Any diet for weight loss requires sacrifice and considerable effort – above all, cooking and counting calories. The biggest motivation is seeing a slim figure. Unfortunately, even the best weight loss effect can be damaged by stretch marks. The sagging skin on the abdomen, hips or arms looks unsightly, and in many people, it causes despair. We advise how to lose weight while maintaining elastic skin, as well as how to deal with stretch marks.
What are stretch marks, and why did they form?
Stretch marks are the characteristic creamy stripes on the skin that often occur during weight loss, as well as during pregnancy. According to studies, up to 70% of women fight with them, but, contrary to their appearance, the problem is not only for women. Sagging skin also appears in 40% of men, except that men usually do not even notice it. Stretch marks are formed with excessive stretching of the skin – collagen fibers are torn, and the epidermis becomes thinner and flabby. Most often, “grooves” on the skin occur during sharp fluctuations in weight (for example, during weight loss), during pregnancy and puberty, as well as in bodybuilders. At first, they have a pink or slightly purple color, over time they become cream. The hips, abdomen and chest, in men on the shoulders and biceps.
How to avoid stretch marks while losing weight?
The worst thing we can do for the skin is to start a radical diet. Fast weight loss – a simple recipe for stretch marks – burnt fat cells leave a lot of space under the skin. And the more weight you lose, the more and deeper the stretch. It is also worth remembering that the older body produces less collagen, and the skin becomes less elastic. With proper nutrition, providing all the nutrients, the rate of weight loss is 0.5-1 kg per week. It is especially important to eat a large amount of raw vegetables and fruits. They are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that have a positive effect on the skin – they support cell regeneration processes and are involved in the production of collagen. During weight loss, do not forget about regular hydration – you need to drink at least 2 liters of still water per day, more in hot weather and during physical exertion. The best protection against stretch marks is also a combination of diet and exercise. Movement and exercises for individual parts of the body accelerate metabolism, stimulate blood circulation and saturate cells with oxygen. Thanks to this, the skin becomes more firm and supple. Every day, it is also worth doing a skin massage (in combination with peeling) in places subject to stretch marks – preferably with a special brush or massage roller.
How to get rid of stretch marks?
It is definitely easier to prevent stretch marks than to fight them. However, if unsightly scars and cavities appear on the skin, you should get rid of them as soon as possible or significantly reduce their size. In addition to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, it is necessary to intensively moisturize and elasticize the skin with the help of special cosmetics containing silicon compounds, zinc, soy extract, as well as vitamins A, C and E. Argan and almond oils also have a huge impact. It is better to rub them after the bath when the skin has warmed up, because then it absorbs nutrients more easily. Daily peeling is also important – on the hips and buttocks this can be done with a rough glove, on the stomach or chest – with a softer terry glove. Physical activity, especially swimming, also has a beneficial effect on the skin. Removing scars from stretch marks is very difficult with home remedies. That is why beauty salons offer a number of procedures, including dermabrasion or chemotherapy, as well as chemical peeling and laser therapy.
