You can find stretch mark creams and lotions wherever skincare or beauty products are sold, including discount stores and pharmacies. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which can improve the size and color of stretch marks so they’re less noticeable. Mature stretch marks that you’ve had for months or even years likely won’t respond at all to these creams or lotions. If you’ve been struggling with your stretch marks for a while, commercial creams and lotions are likely a waste of money.
Even though body makeup is typically waterproof, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in a pool, the makeup will still likely wash off. Avoid traditional tanning, either in the sun or in a tanning bed. It can make stretch marks more obvious and causes additional damage to your skin.
Follow the directions on the bottle to apply the lotion to your skin. Massaging the lotion in might help.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Going for a brisk walk is sufficient, although you should also do some resistance exercises at least 2 or 3 days a week. Generally, eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and other unprocessed foods. If you’re trying to develop a new diet, you might want to talk to a nutritionist about healthy eating choices. There are also apps you can download for your smartphone that will help you make good nutritional choices.
It’s best to use these products before stretch marks appear. They generally don’t do anything for existing stretch marks. For example, if you’re pregnant, you might use these products on your abdomen and breasts, where stretch marks are most likely to appear. Products with hyaluronic acid can be found anywhere skin and beauty products are sold, including discount stores and pharmacies, as well as online. Since centella asiatica is also used to reduce scarification and treat wounds, you might also find it in the wound care section of your local pharmacy.
The preventative value of this treatment may have more to do with the massage itself than with the almond oil specifically. If you’re allergic to almonds or don’t like the smell of them, you can try other oils.
Different people have different hydration needs, depending on your height and weight and how active you are throughout the day. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll need to drink more water. You can tell you’re properly hydrated if your urine is light yellow or colorless. Reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating. When you do drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to drink more water to stay well-hydrated.
You might also need medical treatment if your stretch marks are inflamed or cause discomfort. [11] X Research source
Retinoids, in particular, can be harmful to babies. However, these treatments are generally only available by prescription. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor likely won’t prescribe them. Also ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments. Some herbs, including centella asiatica, are also potentially harmful to your baby.
Fat on your chest and tummy, but relatively thin arms and legs Fat around the back of your neck and your shoulders A rounded face that’s frequently red and puffy
Typically, your doctor will write a prescription for the cream and you apply it to your stretch marks daily at home for about 16 weeks. Read the application instructions carefully. Retinoid creams can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Limit sun exposure or cover the area during the treatment period.
Chemical peel: removes top layer of damaged skin; encourages skin regeneration Laser therapy: smooths stretch mark skin; typically requires several treatments Microdermabrasion: exfoliates the outer layer of the skin Radiofrequency: high-frequency electrical energy shrinks stretch marks[16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ultrasound: micro focused ultrasound vibrates skin cells to improve circulation[17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Other procedures, including laser surgery, can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Your plastic surgeon may recommend several procedures at once, particularly if you were previously pregnant. These packages are typically referred to as a “mommy makeover. "
