After losing or gaining weight quickly, especially during pregnancy, our skin undergoes several changes and this is when scratch marks appear. Improving skin elasticity and reducing stretch marks involves a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and sometimes medical treatments. Let’s discover together the different steps that can help us improve our skin.
- Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and can improve its elasticity.
- Have a balanced diet: eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help promote skin health. Any food high in vitamins C and E, zinc, and protein is particularly beneficial.
- Exercise regularly: this is important because regular exercise improves circulation and can help your skin maintain its elasticity.
- Moisturize: use moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter, or argan oil to keep your skin hydrated. The use of any belly balm for pregnancy is always a good option, even if you are not pregnant.
- Exfoliate: regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. This is also good for helping moisturizers penetrate the skin better. Just remember that it is not advisable to do exfoliation daily.
- Avoid rapid weight gain or loss: rapid weight changes can contribute to stretch marks. Gradual weight loss or gain is better for your skin although it is not always possible.
- Use sunscreen: protecting your skin from harmful UV rays helps prevent damage and maintain elasticity.
Although there are some other methods like laser therapy or microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels, with natural ingredients and consistency, you will get great results.
Key ingredients to reduce stretch marks
Among the ingredients that are always recommended to moisturize our skin to help gain elasticity and reduce stretch marks, sunflower and argan oil stand out. Sunflower oil and argan oil are both popular natural oils that are often used in skincare products due to their potential benefits for the skin. Here there is a complete list of sunflower oil and argan oil benefits for the skin to reduce stretch marks:
They have moisturizing properties. Both sunflower oil and argan oil are rich in fatty acids, like linoleic acid and oleic acid, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Remember that keeping the skin well-moisturized is key since this can improve its elasticity and may reduce the severity of stretch marks.
These oils are rich in Vitamin E. Both sunflower oil and argan oil are high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E may also promote collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and texture, and, as a consequence, potentially reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Another important characteristic is that they have anti-inflammatory properties. Both oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Reducing inflammation may contribute to the healing process of stretch marks and help them appear less prominent. This is particularly helpful during and after pregnancies.
They also improve skin barrier function. Sunflower oil and argan oil can strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, which helps to lock in moisture and protect against external irritants. A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining overall skin health and may contribute to reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Some research suggests that there are some components in sunflower oil and argan oil, such as linoleic acid and tocopherols, that may promote skin regeneration and wound healing. While stretch marks are not wounds, promoting skin regeneration could potentially help improve their appearance over time.
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When and how to use these products and ingredients
To use sunflower oil or argan oil for stretch marks, apply a small amount of the oil directly to the affected areas and massage it into the skin gently. You can always opt for products that contain these oils among other ingredients to guarantee a more complete treatment. There are plenty of products that contain key ingredients to treat stretch marks appearing after changes in weight or pregnancy.
If you want to make sure that you will get the best results, incorporate these products into your daily skincare routine and be consistent with your application. Always keep in mind that individual results may vary, and it may take time to see noticeable improvements. Last but not least, do not hesitate to ask a dermatologist before starting any new skincare regimen if you have any concerns or experience skin irritation.
