Striae, more popularly known as stretch marks, are scars that develop in the middle layer of skin as a result of fragile skin stretching and tearing. While stretch marks are most often linked with pregnancy and weight increase, they may also be caused by weight loss. This shocks the majority of people since as you lose weight, your skin contracts, not expands.
Apart from pregnancy and adolescence, fast weight gain or loss, and being overweight or obese, all of these factors may result in stretch marks on the belly, breasts, thighs, hips, and upper arms. As a result, many individuals fear having loose skin and stretch marks after weight loss. Stretch marks are also more likely to occur if you have a personal or family history of them, or if you use corticosteroid medicine to treat specific diseases such as severe allergies or skin issues, asthma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
While stretch marks are not dangerous, they may cause some individuals anguish due to the way they look on their skin, impacting their daily lives. Stretch marks may disappear on their own in certain instances after weight loss. However, if your stretch marks do not disappear naturally, there is nothing you can do on your own to fully eliminate them. Stretch marks may be minimized with treatment. However, there are a few possible causes for stretch marks to develop as a consequence of weight loss:
STRETCH MARKS ARE CAUSED BY WEIGHT LOSS
Can Weight Loss Cause Stretch Marks? Yes. Stretch marks are sometimes not produced by losing weight; they are created by gaining weight and only became apparent after you dropped the excess weight. If you already have stretch marks from weight gain, you will be unable to avoid them when reducing weight.
Rapid Weight Loss
Stretch marks may occur as a consequence of any fast changes in the contour of the skin, including the skin shrinking as a result of rapid weight loss. To avoid developing stretch marks as a result of weight loss, aim to lose weight gradually rather than all at once or extremely fast. Dramatic diet changes and intensive exercises may result in fast weight loss and the formation of stretch marks, and these weight loss techniques are also more difficult to maintain. You’ll have greater success modifying your food and exercise habits gradually, and you’ll be less likely to acquire stretch marks.
Skin Excess
If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin as a consequence, the additional skin may create stretch marks by weighing down other regions of skin. Excess skin pushes on good skin, causing it to strain, rip, and scar. If you want to shed a significant amount of weight, regular use of a stretch mark prevention cream may help prevent stretch marks from forming as a result of the extra skin’s weight.
Muscle Growth
If you are strength training to reduce weight, rapid muscular growth may result in the formation of stretch marks. Rapid muscular growth may cause skin to expand to accommodate bigger muscles, which is why strength training and bodybuilding are often associated with stretch marks. To assist prevent the formation of stretch marks, strive to build muscle slowly rather than rapidly, and avoid taking steroids or other substances that promote rapid muscle growth.
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES
If you already have stretch marks, there are many treatment options for diminishing or completely removing stretch mark scars. A doctor may conduct laser therapy, chemical peels, and micro-needling to reduce stretch mark scarring. A stomach tuck may also be done if you have both stretch marks and extra skin, but this is a very invasive surgery that comes with a number of risks.
A cost-effective initial step toward stretch mark elimination is the use of a stretch mark removal cream. Stretch mark cream, which is available over the counter, may help decrease the appearance of stretch marks without requiring a doctor to conduct a costly procedure.
HOW TO AVOID STRETCH MARKS AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Before asking the question “Can Weight Loss Cause Stretch Marks?”; it is obvious that you are worried about getting stretch marks. Here are a few natural ways to avoid or minimize their development while losing weight:
Hydration
Soft skin, it is thought, is less likely to acquire stretch marks – in comparison to dry skin, which raises your risk. Drinking enough of water throughout the day will definitely help keep your skin smooth and hydrated. You may wish to avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, since they may increase your risk of getting stretch marks.
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A nourishing diet
Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is the best things you can do for your skin and overall wellness. The fact is that malnutrition in certain places may increase your risk of developing stretch marks. Consume meals high in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, protein, and zinc to help maintain healthy skin.
Seize the opportunity to increase your vitamin D intake
Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may help reduce your chance of developing stretch marks. However, additional study is required to obtain a definitive conclusion. For instance, one research discovered a connection between low vitamin D levels and the prevalence of stretch marks. While certain meals (including foods fortified with vitamin D) contain vitamin D, the sun is the greatest source of this vital mineral.
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight – whether pregnant or not – is one of the most effective natural methods to avoid stretch marks. This is because stretch marks may form when your skin stretches or pulls apart rapidly as a result of fast weight gain. According to the Nemours Foundation, when your skin is stretched or pushed to expand quickly, it disrupts collagen synthesis, resulting in stretch marks. As a result, keeping a stable and healthy weight via a mix of proper diet and exercise may be your best chance for avoiding stretch marks.
Additionally, schedule an appointment with your physician or dermatologist to explore your treatment choices if you continue to have those unpleasant markings despite your best efforts. Your doctor may recommend the best treatment choices for you, which may include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser surgery.
This article “Can Weight Loss Cause Stretch Marks” is obviously an eye opener to the basic causes of stretch marks!