Stretch Marks From Working Out: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Adriana Bailey • May, 2023
Stretch Marks From Working Out: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Adriana Bailey • May, 2023
Stretch marks are a common skin condition caused by the rapid stretching of the skin beyond its limit. Although stretch marks do not affect physical health, they can impact your self-image and confidence.
In this article, we will:
- explore the relationship between working out and stretch marks,
- answer the question if it’s real to get stretch marks from working out,
- understand which exercises are more likely to cause them,
- which body parts are more prone to stretch marks,
- discuss the prevention and treatment of stretch marks.
Table Of Contents
- 1. What Causes Stretch Marks? Can You Get Stretch Marks From Working Out?
- 2. Why Worry About Stretch Marks?
- 3. Which Types Of Sports And Workouts Are Prone To Develop Stretch Marks?
- 4. What Body Parts Are More Prone To Have Stretch Marks From Working Out?
- 5. Are Stretch Marks From Working Out Preventable?
- 5. How To Prevent Stretch Marks From Working Out?
- 7. How To Treat Stretch Marks From Working Out?
- 8. FAQs On Stretch Marks
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What Causes Stretch Marks? Can you Get Stretch Marks from Working Out?
Stretch marks are caused by a combination of factors, including:
- genetics,
- rapid weight gain or loss,
- hormonal changes,
- physical overload such as intense working out.
Let's see how the stretch marks are formed. The collagen and elastin fibers support our skin structure. They can break when the skin stretches beyond its limit.
Intense workouts can contribute to the appearance of stretch marks because the skin changes are sudden and rapid. But, the relationship between working out and stretch marks is only sometimes straightforward. Frequency and intensity of exercises, also some individual differences in skin elasticity, are the factors that can influence the likelihood of gaining stretch marks.
Why Worry About Stretch Marks?
The concern about stretch marks arises because they visually show that the skin's elasticity is pushed to its limits. Whether to worry about stretch marks is a personal decision. But their presence may not affect physical health or performance, and they can only impact your self-image and confidence.
Which Types Of Sports And Workouts Are Prone To Develop Stretch Marks?
Sports that involve intense movements are more likely to cause stretch marks (for example, weight lifting, gymnastics, and bodybuilding). They can put a lot of stress on the tight skin. Such active exercises often require sudden bursts of strength and power, causing the skin fibers to stretch and contract.
Also, high-intensity activities, such as running, jumping, etc., can provide strong physical pressure, contributing to stretching muscles.
By understanding how certain sports and exercises affect the skin, you can make informed decisions about your workout routine and take the necessary precautions to maintain healthy skin.
What Body Parts Are More Prone To Have Stretch Marks From Working Out?
While stretch marks can appear on various body parts, some areas are more prone to developing them than others.
Abdomen
This is the most common area where stretch marks appear after working out. Also, pregnant women and those who have experienced significant weight gain or loss are the target group.
Thighs
The inner and outer thighs are also prone to stretch marks, especially in women who have undergone rapid weight gain or loss.
Hips
The hips and buttocks are common areas for stretch marks to appear, especially during puberty or, again, pregnancy.
Breasts
Women who experience rapid breast growth or have large breasts may develop stretch marks on their breasts and chest area.
Upper arms/Biceps
Rapid weight gain or loss or a very intense workout can also cause stretch marks on the upper arms.
Are Stretch Marks From Working Out Preventable?
It's a common belief that stretch marks are inevitable and impossible to avoid, which may stem from a lack of understanding about their causes. However, you can minimize their appearance, even though complete prevention may not be possible.
Taking care of your body through proper nutrition, hydration, and balanced exercise can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks, even though they can be a regular part of the muscle growth process.
How To Prevent Stretch Marks From Working Out?
The best way to prevent stretch marks is to control body care inside and out. It means avoiding rapid changes, keeping your body's water balance in check, prioritizing nutritious food, and moisturizing your skin. The next step will be to exercise with assurance. Here are the main ways to prevent stretch marks.
1. Gradual Progress
The slow weight or muscle gain phase will cut the chances of getting stretch marks from working out. This may also refer to weight loss. In the case of weight gain, the skin stretches to make more space, whereas, in weight loss, excess skin develops more chances of stretch marks.
The gradual progress also refers to the workout intensity and physical overload. Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts instead of pushing yourself too far, too fast. Listen to your body and adjust your routine to achieve optimal results while minimizing potential risks.
2. Maintain Water Balance
Your dehydrated skin and body will be more prone to stretch marks than a more balanced water intake. Proper water intake keeps your skin elastic, making it less likely to develop stretch marks, especially when working out. At least eight glasses of water should be consumed each day. Also, dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine should be avoided to lower the chances of dry, itchy, and stretch-mark-sensitive skin.
3. Keep Your Diet On-Point
A healthy diet promotes skin health and elasticity and can help prevent stretch marks from working out. Foods high in zinc, vitamins D, A, C, and E should be included in the diet, as they are crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin. Additionally, collagen, which comprises most of the skin support structure, is another essential element that promotes healthier skin. Seafood, beef, egg whites, and citrus fruits, including lime, orange, and grapefruit, are highly collagenous foods. So, to prevent the development of stretch marks, a balanced diet is one of the key variables.
4. Use Skin Creams And Moisturizers
It’s known that stretch marks are less likely to appear when the right choice of body care products is used for the skin. Moisturizing products such as creams, lotions, and oils can help to prevent and cut the risk of stretch mark appearance.
Applying a moisturizing product before the workout that contains hyaluronic acid or vitamin E can assist in nourishing and strengthening the skin and making it more stretch-resistant.
Anti-stretch mark lotion developed by Evertone contains glycolic acid that exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes cell growth. And vitamin E and lemon peel lighten scars and dark stretch marks.
Before applying moisturizer after exercise, your skin must be thoroughly cleaned. During training, sweat, oil, and dirt can gather on your skin, reducing the moisturizer’s efficacy. Cleanse your skin with an anti-stretch mark body wash to ensure your moisturizer can function as intended. This can assist in cleansing the skin of pollutants while retaining its natural oils. You can help keep your skin healthy and free of unwelcome stretch marks by washing your skin before applying moisturizer.
How To Treat Stretch Marks From Working Out?
Dealing with stretch marks from working outs is a common concern, but many effective treatments are available to reduce their visibility.
1. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion stands as a popular option for minimizing workout-induced stretch marks. This non-invasive procedure involves delicately exfoliating the skin with a handheld device. Microdermabrasion stimulates collagen production and encourages skin regeneration by removing dead skin cells. This can lead to smoother skin texture, diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Micro-Needling
Another effective method is micro-needling. Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, activating the body's natural healing response. As the skin repairs itself, new collagen and elastin fibers form, improving the stretch marks appearance. Micro-needling also enhances the absorption of topical treatments, specifically targeting stretch marks, ensuring better product penetration.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is an advanced approach for addressing workout-related stretch marks. High-energy beams target the affected area, stimulating collagen production and encouraging skin remodeling. This treatment can help fade stretch mark coloration, enhance skin texture, and reduce their visibility. Many sessions may be necessary for optimal results. Also, consult a qualified professional to tailor the treatment plan to your needs.
4. Derma Rollers
Dermarollers are handheld devices covered in tiny needles. They stimulate the body's healing process, which prompts collagen and elastin production. Consistent use of derma rollers with topical treatments can boost their efficacy in reducing stretch marks.You can also use body sculptors. Evertone’s Gua Sha tool stimulates lymphatic drainage and visibly reduces stretch marks.
5. Chemical Peels
This method offers an alternative option for treating stretch marks from intense workouts. This procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the top layer to peel off and reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin. Chemical peels promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. As a result, skin texture is improved, and the visibility of stretch marks is reduced. It is vital to seek professional guidance to ensure safe and effective outcomes when opting for chemical peels.
6. Natural Remedies
Several options are worth exploring if you prefer natural remedies to fight stretch marks. Aloe vera gel, known for its soothing and healing properties, can be applied to moisturize and nourish the skin. Similarly, coconut oil and cocoa butter, rich in essential fatty acids, can improve skin elasticity when massaged onto stretch marks. While natural remedies may not deliver drastic results, they provide hydration and enhance the skin's appearance.
FAQs On Stretch Marks
Are Stretch Marks From Working Out Permanent?
Stretch marks from working out cannot be removed entirely, but some treatments can help to reduce their appearance and live with them.
Are Some People More Prone To Stretch Marks?
Some people are more prone to stretch marks due to genetics, hormonal changes, and rapid weight gain or loss.
Do Cocoa Butter Or Vitamin E Work?
Although there is weak scientific evidence to support the usage of cocoa butter and vitamin E, these ingredients may help lessen stretch marks' appearance.
Where Do They Appear In Men VS. Women?
Women are more likely to get stretch marks on their breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, while males are more likely to get them on their back, arms, and legs.
Final Thoughts
- Stretch marks can be caused by various factors, including genetics, rapid weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, intense working out, etc.
- The workout's frequency and intensity and individual skin elasticity may influence the appearance of stretch marks.
- While stretch marks from working out are not entirely preventable, maintaining a balanced water intake, eating nutritious food, regular moisturizing, and other tips that we've discussed can reduce their appearance.
- Effective treatments are also available to reduce their visibility.
Adriana Bailey
Meet our talented content writer Adriana Bailey. She has dedicated her career to creating informative, engaging, and relevant content for readers who want to learn more about the latest beauty products and techniques.In her free time, Adriana enjoys experimenting with new makeup styles or researching inspiration in the latest beauty trends.
Adriana Bailey
Meet our talented content writer Adriana Bailey. She has dedicated her career to creating informative, engaging, and relevant content for readers who want to learn more about the latest beauty products and techniques.In her free time, Adriana enjoys experimenting with new makeup styles or researching inspiration in the latest beauty trends.