Most people prefer a smooth appearance to their skin, particularly if the marks are on their breasts, arms, butts, or legs. Stretch marks can be hidden and covered in a variety of ways. We have covered how to achieve it in this article. Keep reading to find out more!
How To Hide Stretch Marks
If you are looking to hide your stretch marks, camouflage skin imperfections, blemishes, scars, or other skin issues, there are several remedies and skin care techniques you can try. You can use makeup and self-tanning products to conceal your stretch marks temporarily. White or old stretch marks are usually difficult to treat or erase (1). If you have such stretch marks, the following methods can help.
Method 1: Makeup To Cover Stretch Marks
Step 1: Exfoliate The Skin
Your skin must be smooth before you can cover the stretch marks with makeup. Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells and makes the skin smoother and softer. You can use a scrub for exfoliation.
Step 2: Apply Sunscreen
Sun protection is important whenever you are heading out. UV exposure can damage your skin. Exposing stretch marks to UV rays can further aggravate them and cause hyperpigmentation.
Step 3: Apply Concealer
Layer the sunscreen with a concealer. Use a flat foundation brush to apply the concealer to the stretch marks. Make sure to apply a thin layer and check the coverage. If you are not satisfied, apply another layer of concealer. Use short strokes to apply the concealer. Tap with a beauty blender/sponge for a flawless finish.
Step 4: Apply Setting Powder
After applying the concealer, you need to set it with a setting powder. Use a powder brush for this purpose. Once you have applied the powder, leave it as it is for at least 2 minutes.
Step 5: Fix Your Makeup
Use a makeup setting spray to set your makeup. This ensures your makeup doesn’t melt or transfer to your clothes. A blogger discussed how she reduced her stretch marks. She shared pictures of the initial angry red lines that significantly lightened 1.5 years later. She writes, “I alternated between a bunch of stretch mark creams, and Jojoba oil with vitamin E. Massaging the skin is more important than the cream! (i)” She also believed that mental aspects played a significant role, emphasizing, “A few kind thoughts towards your body do wonders for your self-esteem.”
Method 2: Self Tanners To Cover Stretch Marks
Step 1: Exfoliate The Skin
The first step is to prepare your skin for the process. Exfoliate your skin so that the product gets a smoother surface for a flawless finish. You can exfoliate your skin with a scrubber while taking a shower. However, do this a day before applying the self-tanner.
Step 2: Apply Tanner
Squeeze the self-tanning lotion into a plate. Decide the quantity as per the area you need to cover. Dab the beauty blender in the tanning lotion and apply it along the lines of the stretch marks. Apply the tanning lotion to your legs and hands to make it look even.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Let your skin dry after the application. Check if the application is uniform. Correct any streaks or dark patches; use a washcloth to wipe them. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can remove the fake tan or reapply.
Other Useful Tips To Cover Stretch Marks
Clothes are one of the best ways to cover your stretch marks. Here are a few tips:
Wear high-waisted pants or bikini bottoms to cover the stretch marks on your abdomen.
You can also wear long shirts.
Pick bikini bottoms that offer back coverage to hide any stretch marks on your buttocks.
Pick a tankini that covers your torso and chest area. This can conceal stretch marks on your breasts, lower back, abdomen, and buttocks.
You may also try tattooing. Get in touch with any cosmetic tattoo artist. They use skin-colored ink to conceal your stretch marks (2). From one study, stretch marks are more common in women than in men, and they are more noticeable in people with darker skin. In puberty, the striae (stretch marks) prevalence ranges from 6% to 86%, in pregnancy, 43% to 88%, and in obesity, it is 43%. Early treatment can help reduce the intensity of the stretch marks. During the early stages, the stretch marks appear reddish, purple, or pinkish. This is when you need to start treatment. Fresh stretch marks respond well to treatment with tretinoin (3). Hence, consult a dermatologist for treatment options when the stretch marks are fresh. Keep in mind that sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, enhancing the appearance of your stretch marks. To avoid this, always apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. While hiding stretch marks is comparatively easy, the question of how to get rid of stretch marks remains. You can opt for home remedies such as coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil, apple cider vinegar, or vitamin E to help reduce their appearance. Now, the big question remains – do stretch marks ever go away? Keep reading to find out.
Do Stretch Marks Go Away?
Stretch marks do often fade over time, but they may not completely disappear. Initially, they appear as red or purple lines due to skin stretching, and with time, they often become lighter, resembling silvery-white streaks. While some creams and treatments help minimize their appearance, their effectiveness varies from person to person. Factors such as skin type, genetics, and their cause determine their fading. Regular moisturizing, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may aid in minimizing their visibility. You may consume some of the best foods for stretch marks, like eggs, avocado, broccoli, spinach, citrus fruits, and bone broth that helps boost skin’s collagen and elastin and may prevent stretch marks. For more severe cases, medical procedures like laser therapy or microdermabrasion may be recommended (4). Nevertheless, consulting a dermatologist for personalized guidance based on individual circumstances is always beneficial. Can I cover stretch marks with foundation? Yes. A full-coverage foundation can help cover stretch marks. How long do stretch marks take to fade? They may not completely fade. However, with proper treatment, they may lighten in appearance within 6 to 12 weeks. Will losing weight remove stretch marks? No, stretch marks would not fade away even after losing weight. Does hot water make stretch marks worse? Taking hot showers may dry out the skin and dry skin is more likely to develop stretch marks. Hence, learning how to prevent stretch marks is crucial to understand the dos and don’ts. Some quick tips include moisturizing, using sunscreen regularly, avoiding corticosteroids, and following a healthy lifestyle. Can salt remove stretch marks? Sea salt is an excellent body scrub and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Is stretch mark laser treatment painful? While it is not painful, it may cause slight discomfort. Learn how to hide stretch marks with this easy tutorial. Get tips on the best products and techniques to improve their appearance by clicking on this video.
