever noticed that your skin doesn’t look as smooth or healthy as it used to? Perhaps you’ve
seen long, colored marks around your stomach or legs? Stretch marks, or striae, are long, indented
scars typically found around your abdomen, chest, and hips, as well as other sensitive
places on your body. Stretch marks are rarely painful or irritating, and they’re not a sign
of anything wrong with your health. They affect people of all genders, ages, and body weights,
though they only appear under certain conditions. Stretch marks most commonly appear in people whose
bodies have recently changed shape due to pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation,
or a rapid growth spurt. For example, stretch marks typically occur in people who recently
gained or lost a lot of weight. Any abrupt change in your body shape forces your skin to stretch,
thereby rupturing the collagen and elastin in your skin. This creates bands of scarring that often
appears red or purple with an unusual texture. Over time, stretch marks do heal and eventually
begin to fade, though they may never disappear completely. Their colors become less prominent,
and the texture gradually blends into the surrounding skin, but often some scarring remains.
Long-standing stretch marks can also create a slight depression in your skin, which you can feel
by running your finger across the affected area. When your stretch marks become old and faded,
it can be challenging to get rid of them. Like any scar, there is a good chance some remnant of your
stretch marks will remain, no matter what kind of treatment you use. But don’t be discouraged.
While some scars are impossible to eradicate without surgery or more intensive procedures,
there are fast and natural ways to make your stretch marks nearly invisible,
even if you’ve had them for a few years. When it comes to stretch marks, the biggest issue
is how they look. Getting stretch marks anywhere on your body is completely natural and physically
harmless, but it does distort the appearance of your skin. Though there is nothing physically
wrong with having stretch marks, they may become a source of insecurity in your life. For example,
your stretch marks may discourage you from wearing the kinds of clothes you like simply because you
are not comfortable in your own skin. If you want to get rid of these marks,
what fast and natural techniques should you use to potentially restore your skin to its natural,
healthy appearance? For decades, dermatologists have been searching for a cure-all treatment for
stretch marks, some remedy that can safely and effectively eradicate these pesky scars from the
most sensitive areas on your body. While dozens of studies have yielded inconclusive results,
several practical strategies have emerged as quick and natural solutions to this widespread
problem. With these natural remedies, you may not completely get rid of your scars, especially
very old ones, but you can make them nearly indistinguishable from the rest of your body.
If you’re one of the many people who feel insecure about your stretch marks but do not
want to undergo surgery, these remedies may be precisely what you’re looking for. Using
items you can buy at almost any store, these easy solutions allow you to get rid of your
scars without breaking the bank or exposing yourself to an unnatural procedure, which can
have nasty side effects if done incorrectly. The unfortunate truth is that some popular
solutions do not work and sometimes leave your skin even worse for wear. For example,
many people treat their scars by rubbing cocoa butter or olive oil into their skin; however,
studies have shown no conclusive evidence that either of these at-home remedies has any effect
on the appearance of your stretch marks. The same can be said for many cosmetic creams,
which claim to make stretch marks disappear but don’t actually restore the health of your skin.
Instead, scientific studies suggest natural remedies designed not to make your skin look
better but to improve its overall health. One of those remedies is made with an ingredient you
probably have at home, sitting in the back of your pantry. While some people buy expensive products
with unproven ingredients, you can get the same or better effects with a little bit of sugar.
Sugar is a natural exfoliator that scrubs away dead skin cells around your stretch marks and
gradually smooths over depressions in your skin. Tiny sugar crystals make your skin look
smoother and healthier without exposing you to anything your body does not like or need.
And the best part is that you don’t have to invest much money to try this natural remedy.
Scrubbing your scars with sugar, also known as a sugar scrub, is based on a scientifically-proven
procedure called microdermabrasion. Dermatologists use this procedure to revive the natural skin tone
and texture of people with various skin concerns. Someone with extensive wrinkles, brown spots,
or sun damage may benefit from this minimally invasive procedure. It gets rid of cosmetic
blemishes by sanding away the outer layer of skin cells, allowing for a new layer of healthy
cells to grow in their place. While hundreds of microdermabrasion treatments have been performed,
providing immediate results for many people, this treatment is not for everyone. First of all,
it can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars at a minimum. Microdermabrasion can
also have adverse side effects, like making your skin more susceptible to sun damage for
several weeks after treatment. Similar to microdermabrasion,
sugar scrubbing cleans away your dead skin cells. The difference is… you don’t need to
undergo a formal medical procedure. Not only are there no adverse side effects of sugar scrubbing,
but it’s something you can do at home, on your time, and still see results.
Preparing a sugar scrub is almost as easy as scooping out a spoonful of sugar. In a clean bowl,
combine half a cup of sugar with half a cup of coconut oil. Slowly mix the oil into the sugar
until it looks like a bowl of wet sand. When your sugar scrub is ready, gently apply the mixture to
any scars or stretch marks that you’re hoping to make disappear. Let the mixture rest for a short
duration, then rinse it away with warm water. Some people notice an immediate difference after the
first scrub, while others see more gradual changes over days or weeks of consistent application.
To avoid damaging the area, limit yourself to three scrubs per week. You may need to make a
couple of batches of your sugar mixture, as it tends to lose its freshness over time. If
you’re consistent and thorough, you, like many others, may be able to significantly
reduce your stretch marks fast and naturally. Of course, sugar scrubbing isn’t the only
remedy for people struggling with scars, lines, and blemishes. While none of these
at-home solutions, including sugar scrubs, are considered medical treatments for stretch marks,
people have seen results using various store-bought and alternative remedies.
One popular store-bought solution uses a skincare product called retinoid cream, which is designed
to make your skin look smoother and healthier. Retinoids are chemical compounds related to
vitamin A, typically found in medicinal products that regulate the growth of epithelial cells,
which make up your skin and blood vessels. Unless you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant,
studies have found no significant side effects of using a retinoid cream. On the other hand,
very few studies validate retinoid cream as a cure-all treatment for dermatological
scarring. Hundreds of individual testimonials rave about its transformative effects. Still,
more research must be done before retinoid products are considered
medicinal treatments for stretch marks or other skin concerns.
Another solution is hyaluronic acid, a natural lubricant similar to the fluid your body makes
to moisturize your eyes and joints. Moisturizers and lotions with hyaluronic acid are designed to
smooth over visible scarring by hydrating and lubricating the skin around your stretch marks;
however, overusing these products can affect the elasticity of your skin.
A protein called collagen is responsible for strengthening, hydrating, and elasticizing your
skin. Hyaluronic acid may cause your collagen to stop doing its job, leading to less elasticity
and strength over time. Nevertheless, several studies have demonstrated the positive cosmetic
impacts of lotions containing hyaluronic acid. For instance, participants in a 2014 study used
hyaluronic acid to decrease wrinkles and increase skin firmness in as little as 2 to 8 weeks.
There are costs and benefits to each of these quick and natural remedies,
and there are no guarantees that any of them will completely transform your skin. As you experiment
with different solutions, it is important to be mindful of the potential effects each treatment
may have. If you want to use targeted creams and lotions, like retinoid creams, consider consulting
with a medical professional, especially if you are pregnant or struggling with rapid weight gain.
If you are one of the many people with stretch marks that make them feel unhealthy or insecure,
there are options available without seeking expensive medical procedures. Using products found
in your home, like sugar and coconut oil, you can see real changes in the health of your skin.
Do your research and see if any of these remedies seem right for you. They may sound simple and
cheap. You may wonder how something so basic can scrub away scars you’ve struggled with for
years. But give it a little time, and one of these quick, natural remedies might give you the smooth,
healthy skin you’ve always wanted. Thank you for watching TopThink and
be sure to subscribe because more incredible content is on the way.