Stretch marks after weight loss – how to reduce the appearance

So, you’ve just lost a ton of weight and now your looking to flaunt your new beach body? Losing weight may boost your confidence, but shedding extra pounds also has its drawbacks – like stretch marks after weight loss. 

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How stretch marks occur

Typically stretch marks occur after weight loss or weight gain. The marks develop when proteins in your body called collagen and elastin are damaged, leaving a visible scar. 

Often people associate stretch marks with losing weight, but in fact, majority of stretch marks are formed when you gain the weight. It’s when you lose the weight, they become more visible. 

Here are some of the reasons for stretch marks

• Muscle gain
• Rapid weight loss
• Excess skin

What do stretch marks from weight loss look like

When stretch marks are new they usually appear as a red/pink to purple-blueish streaks. The skin tends to be raised and appear quite thin. As time goes on, stretch marks can become pale or white/silver in colour, and the skin will feel slightly indented.

Stretch marks after weight loss most often appear on the thighs, bum, hips, chest, under arms, and the lower stomach. 

How to prevent stretch marks when gaining weight?

You can reduce the risk of stretch marks by the following:

• Control your weight via a healthy, balanced diet.
• High protein diet. 
• Regular exercise to control weight.  
• Use moisturiser regularly. 
• Use products that contain biotin, vitamin E and D.
• Stay hydrated to keep skin soft 
• Collagen supplements to improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. 
• Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the development of collagen. 
• Zinc helps reduce inflammation and plays a role in the wound healing process. 
• Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and cocoa butter will all keep your skin subtle and reduce the risk of stretch marks. 

Should you already have stretch marks, you may want to consider seeking support from your dermatologist or alternative options such as laser treatment, chemical peels, micro needling and tummy tucks. However, if you prefer a natural home remedy approach, see below for some ideas. 

How to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after weight loss- natural remedies 

• Treat fresh stretch marks quickly by seeking support from your doctor or dermatologist. The quicker you act, the more chance you’ve got to reduce the appearance. 
• Use self tanner to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks, the undertone will blend your skin. However, be sure to pick a high quality fake tan to avoid streaks, and ensure that you know how to get self tanner off your hands before applying – for a perfect, stretch mark free glow!
• Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ingredient for moisturising and healing the skin. It’s often used in creams and serums.
• Aloe vera is another key ingredient to soothe and moisturise the skin. For the best results, try using a aloe vera plant, alternatively chose a high quality aloe Vera gel, you’ll be surprised how many products claim to be ‘aloe Vera’ but the small print will say ‘20% aloe’. Typically any product containing 90% and above will give you good results. Shop here for the best aloe Vera. 
• Essential oils, if applied topically, must be diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil or sheer butter. You can use essential oils such as argon oil, Rose hip or bitter almond oil.