Stretch Marks Before & After Weight Loss: Prevent & Treat
We owe a lot to our skin. It delivers sensations, protection, temperature regulation, production and excretion of vitamin D and plenty more. Our skin is extraordinarily multifaceted. But for as durable and adaptable as our skin is, it is equally as vulnerable to change.
As we evolve and weave in and out of various stages of life – our bodies growing, toning, or becoming smaller – our skin can form marks and scars. Some of the most common marks of a body expanding and shrinking are stretch marks.
Most people attribute stretch marks to weight gain, particularly pregnancy. Stretch marks; however, can form as a result of other circumstances, too, such as weight loss.
To effectively prevent and remedy stretch marks, it’s important to first learn about stretch marks before and after weight loss. The actual prevention and reduction of stretch marks comes in the form of establishing new habits and finding the best stretch mark cream after weight loss.
Ready to significantly reduce the appearance of your stretch marks? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know:
What Causes Stretch Marks During Weight Loss?
It’s surprising, and disheartening, to some individuals, but losing weight can cause stretch marks to form. Here are some reasons why:
Extra skin
Losing weight is an incredible achievement and one worth celebrating. For individuals who lose a significant amount of weight, their body may be left with excess skin. Occasionally, this excess skin can cause stretch marks to form, as the healthy areas of skin responsible for supporting the extra skin become weighed down. The additional weight causes stretching, tearing, and scarring.
Pre-existing stretch marks emerge
Interestingly enough, weight loss stretch marks can be latent marks that become noticeable only when an individual loses weight. Sometimes, as the body gets smaller and the skin shrinks in size, pre-existing stretch marks can move closer together, making it appear as if there are more than there actually are.
This cause is somewhat of a catch-22. The weight loss is great, but since the stretch marks were already embedded in the skin, there is no prevention technique. Rest easy, there is a treatment method we will discuss.
Rapid weight loss
Even if there is no risk of excess skin in a weight loss journey, losing weight too fast can still cause stretch marks to form. Consequently, losing more than two pounds of weight a week can prompt the body to release hormones that interrupt the skin’s collagen production. With a low amount of collagen and elastin, the skin’s support structure is weakened – giving way to the formation of stretch marks.
Muscle gain
Weight loss journeys commonly include weight lifting or strength training of some kind. When muscle mass increases at a rapid rate, the skin begins to stretch and tear to make room for larger muscles. Subsequently, stretch marks form on various parts of the body.
Prevent: How to Avoid Stretch Marks When Losing Weight
If you plan to embark on your own weight loss journey and are worried about stretch marks forming as a result, there are steps you can take to set your skin up for success as it transitions with you.
Plan for a steady pace
Stretch marks or not, it’s always best to lose (or gain) weight gradually. Inevitably, skin loses elasticity during periods of weight loss. Shedding pounds at a fast pace can exert excessive forces on your skin and lead to a loss of collagen/elastin fibers. When this happens, stretch marks become visible through the top layer of skin.
Give your skin the nutrients it needs
If you’re planning to lose weight, you’ve probably already got a new diet in the works. Be sure to add foods high in protein, zinc, and vitamins C and E, as these nutrients are known to boost collagen production. With appropriate levels of collagen, stretch marks can be prevented.
Drink plenty of water
When your body is well-hydrated, your skin is as well. Continuously drinking water throughout the day will help keep your skin hydrated and supple. These conditions make it hard for stretch marks to form.
Keep your skin moisturized
Water hydrates your skin from the inside out, and moisturizers keep your skin hydrated from the outside in. Not all creams and moisturizers are created equal. Be sure to choose a cream that is specially formulated to prevent stretch marks. It should be noted; however, that not all creams, moisturizers, and body oils are created equal. Sometimes, even if a product is dubbed the best stretch mark cream after weight loss, it may not be formulated with the most effective ingredients, and certain chemicals may not be safe for your skin.
Choose a cream or body oil that is non-greasy, retinoid free, paraben free and phthalate free. Then, be sure the product is specially formulated to prevent and/or drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks. How will you know? Look up product reviews and before and after photos from real users.
Like these: Discover results you can see.
Stretch
Before and after you exercise, it’s beneficial to take the time to stretch. Light stretching promotes circulation and skin elasticity, further helping to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
Treat: Getting Rid of Stretch Marks After Weight Loss
Treatments for stretch marks before and after weight loss tend to vary widely. Some are good at hiding stretch marks, some help to fade stretch marks, and others prove effective at significantly reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
If you are looking to bypass stretch mark removal medical procedures – such as microdermabrasion, laser treatment or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which can be expensive and require multiple treatments – you have other options:
- To temporarily hide stretch marks, try makeup products or sunless tanning creams and lotions.
- To fade stretch marks over time, try natural solutions – like essential oils, honey scrub, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, egg whites, and more – or moisturizers, like cocoa butter and shea butter.
- To drastically reduce the appearance of stretch marks, try a comprehensive stretch mark cream or body oil.
Getting rid of stretch marks after weight loss can often be a trial and error process. But it’s important to remember that the most effective and best stretch mark creams and oils for after weight loss don’t just target the surface of the skin, they actually reach deep to target the damaged skin tissue and promote the rejuvenation of new, healthy skin.
Like this common sense approach that works with the natural renewal process of your skin: See the steps to reduce stretch marks.
What is Comprehensive Stretch Mark Therapy for Stretch Marks Before and After Weight Loss?
Comprehensive stretch mark therapy is becoming an increasingly popular method of getting rid of stretch marks after weight loss.
This treatment method tackles stubborn stretch marks before and after weight loss in a different, two-step way.
By combining powerful, safe ingredients, comprehensive stretch mark therapy exfoliates and penetrates the skin’s surface to:
- Significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Support elastin and collagen production
- Hydrate and rejuvenate surrounding skin tissue
ReTone’s comprehensive Stretch Mark Therapy Kit delivers a simple, affordable, and effective method to get rid of stretch marks after weight loss.
The best part? The ReTone Stretch Mark Therapy Kit typically delivers results you can see in as little as 60 days.
