The days where we shunned imperfections, scars, cellulite, and stretch marks are nearing their last, with more people trading in their self-consciousness and insecurity for self love and self acceptance.
Our bodies are amazing vehicles through which we are able to exist and live, and to be ashamed of what we were blessed with is missing the forest for the trees. After all, there is no such thing as perfection; most of what we see in the media is heavily edited and unrealistic.
So why is this article purporting to have advice on how to shrink stretch marks? Despite what we believe is true (which is that you're beautiful regardless of your imperfections), we think gatekeeping our stretch-mark reducing tips and tricks doesn't help anyone either.
So here are some helpful methods of reducing the appearance of stretch marks you can try from the comfort of your home.
1. Use a Retinol or Tretinoin
Retinoids have been shown to improve the look of scars and stretch marks with consistent use, and Tretinoin is proven to promote collagen production that results in bouncier, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. That's thanks to how effective Tret is at changing your skin from a cellular level, rather than just at surface level.
It's not recommended for use by pregnant women, however. Redness, dryness, itchiness, and irritation might also occur on those with sensitive or reactive skin types.
2. Use a Daily Dry Brush
This age-old technique never fails. Using a dry skin brush daily can help slough away dead skin cells, encourage healthy cell renewal and promote healthy circulation, all helping stretch marked skin recover. If you’re not familiar with this technique, learn how here.
3. Deep Oil Massage
There are effective scar-reducing oils that do help to lighten stretch marks. It's important to really massage the oil in daily, sometimes even multiple times a day, to really see the results. By rubbing in the oil to the affected areas, you're breaking up the scar tissue and allowing those areas to better absorb the nutrients and benefits of the oil.
What Oils Are Best for Stretch Marks?
Feel free to use whatever oil you have at hand, such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. Specialty oils that are specially formulated to reduce scars and dark marks work even better and faster to improve the severity of stretch marks, but they're not absolutely necessary.
Other Ingredients That Help Reduce Scars and Stretch Marks
Look for products that contain:
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Panthenol (Provitamin B5) - proven to help with cellular regeneration and speed up the healing of skin's barrier
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Cica - an antioxidant that helps reduce the appearance of scars and protects from skin from developing melanin, which contributes to the visibility of scars and stretch marks
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Pycnogenol - powerful antioxidant derived from green tea leaves that brightens and evens out skin tone, promotes collagen production, and reduces the appearance of stretch marks
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Aloe Vera - this ancient plant is known to soften skin and help with healing the skin
DERMA E recommends
Our Vitamin E Skin Oil 14,000 I.U. works great in tandem with our award-winning and clinically proven Scar Gel when massaged into the skin after exfoliation.
After exfoliating, it is important to moisturize the dry skin. Try a lotion that contains Vitamin E and Shea butter for the ultimate moisture.
4. Apply Gels, Oils, and Lotions onto Damp Skin
When you use your bath and body products also helps determine the efficacy and ease of application (which impacts the probability of whether or not you'll be consistent with applying your stretch mark products). For optimal results, apply your body gels, lotions, and oils onto clean, damp skin right out of the shower so that your skin better absorbs the products and goes on smoother. Then massage in for at least a minute and up to three minutes on each area.
5. Derma-Rolling Stretch Marks
If you have a derma roller at home, you can use it to go over the affected area in order to break up the scar tissue and promote healing of the skin. Use this before applying products, and make sure you follow instructions on disinfecting the tool beforehand and how to use it for your body.
Once you've incorporated these invaluable tips and tricks into your daily self-care regimen, you'll be sure to see some improvements in as little as two weeks.
