How to Get rid of Stretch Marks: Causes, Types and Prevention

1. Low levels or structural issues of Collagen
   Collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity and promote healing - a lack of it or an anomaly in its structure can lead to the formation of noticeable stretch marks during skin stretching.
2. Rapid growth during puberty 
   Stretch marks are likely to occur in puberty as this is a rapid period of growth for the body, and the skin may not keep pace. This is a normal process and these marks may fade with age.
3. During pregnancy 
   Changes in your body and hormones cause your skin to stretch, weakening its fibres. Although these marks might fade as you lose weight after childbirth, they can still remain noticeable.
4. Rapid muscle growth
   Avid gym goers, athletes or bodybuilders may notice stretch marks if they gain muscle mass too quickly as the skin may not be able to keep up with the muscle growth."
5. Genetics
   Although there isn't a specific gene that will cause stretch marks, a combination of genes control Collagen, skin elasticity, and other aspects of skin health that can lead to stretch mark formation in case of anomaly.
6. Rapid weight changes
   Rapid changes in weight puts pressure on the skins fibres, in turn causing stretch marks to appear.
7. Sports and lifestyle
   Intense movements in sports can sometimes contribute to stretch marks. This is due to stress placed on the skin during the activity, rapidly stretching and contracting skin fibres.

While often associated with pregnancy, stretch marks can affect anyone during periods of rapid growth or weight changes. This includes:

• Teenagers: During puberty due to rapid growth and development.
  
  
• Men: During puberty, weight gain, or intense muscle growth from bodybuilding.
  
  
• Women: During puberty, weight gain, bodybuilding, and most commonly, pregnancy (affecting 50-90% of women).

Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy, usually forming on the abdomen, chest, thighs and hips. This is for two key reasons:

• Rapid stretching: The skin stretches significantly to accommodate a growing belly, chest, and other areas of weight gain.
  
  
• Hormones like oestrogen and relaxin can weaken Collagen and Elastin fibres in the skin, making them more prone to tearing, leading to stretch marks.

While there is no way to entirely prevent stretch marks, there are a number of ways that might help during the pregnancy and beyond.

1. Drinking enough water
   Those lacking sufficient hydration are more susceptible to stretch marks than those with a balanced water intake. Adequate water consumption can help to maintain skin elasticity, reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.
2. Eat a healthy diet
   Fuel your body with a healthy diet to maintain skin flexibility. This is especially important for achieving gradual, healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Make sure to eat foods rich in Zinc and Vitamins D, A, C, and E - all of which play an important role in skin health.
3. Moisturise regularly
   Although the efficiency of moisturising products like creams, lotions, and oils to reduce the risk of stretch marks is debated, they may help to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
   Look out for hydrating ingredients that are generally safe to use during pregnancy, such as Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid. During pregnancy it is recommended to avoid Retinol. If you have any concerns, always be sure to check the packaging before use or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
4. Avoiding excessive and rapid weight fluctuations
   Whilst this is not possible in all circumstances, such as puberty and pregnancy, you may have more control over this if you are experiencing rapid weight changes due to lifestyle choices. If you are looking to gain or lose weight, you should do so gradually.

1. Light or laser treatments
   These treatments are aimed to encourage the growth of Collagen and Elastin, which could minimise the appearance of stretch marks worsening. These methods are usually aimed at newer stretch mark formation.
   
   
2. Microdermabrasion
   This process involves scrubbing skin with tiny crystals, removing the top and revealing new layers of skin under the stretch marks. This method may be able to improve the appearance of older stretch marks.
   
   
3. Skincare routine solutions
   Topical creams could help to fade the appearance of stretch marks when used regularly. Skin care routines can also help to maintain levels of Collagen and Elastic in skin, preserving its elasticity.
   
   
4. Self tanning lotions
   Whilst these will not do much to reduce the actual stretch marks themselves, applying self tanner can help to temporarily minimise the colour difference between stretch marks and your skin tone. This could help to make them less noticeable.

Do keep in mind when contemplating any treatment option that there is no guarantee of cure or improvement for stretch marks.

To begin with, cleanse your body with a gentle and nourishing shower gel or cream. Preferably use a pH-neutral product to protect the skin from drying out.

The NIVEA Rich Moisture Creme Caring Shower Cream is an ideal choice as its formula, enriched with Vitamin C and E and care oils forms a rich lather that nourishes the skin whilst maintaining the normal pH balance.

Use skincare product or a serum that can help to improve skin elasticity, or reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. To help visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, try the NIVEA Serum Oil Anti Stretch Marks. The serum provides 48-hour moisturisation to the skin for first visible results in from 2 weeks - and with regular pinch massages it can help prevent new stretch marks from appearing.

If you prefer a creamier consistency, the NIVEA Luminous630 Anti Stretch-Marks & Dark Spots Cream is suitable for all skin types. Its formula helps to reduce stretch marks, sun spots and pigmentation marks, while providing 48 hours of hydration.*

Whether you choose the oil-serum or the cream, a single application per day on the targeted area is sufficient and use only one product containing LUMINOUS630® on your body per day.**

^{* Instrumental test, 33 subjects, 48 hours after a single application.
** Consumer test, 89 participants}