Did you know that even men get stretch marks? A common misconception is that they only occur in women, especially during pregnancy. But, stretch marks appear on the skin of everyone, including men.
This piece handles stretch marks on men’s body and how to get rid of them:
What are Stretch marks?
Stretch marks are jagged white and red streaks or scars that appear when your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly. These changes damage the collagen and elastin.
Stretch marks develop in two-phases. First, they form as purple or red jagged stripes on the skin when stretched. The skin feels elevated and itchy and the texture is different from that of the surrounding skin.
Then, over time they change. This is the second stage where the stretch marks fade, become lighter, have translucent coloring, and are shiny. During this phase, the stretch marks may feel lower than the surrounding skin.
The medical term for stretch marks is striae distensae. When the skin stretches too rapidly and beyond its elastic capacity, it results in dermal scarring.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, including on the shoulders, stomach, bottom, chest, hips, at the back, on thighs, on arms, on legs, underarms, or in armpits. They mostly occur in regions where there is a high likelihood of weight gain or muscle build-up.
Causes of Stretch marks on Men
Stretch marks in men occur due to several factors that make the skin to stretch. Some of them include:
- Physical stretching of the skin
- Hormones, especially during puberty
- Skin cells changes
- Stretch marks from workouts such as heavy weight lifting and bodybuilding activities.
- Some stretch marks are genetic, and so if you have a family with a history of stretch marks, the more you are likely to get them.
- Adrenal diseases, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Cushing syndrome, or Marfan’s syndrome.
- Using corticosteroid creams for an extended period, like the prescription-strength hydrocortisone commonly used for treating eczema.
Having stretch marks is a source of discomfort and irritation for some. And so, we have compiled this list of the best natural and professional remedies that can help one get rid of stretch marks.
But before we explore these remedies, let’s look at some of the best prevention tips.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks Formation
Can you prevent stretch marks? It isn’t always possible to prevent stretch marks, especially when there is a family history.
However, you can reduce their development likelihood if you maintain healthy and not rapid weight fluctuations. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk for stretch marks occurrence as it reduces swift skin stretching or shrinking.
So here are a few ways to prevent stretch marks:
1. Weight Control
Controlling your body changes is one of the best ways to prevent the development of stretch marks. This can include eating a healthy diet and exercising to keep fit and manage weight. If you do so but still notice rapid fluctuations of weight, seek medical advice to determine why.
2. Eat Healthy Diet
Lack of proper nutrients may also increase the risk of getting stretch marks. Eat a diet that boosts your skin health. The diet should include foods rich in zinc, protein, vitamin C, D, and E.
One way to ensure that you get a variety of nutrients is to go for unprocessed foods in different colors. For instance, you can take a breakfast of whole-wheat toast, eggs, and mixed berries to add color.
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Zinc
Zinc is also a crucial skin health nutrient. It plays a role in the wound healing process and reduces skin inflammation. There is little proof that zinc reduces stretch marks; however, including it in your diet is vital for your skin health. Some foods rich in zinc include fish and nuts.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that plays a role in the production of collagen. Collagen helps keep your skin elastic and strong. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles as well as stretch marks. You get Vitamin C in many vegetables and fruits, mostly citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also vital. One study reveals a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and the occurrences of stretch marks. Therefore, soaking up enough vitamin D, which you can get through sun exposure (during the morning or evening hours), can reduce or prevent stretch marks formation. Dairy products such as yogurt and milk are also rich in vitamin D.
3. Hydration
If you drink enough water daily, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Soft skin rarely gets stretch scars as much as dry skin.
According to the Institute of Medicine’s current recommendations, men should take at least 104 ounces of water daily. Drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee may also increase the risks for stretch marks development. If you drink coffee a lot, balance it out by drinking plenty of water and other caffeine-free fluids.
4. Treat new or fresh stretch marks immediately they occur.
You can prevent stretch marks by treating them when you first notice the signs of their appearance. Visit your dermatologist to discuss the options or best remedies for fresh stretch marks. The doctor will identify the causes of stretch marks and can suggest the best treatment for you.
How to Make Stretch Marks Less Visible
You can make stretch marks less noticeable by using:
- Sunless self-tanners to cover the stretch marks up. Don’t use the tanning beds, as these can do more harm than good.
- Makeup that matches the tone of the skin.
- Wear rash guards or board shorts to hide stretch marks on upper thighs and chest.
Stretch Marks Home Remedies
Some natural stretch mark remedies promise to eliminate or prevent stretch marks in males. Most of them are anecdotal and there is no scientific evidence to back them up. However, some people have used them and claim they worked.
They include:
- Olive oil – This contains plenty of vitamin E and antioxidants, which help treat stretch marks.
- Coconut Oil –It improves overall skin appearance. The oils also prevent stretch marks from occurring and promote their healing.
- Cocoa butter – This is a skin lotion that improves skin elasticity and reduces the stretch marks appearance.
- Almond oil – It has regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. This is rich in Vitamin E, Zinc, Proteins, Mono-saturated fatty acids, and potassium, which are ideal for skin rejuvenation. Both sweet and bitter almond oil are good for the skin.
- Aloe Vera – Fresh aloe vera gel is a skin softener and natural healing agent.
- Sugar – This is a naturopathic microdermabrasion method
There are plenty of other remedies that you can try, like the essentials oils for preventing stretch marks. When using essential oils for stretch marks, ensure that you dilute it in carrier oils before you massage it on the skin.
Some topical application for stretch marks include:
- Hyaluronic acid and retinoid creams
According to a report by the American Academy of Dermatology, applying hyaluronic acid to fresh stretch marks can make them less noticeable.
The same was discovered about retinoid creams, which have vitamin A that boosts collagen production and skin cell turnover.
Stretch marks lotions and creams have also been said to remove stretch marks though they aren’t scientifically backed. Some people swear by them, though.
Silicone gel with vitamin E and silicone sheets are perfect for stretch marks too. They improve skin appearance. You can get AWDMed silicone products for stretch marks and skin scarring.
For more effective results, use them:
- When you first notice the first sign of stretch marks of itching, topical products aren’t effective on old stretch marks.
- Massage the products in.
- Apply them for several weeks and months and do it consistently
While creams and lotions may not treat stretch marks effectively, they can reduce itching.
Medical treatments for Stretch marks on Men’s Body
Skin therapists prescribe professional stretch marks treatment such as:
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Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can help treat or reduce stretch marks. Lasers stimulate elastin and collagen production on your skin. There are various types of lasers, such as pulsed-dye lasers, fractional lasers, intense pulsed light, CO2 laser, and erbium lasers. Your dermatologist can help you choose the ideal one for you.
The doctor uses a chemical solution to remove the upper skin layer. After removing the top layer, the skin that grows back appears smoother. This procedure is used to treat stretch marks and treat other scars and discolored skin.
This is a cosmetic procedure where the doctor removes the upper layer of the skin. The doctor uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to scrub away the outer skin layer gently.
The doctor used microneedles to prick the skin to allow it to stimulate collagen production. This derma roller procedure helps generate collagen. The skin tissue appears smoother, more toned, and refined after this cosmetic procedure.
The Key Takeaway
Stretch marks in men can become less visible over time. Prevention is difficult but eating healthy, staying hydrated, and working on newly formed stretch marks before they spread can help. Most home remedies have no scientific backing, but since they usually have no significant side effects, there is no harm in trying them. Seeking a professional is the best remedy. Talk to your skin therapist about the possible prevention and best treatment options for you.
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