We witnessed the past few years to be all about body positivity. However, learning to love and embrace the different features in our body isn’t always the easiest. It’s a slow and gradual process - one which involves learning new ideas, forgetting existing notions and supporting each other as we grow.
That being said, it isn’t wrong or unkind if you choose to reform, alter or improve parts of your body. Whichever be the case, change or embrace, remember that it’s your choice. While making this choice, it’s important to be educated and self-motivated. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
Stretch marks
Doesn’t matter if your stretch marks were a result of a growth spurt while you were younger or if you got them during pregnancy - always remember this: stretch marks are totally and completely normal. If you’ve chosen not to embrace yours and would rather remove them, there's something you should know: you can't get rid of them completely.
Stretch marks are usually caused during puberty, while pregnant, or because of sudden weight gain. Due to these events, body growth happens really quickly and the inner layer of the skin rips. The skin beneath the rip fills the cracks, causing the marks to appear. As the area heals, stretch marks are caused.
Even though there isn’t a miracle cure that’ll help you get rid of stretch marks permanently and completely, there are a couple of products that’ll help you reduce their appearance. Luckily, we’re here to let you in on some tips and tricks about how you can do that.
Before we move on to the good stuff, let’s first talk about the other topic at hand - cellulite.
Let’s clear the biggest misconception first - cellulite is not fat. Now moving on, lets’ see what it actually is. Cellulite refers to the skin’s dimpled appearance when fatty tissue pushes through fibrous bands that connect the skin to muscle.
Caffeine and retinol are one of the two ingredients that have proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. According to research, caffeine, which is an antioxidant, can reduce swelling and tighten cellulite containing skin when used regularly.
If you’re looking for a product that’ll help you combat cellulite and stretch marks, giving you smoother skin in the process, look no further. You can check out this Cellulite & Stretch Mark Reduction Duo.
The kit contains a body polishing oil and an amazing coffee scrub. Both these products are packed with the goodness of caffeine. The two products when used together help polish the skin and relieve it from cellulite and stretch marks. The scrubbing motion increases circulation which plumps up the skin, making cellulite marks less visible. And as you already know, coffee is enriched with antioxidants, which boost collagen production.
Apart from this, your body can also benefit from a few lifestyle changes. Below are a couple of other tips to help your skin look its best!
Eat well
The largest organ in our body - the skin, is made up with roughly 75% collagen, which is responsible for making it smooth and elastic. To make collagen in the body, you need enough protein and water in your diet. Add on water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and protein rich sources like legumes to your diet.
Hydrate
In order to keep your skin more elastic, make sure you drink ample amounts of water. For adults, the daily intake of water is recommended to be between two and three liters. When it comes to stretch marks - prevention is better than cure. One way to do that is by keeping your skin well hydrated. This will help maintain the elastin in your body - which is important to keep the skin from scarring. An easy way to remember to drink water is to always carry a small water bottle with you.
Quit smoking
Like there weren’t enough reasons to quit smoking already? Smoking cigarettes is also a leading factor that contributes to stretch marks. The nicotine in cigarettes can damage the skin’s fibers which in turn reduces the skin’s elasticity and strength.
To conclude - Regular food intake that’s not very high in fat, smoking cessation, proper hydration, and a moderately active lifestyle might help reduce cellulite and stretch marks.
DIY Scrub
You can also make a DIY cellulite and stretch marks body scrub. Here’s what you’ll need - coffee grounds, coconut oil, salt or sugar.
Method
- Combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add coconut oil to the dry mixture and stir until a paste-like consistency is reached.
- Transfer the ingredients to an airtight jar.
- On your damp body, rub the coffee mixture onto the required areas. Massage in a circular motion and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat regularly for better results.
Hope this article helped you with what you were looking for. We just want you to remember that stretch marks and cellulite, among other things, are an inevitable part of everyone’s life. Don’t be too hard on yourself, because how you look isn’t all that defines you! It’s more important to maintain a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
