Stretch marks are like souvenirs that your body picks up on its fitness journey. When you gain weight, your skin stretches in order to contain the excess fat and body mass. This can lead to streaks on the skin called stretch marks. But did you know that you can also get stretch marks after weight loss? This is because when you lose weight, your skin may not always shrink back as quickly as you lose weight, leaving stretch marks on your skin.
While both situations can cause stretch marks, the difference is that weight gain stretch marks may be more noticeable and deeper.
Stretch marks are also known as striae and can show themselves anywhere on one's body, but are most common in areas where body fat is stored, such as the belly, waist, thighs, hips and chest.
You may be concerned about the appearance of your stretch marks and whether they will disappear or not. So, here's everything in this blog that you need to know about your stretch marks after weight loss.
Table Of Contents
- Is It Normal To Get Stretch Marks After Losing Weight?
- How To Naturally Remove Stretch Marks After Weight Loss?
- Is it possible to remove stretch marks?
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Is It Normal To Get Stretch Marks After Losing Weight?
You'd be surprised to know that stretch marks are incredibly common and affect up to 90% of people! While they are more common in females, males can also develop stretch marks.
Stretch marks after weight loss may not be as common as weight gain stretch marks, but they are still possible. Stretch marks after weight loss are usually "striae distenseae," which are specific type of stretch marks that are caused by stretching of the skin. These stretch marks appear as linear streaks that can be red, purple, pink or blue when new.
If you lose weight slowly and gradually, your skin can adjust to it by tightening simultaneously, but when it happens too quickly or your weight changes too much, your skin may not be able to keep up with your new body composition, causing the excess skin to hang and create tears in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. When a tear occurs in your dermis, an inflammatory response is triggered that increases blood flow to the area and creates the red, brown, or purple coloured new stretch marks. Over time, these tears and scars in the dermis heal, which leaves pale, visible lines.
Although anyone can develop stretch marks from weight loss, other factors such as genetics, hormones, and underlying health conditions increase the chance. Overall, significant rapid weight gain or rapid growth changes in the body are the reason most people develop stretch marks. Pregnancy, puberty, and obesity are factors that commonly cause stretch marks.
How To Naturally Remove Stretch Marks After Weight Loss?
In order to remove stretch marks permanently, one should follow these steps:
| Method 1: Massage |
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| Method 2: Exercise |
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| Method 3: Diet |
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| Method 4: Using creams and oils |
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| Method 5: Using aloe vera |
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| Method 6: Exfoliation |
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| Method 7: Laser skin resurfacing |
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| Method 8: Regular skin care |
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| Method 9: Drink water regularly |
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| Method 10: Vitamin A and E and Gelatin |
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| Method 11: Dermabrasion |
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| Method 12: Microneedling |
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Also Read: Implement 7 Health And Fitness Tips For Weight Loss Results!
Is It Possible To Remove Stretch Marks?
Yes, you can totally fade those stretch marks! They're harmless and usually lighten up on their own over time, but treatments can help speed up the process. The earlier you tackle them, the better the results—so catching them when they're fresh is key. Older, deeper ones are a bit trickier to treat but don’t worry, treatment still helps improve their look and texture.
Besides, stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of! Your body went through weight loss, and these marks are a testament to that journey.
Also Read: 8 Signs Of Weight Loss: How To Know If You’re Losing Healthy Weight
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Stretch marks can become appear on your skin when you lose weight. In fact, they are quite common. Although they may look concerning, fortunately, they do not indicate any serious health problems.
You can opt for various treatments that are available to prevent stretch marks or reduce the appearance of any existing stretch marks you have. A healthy diet, sufficient hydration, and creams and oils can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks when done regularly.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Stretch marks are associated with both weight gain and weight loss. During rapid or dramatic weight loss, the pressure of excess skin causes the dermis to tear, leaving stretch marks. If you lose weight slowly, you can avoid getting stretch marks. However, other factors like genetics and hormones also increase the likelihood of skin tears. While stretch marks don't usually go away on their own, topical therapies and dermatological procedures can improve their appearance.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?
In general, stretch marks take 6-12 months to fade. They often fade faster with treatment.
2. Do stretch marks go away after losing weight?
Stretch marks typically do not completely disappear after weight loss; instead, they may fade and become less noticeable over time. However, they can become more visible as the skin tightens after losing weight, especially if the weight loss is rapid.
3. How do you naturally remove stretch marks after weight loss?
To remove stretch marks naturally after weight loss, keep your skin hydrated with moisturisers containing ingredients like cocoa butter or shea butter, and consider using oils such as almond or coconut oil. Regular exfoliation and a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can also promote skin healing and improve elasticity.
4. How to remove stretch marks permanently?
While there is no guaranteed permanent solution for removing stretch marks, treatments like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can significantly reduce their appearance. Additionally, maintaining a stable weight and keeping the skin well-moisturized can help minimise the visibility of stretch marks over time.
References
- https://www.sog.com.sg/blog/stretch-marks-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=Stretch%20marks%20can%20become%20visible,indicate%20any%20serious%20medical%20problems.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss/can-you-get-stretch-marks-from-losing-weight#summary
- https://www.cutislaserclinics.com/blog/will-my-stretch-marks-disappear-if-i-lose-weight/
- https://www.mederma.com/article/10-home-remedies-to-naturally-reduce-stretch-marks/
- https://coolaser.clinic/en/news/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks-at-home-10-ways/
- https://www.kamaayurveda.in/blog/how-to-remove-stretch-marks?srsltid=AfmBOorL6QKxilGEYSQV2EFDYZJNz639KZnJMt2AY_I6AVoSRvr7zU90
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