With the warmer weather bringing our summer wardrobes out of hibernation, it's only natural that we start thinking more about the skin below our neck too. For me, this always means rediscovering my stretch marks.
I've had them on my thighs and behind my knees since I was a teenager and I remember feeling so self-conscious about them. I'd have done almost anything to get rid of them.
But can that actually be done?
Why we get stretch marks
Stretch marks affect around 80% of us and simply happen when our skin stretches at a rapid rate. They're incredibly common during puberty, pregnancy, growth spurts or weight changes.
The collagen and elastin fibres underneath the skin get torn as it expands and leave behind those familiar wiggly lines.
'New stretch marks' - What actually works
When stretch marks initially appear they tend to be red, pink or purple. This means they still have a solid blood supply and are actually very responsive to treatment. It's the perfect time to act and THE absolute best thing for them is microneedling 🙌🏼
The micro needles work beneath the surface of the skin where the problem occurs, encouraging it to produce more collagen. Your body then uses that collagen to plump and strengthen the weakened lines and restore a smooth, even texture. Using your TLC Roller twice a week consistently is a genuine gamechanger 😍
'Older stretch marks' - A different approach
Once stretch marks become silvery-white like mine, things change slightly and they're practically impossible to remove. This is because there's no longer a proper blood supply feeding them.
At this point it's not about attempting to erase them but about looking after your skin as well as possible to minimise their appearance. For me this means applying Pin Perfect 2-3 times a week to hydrate, exfoliate and remove any dryness. It helps to blur the wavy indentations rather than exaggerate them.
The other thing that's so important is not picking them apart every time you look in the mirror. I think of mine like little roads on a map, telling my story so far.
Long may the sun keep shining and however your stretch marks look, may you keep wearing your floaty floral dresses and denim shorts and share your story with pride too. ♥️
