Stretch marks are a prevalent skin problem that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and body types. They are lines or streaks that form on the skin due to fast stretching or shrinking. Stretch marks are common in regions such as the belly, hips, thighs, breasts, and upper arms, and they may be embarrassing for many individuals.
Pregnancy, puberty, weight gain, weight reduction, and hormonal changes are the most prevalent causes of stretch marks. While stretch marks are not dangerous to one’s health, they may affect one’s body image and self-esteem. Thus they must be addressed. Understanding the origins and features of stretch marks may aid in managing and treating this common skin problem.
If anyone comes out of a tanning bed with stretch marks on his or her body, it’s probably because the marks were already there before the tanning session. It’s just that they were not so conspicuous.
Do Tanning Beds Help with Stretch Marks?
Stretch mark treatment using tanning beds is not advised. Tanning beds may make stretch marks more visible and cause severe skin damage.
UV radiation from tanning beds may cause scar tissue in stretch marks to darken and become more noticeable than the surrounding skin. Furthermore, tanning beds may dry out the skin, making stretch marks seem more prominent and causing them to itch or feel painful.
It’s also worth noting that tanning beds raise the risk of skin cancer and other skin damage, such as premature aging and wrinkles. Tanning beds are not advised as a stretch mark therapy for these reasons.
Does Tanning Make Stretch Marks Worse?
This is another myth that stemmed from the fact that tanning makes stretch marks more obvious. It is all about color contrast. Depending on the color of the stretch marks, darkening your skin may make it more conspicuous because when you tan your skin, the stretch marks won’t tan.
They’ll remain as they are. When you notice that your stretch marks have become more obvious after tanning, you’re likely to think that tanning actually makes them worse.
You can liken the situation to a stain on the floor of a dirty apartment. The stain won’t be obvious until you tidy and vacuum the apartment. That’s when the stain will become more obvious. Should you now say that vacuuming caused the stain or made it worse? The answer is a big no.
Does Tanning Help Red Stretch Marks?
No, tanning does not help red stretch marks or other types of stretch marks. As explained above, tanning makes them obvious because stretch marks don’t get tanned. What tanning will do to red stretch marks is to darken them and this will make them more noticeable or make them appear like some kind of skin disease.
Yes, you may have seen on the internet that tanning helps to reduce stretch marks. It is nothing but an unsubstantiated myth. Nothing could be further from the truth. And if you doubt this, you can try to tan your skin with stretch marks on it. You’ll find out that the marks will not reduce.
Stretch Marks Before and After Tanning
Stretch marks are scars caused by fast skin stretching owing to growth, weight gain, or hormonal changes. Many individuals feel self-conscious about their hips, thighs, stomach, and breasts. People often tan to disguise stretch marks and other skin blemishes. Tanning may make stretch marks more obvious, particularly if they’re healing.
Stretch marks may become more evident after tanning because ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes scar tissue to become darker and more prominent than the surrounding skin. Furthermore, tanning may dry out the skin, making stretch marks seem more pronounced and causing them to itch or feel painful.
What are the Fastest Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
There are several creams and lotions that can gradually remove stretch marks, but they will take months or even years. And some of them are not as effective as you may think. So, if you need a quick removal of your stretch marks, you might have to try any of the three methods right below.
1. Laser Treatment
This procedure involves the use of a laser to penetrate the skin and stimulate quick regeneration of skin over the stretch marks. It stimulates the tissues surrounding the stretch marks to heal faster.
In addition, it also activates the pigment cells by stimulating a faster production of melanin. This makes your stretch marks blend with the natural tone of your skin, making them less noticeable. However, it takes several sessions of laser procedure to get the required results.
2. Microneedling
This procedure involves the use of needle insertions to stimulate collagen production. This, in turn, increases skin regeneration around the stretch marks. This works better for people with darker skin, and it takes several treatments to achieve the desired results.
3. Microdermabrasion
For this method, tiny exfoliating crystals are sprayed on the affected areas. Later, the crystals are removed with a special device. The crystals will pull out with the dead cells around them. This method works on the epidermis layer of the skin. Although this method may cause some redness on the skin, it will heal within 24 hours.
4. Topical treatments
Over time, some creams and lotions may help minimize stretch marks’ appearance. These creams often include chemicals like retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid, which may enhance skin texture and encourage collagen formation.
5. Moisturizing
Keeping the skin moisturized may help enhance its suppleness and lessen the visibility of stretch marks over time. Regular moisturizing lotion or oil to the afflicted region might help maintain the skin smooth and supple.
Final Words
If you have to take away a single point from this piece, let it be the fact that tanning neither improves stretch marks nor makes them worse. It only makes it more obvious because stretch marks don’t tan. Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the collagen tissues of the skin, and the fastest ways to remove stretch marks are laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and microneedling.
