Stretch Marks & Weight Loss: How Are The Two Related? Those distinctive purple or red stretch marks on your skin have been a common concern among many, particularly those who have experienced substantial weight loss. These thin, elongated scars that emerge on the skin can be a reason for self-consciousness and can have an impact on your self-esteem. Find out whether stretch marks and weight loss are related and whether stretch marks due to weight loss will go away.

Understanding Stretch Marks & Weight Loss:

Before we dive into the relationship between stretch marks and weight loss, let’s understand what stretch marks are. Stretch marks or striae are red, purple, pink, blue or brown streaks on the skin. Stretch marks are formed when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity, causing a tear in the dermal layer. This tear causes the breakage in elastin and collagen fibers, thus resulting in the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. Red or pink stretch marks are the new ones in their initial stage. White or silver-colored stretch marks are the older ones and are more stubborn.

Weight loss refers to reducing the total body mass using fluid loss and loss in body fat. Consuming a balanced diet and checking your carbohydrate and protein intake can help considerably lose weight. Rapid weight loss can result in the appearance of stretch marks. 

Stretch Marks & Weight Loss: How Are The Two Related? 

Now that you have a basic understanding of stretch marks and weight loss, let’s delve into how stretch marks and weight loss are related. Stretch marks are not exclusive to weight loss or weight gain. Stretch marks can occur in various situations where the skin is subjected to stretching, such as pregnancy, growth spurt in puberty, rapid increase in muscle mass due to bodybuilding, and medical conditions such as Cushing’s or Marfan Syndrome. 

Weight loss undeniably plays a crucial role in the appearance or worsening of stretch marks. Let’s understand why!

1. Impact On Skin’s Elasticity 
   Rapid weight loss can have a significant impact on the elasticity of the skin. The skin becomes loose as it has insufficient time to adjust to the body contours. Stretch marks due to weight loss usually appear on the area of fat accumulation in the body, such as thighs, abdomen, back, hips, breasts and buttocks. 
2. Decreased Body Fat 
   When you lose weight, there is a decrease in the body fat or adipose tissue, the fat layer beneath the skin. This fat loss can make your skin loose, resulting in prominent stretch marks. 
3. Decrease In Muscle Mass 
   Rapid weight loss can decrease muscle mass and body composition, resulting in loose skin, thus contributing to the appearance of stretch marks. 

Above mentioned are the possible causes of stretch marks after weight loss. During weight gain, your skin undergoes excessive stretching, but stretch marks are not noticeable at this stage. But after losing a considerable amount of weight, stretch marks after weight loss become more prominent.

How To Fade Stretch Marks Caused By Weight Loss

While it is impossible to eliminate stretch marks caused by weight loss completely, there are ways to fade or reduce their appearance. There may be a difference in the appearance of stretch marks before and after weight loss. Let’s look at some ways to fade stretch marks caused by weight loss.

1. Application Of Special Topical Creams/Moisturizers formulation for best result

Not all OTC stretch mark creams are effective. For effective stretch mark reduction, check the ingredient list and look for skin-friendly ingredients in your product. Striover is the latest skincare ingredient that has taken the skincare industry by storm. Striover is a skincare active that combines the goodness of 2 plants: Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula. Both plants are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost the vital energy flow. Striover is the primary ingredient in ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert.  It effectively reduces the appearance of new and old stretch marks in 28 days. The groundbreaking Striover, the highlight of this product, stimulates collagen production and reactivates collagen and elastin fibers, restructuring the skin and fading stretch marks after weight loss. Regularly applying Stretch Mark Expert serum cream twice a day helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

2. Stay Hydrated 

Keep your body hydrated, as itchy stretch marks are common due to excessively dry skin. Increase your fluid intake as it helps to replenish and hydrate your skin, thus improving the appearance of your skin.

3. Moisturize Regularly 

Include skin-hydrating ingredients such as squalene (another key ingredient of ThriveCo Stretch Mark Expert), hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide which moisturize your skin, improve its barrier function, and boost the elasticity of the skin. 

4. Maintain Steady Weight

Rapid weight fluctuation can cause skin trauma, putting additional stress on the skin and potentially worsening the appearance of stretch marks. Focus on slow and steady weight loss. 

5.Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

Sun damage can make your stretch marks more noticeable. In the daytime, protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun rays by applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, avoid going out in the direct sun between 12 noon and 4 pm, and carry an umbrella.

The remedies for treating stretch marks before and after weight loss remain the same. Treating your stretch marks while they are in their initial stage can yield fruitful results. Older stretch marks are more stubborn and very difficult to get rid of. Stretch marks are a testament to your body’s resilience and the changes it goes through. While there are ways to minimize their appearance, you should learn to embrace your stretch marks. Weight loss plays a crucial role in the appearance of stretch marks, but that’s not the only cause. It would be best to understand the factors that influence your stretch mark and take adequate measures to treat it effectively. This helps you be more confident and comfortable in your skin.

 
Frequently Answered Questions 

Healthwealthbridge  Disclaimer health information provided on this blog is for general awareness and doesn’t in any way replace a doctor’s professional medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor in case of any decision regarding your health, and diet.

Disclosure: This is a post written in association with a brand, but that in no way will affect the quality of information shared on the blog post.

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