How To Prevent Stretch Marks

Before looking into prevention methods and scar treatments, it’s important to know what stretch marks are and how they are caused. Within the large and diverse family of dermatological conditions, stretch marks (medically referred to as “striae”) are one of the most common scar types, especially in women. They’re a result of skin stretching to the point that the dermis and collagen fibers are weakened or torn.

Stretch marks are dermatological conditions often associated with pregnancy, but they can actually be caused by many different factors including weight gain, physical growth, and puberty. They’re typically found on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs in the form of pink, red, or purple streaks.

    The most obvious way to prevent stretch marks is to avoid gaining weight or stretching the skin more than usual. But admittedly, sometimes those prevention methods are inevitable and difficult to avoid. Another thing to be cautious of is overuse of corticosteroid medications that can be found in creams, gels, or ointments. The hormone found within these medications, Cortisone, weakens the elastic fibers in skin and can be a risk factor for stretch marks if it’s overused. Another way to avoid stretch marks is to keep hydrated inside and out. It’s been said that seaweed wraps, home remedies, and creams and oils like cocoa butter and olive or coconut oil can help prevent stretch marks, but there isn’t much evidence that supports these methods as strong preventative measures--especially for old and well-developed scars/marks.

    Although there isn’t a definitive way to prevent stretch marks, there are plenty of scar treatments and scar products that are recommended for those who wish to get rid of existing stretch marks. Many scar treatments can be found in home remedies, but there are also medical procedures and scar products that help improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks as well such as laser therapies, microdermabrasion, and retinoid cream.

    It’s important to remember that the results of scar treatments and scar products can vary. It depends on the specific dermatological condition and certain factors like how long you’ve had the stretch marks, your skin type, and convenience (since some therapies require routine doctor visits). Be sure to talk to your doctor about which method is best for you before taking action.

Then read more about scar healing techniques and get your dermatological questions answered by checking out our Scar & Dermatology Resources for Patients.

Written By: Jordan Rawlinson

Home Remedies for Scar Reduction

Dealing with acne scars and surgical scars is no fun. Going to the doctor’s office to get treatment for scars is even less fun! In the midst of our busy schedules, scar treatment may not be a top priority on our to-do list, despite how annoying it may be to see them everyday. Not to mention, getting prescription creams and medicine for scars can end up being very expensive.

Luckily, there are still other solutions for scar reduction and treatment; home remedies. They’re the perfect fix for acne scars because they’re easily accessible, easy to apply, inexpensive, and effective. Here are ten of the most popular home remedies for acne scars and healthier skin:

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1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best natural gifts on earth. It can be used in a multitude of ways for health, cooking, and skin—including scar fading. By applying coconut oil directly to an acne scar or surgical scar daily, the fatty acids within it will prevent and reverse free radical damage to heal and nourish the skin. It’s a wonderful moisturizer for dry skin too.

2. Lemon Juice

Because lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, it works great to reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it directly to the scar is most effective, but drinking it also leads to many dermatological  benefits! Be sure not to apply to open wounds though, because it’ll sting.

3. Aloe Vera

Commonly used to treat sunburn, aloe vera’s healing powers are used to soothe inflammation while simultaneously regenerating damaged tissue.  Apply the sap from the actual plant, or the gel form, daily and don’t wash it off so it can soak in as deep as possible.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in the form of oils and capsules—either of which work as a go-to scar home remedy. Vitamin E works by stimulating the formation of collagen which is the main tissue in skin. This leads to stronger, smoother skin.

5. Essential Oils (Lavender and Tea Tree Oils)

Both of these oils are used to rejuvenate skin cells and also reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Massage them into the skin for 20-30 minutes then gently rinse the area. If it burns, try diluting it with a base oil or using a smaller amount.

Don’t forget to ask your dermatologist if they know of any acne scars home remedies or other less aggressive over the counter options!

6. Cocoa or Shea Butter

This home remedy is especially popular for reducing stretch marks, but can also be used for other types of scars. It works by soothing, hydrating, and softening the scar tissue so that it can heal better and faster.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps to fade the appearance of scars by reducing the pH of the inflamed or damaged area. It can be directly applied to the skin with a cotton ball or it can be diluted (1 part apple cider vinegar, 2 parts water) and used as a face wash! Make sure to apply moisturizer afterwards to keep the skin from drying out.

8. Honey

Applying fresh and natural honey to an acne or surgical scar to nourish the skin, improve blood circulation and keep dead cells from accumulating. Let the honey dry, then wash or rinse the skin gently with cold water.

9. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide

To make a paste that speeds up the scar healing process and smooths skin, mix 1 part baking soda and 3 parts hydrogen peroxide. Apply directly and then rinse. Moisturize after this as well to prevent drying out your skin.

10. A Balanced Diet

One of the most important home remedies to help improve the overall quality of your skin is to eat healthy. The more fruits and veggies in your system, the more benefits you will see. Another huge tip for better skin and fewer scars: water, water, water! Stay hydrated internally so that your skin can be hydrated externally.

The key to these home scar remedies is to be patient. The more they’re applied, the better the results will be, but they usually take a few weeks to really show their power! Pick a few of these and try them out!

Then check out more about scar healing techniques and get your dermatological questions answered by checking out our Scar & Dermatology Resources for Patients.

Written by: Jordan Rawlinson

3 Reasons Scars Are Like Snowflakes

In a society where perfect, blemishless appearances seem to be everything, surgical scars and severe acne scars can really rain on your confidence parade and affect your social media selfie game. Scars may be imperfect, but believe it or not, they’re a lot like the beautiful snowflakes we admire in the winter. You may be wondering, “How can these two seemingly polar opposites be similar?” How can you find a way to look at your severe acne scars and surgical scars and find beauty in them?

Feel free to listen to the Frozen Soundtrack while reading this post!

Best Frozen Songs - Frozen Soundtrack (Deluxe Edition CD1) | Best Frozen Songs | Frozen Soundtrack | Best Songs Of Frozen | Frozen best songs collection ♫ Tracklist : 1-01. Frozen Heart 1-02. Do You Want To Build A Snowman? 1-03. For The First Time In Forever 1-04.

Here are three reasons how scars are like snowflakes:

1. Each one is unique.

It’s been said that no two snowflakes are identical and the same goes for scars. Each one varies in shape, size, and color. They can be found on people all over the world and can result from a myriad of causes. Even if two people underwent the same procedure and ended up with similar surgical scars, on the microscopic level they’d still be unique (much like snowflakes) because everyone has different skin. So whether it’s a cluster of ice crystals or fibrous tissue, what we’ve heard is true: no two are the same!

2. They’re symbolic.

Snowflakes are well known and easily recognizable representations of the cold and winter. They’re used on ice packs, A/C units, and holiday wrapping paper amongst many other things. Scars can hold similar symbolism. Most of the time, they either represent a previous condition, recovery, or experience. You may be tired of hearing, “How’d you get that scar?”, but it’s because others are eager to learn about the story behind the symbol.

3. Over time, they fade (or melt) away.

Although snowflakes melt much faster than scars heal, it’s still true that eventually they both fade and can possibly disappear. Whether it be through prescription usage or at-home remedies; scar care can be managed with a multitude of treatment options that cause the scar tissue to heal and fade over time.

Perhaps much to your surprise, scars and snowflakes aren’t so different after all! In the midst of trying to maintain perfection (especially in scar and skin care) it’s reassuring to know our imperfections can be likened to beautiful and treasured entities like snowflakes.

Guest Post Written By: Jordan Rawlinson

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Read more about scar healing techniques and get your dermatological questions answered by checking out our Scar & Dermatology Resources for Patients.

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