Your thighs are one of the classic places where stretch marks form, and it can be very difficult to rid yourself of them. You will want to consider various treatments, depending upon the severity, color and size of the stretch marks. These streaks, ranging from white and silver to red and purple, are indicative that the collagen in the epidermis has broken down, typically due to the hormonal fluctuations that come with rapid weight gain. Try some simple techniques for prevention or removal and then work your way up to the more intensive treatments. Pregnant women, women who are nursing or women who have recently undergone a cesarean delivery or other surgery should consult with a doctor or homeopath before incorporating therapies using prescription medication or high concentrations of herbs to get rid of stretch marks on the thighs.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks on the Thighs
Prevention
The easiest way to fight the appearance of stretch marks on the thighs is prevention. Before they appear or when they begin to appear, ensure that you are following a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate fresh produce into your diet and try to reduce your consumption of fats, sugar, salt and preservatives, all of which have a drying effect on the skin. Remember to drink at least eight glasses of uncarbonated, unsweetened water every day, or substitute two of the glasses for green tea, which delivers both hydration and antioxidant power.
Moisturizing
Keep the affected area moisturized. One natural ingredient that delivers concentrated moisture to stretch marks on the thighs is cocoa butter. Use the cream a few times daily, especially after bathing and before going to bed. You can also try a cocoa butter stick, which has a higher concentration of moisturizer and a more solid consistency, meaning that the act of rubbing it on can also help to alleviate the appearance of stretch marks on the thighs. Stretch mark creams contain moisturizers plus additional active ingredients that can smooth the ridges and bumps caused by stretch marks.
Laser and Light Therapy
People with stretch marks on their thighs that are resistant to topical treatment may want to explore the innovations in laser and light therapy, both of which require several visits to a doctor’s office. Laser therapy is typically for red or purple stretch marks. The doctor shines intense light that breaks down scar tissue and encourages the skin to produce collagen. For white or silver stretch marks, doctors use light therapy that promotes the epidermis’s creation of melanin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a more extreme measure to get rid of stretch marks on the thighs. The procedure requires a visit to a dermatologist and may require a follow-up appointment. The dermatologist applies a liquid solution that burns the top layer of skin, causing it to blister and peel. This damage stimulates the body to produce more collagen to heal the area and create a new layer of skin. Chemical peels are not effective on every type of stretch mark, however, because they only affect the topmost layer of the skin.
Exfoliation
Because the thighs tend to be an area where fat collects and elasticity can break down, it can help the skin’s condition to exfoliate it. You can buy an all-natural product from the Aveeno, Neutrogena, Oil of Olay or Burt’s Bees lines and add a homemade mix to boost its power to attack stretch marks. Begin with the exfoliant and add the gel from a vitamin E capsule, aloe vera gel, cod liver oil and olive oil. Rubbing this mixture on the skin in a circular motion can slough off dead skin cells and get the blood circulating.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks on the Thighs:
