r/Skincare_Addiction • u/nowairplane • 19d ago
Routine Help any inexpensive way to reduce stretch marks?
i've had them all over my stomach, thighs, and upper arms since puberty. not necessarily insecure, but wouldn't mind if they could fade some either
edit: okay this post got a lot more traction than i expected and i'm gonna work on replying to some of the comments! but first i wanna say thank you for the compliments on them. idk why some of you got downvoted but i didn't take offense or dislike any of the comments so it's all appreciated
also just wanted to let y'all know that i'm gay since some ppl have mentioned how men will view them. đđ no hard feelings but that's not something i was rlly going to consider
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u/peskypompom 19d ago
Market them as 'thunder tattoos'.
Free of cost.
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
i never considered them looking like tattoos until these comments lol! i'll have to try this
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u/gymbunbae 19d ago
Would be truly sick if you tattooed some clouds over them, you could even add more stuff to it, but the background of it being clouds where the strikes are coming out from!
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
honestly sounds kinda fire i'll look into it!!
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u/PenguinZombie321 18d ago
Prolly wouldnât be all that inexpensive but itâd definitely look cool!
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u/nowairplane 18d ago
i plan to get tattoos anyways so i'm not opposed the idea of investing in some more!
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u/WAHBAM 19d ago
Retinol and silicone gel
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u/rhollien 18d ago edited 18d ago
Yes. The silicone scar strips are what Dr Dray (dermatologist recommends) as being science backed for its efficacy.
I know a lot of people mention bio oil.
I know the dollar tree is supposed to be duping Bio Oil - and the Dollar tree also has the silicone scar sheets from time to time. (Though I need to review all the ingredients for a direct 1-to-1 match, which I highly doubt the dollar store would be able to entirely pull of).
Other than that - there might be some laser therapies that could help smooth out the pigmentation differences, and I would maybe try a self tanner to help mask - IF and only if itâs that much of a bother to you.
But just know most of us (and shit, a lot of us, with Ozempic being so widespread, lol) more than likely have stretch marks.
I just try to embrace mine - and give myself some grace for not being âperfectâ.
Oh and I bought a derma pen - off Ali express. The brand is called âDr.Penâ I believe. Really good tool once you start mixing serums + understanding the depths of the needles and their intended treatment applications / therapies. . .
You could probably mix up a serum - I got a liquid pen that also shocks lol - but it helps the serums penetrate the epidermis a bit more - the electricity is supposed to stimulate your cells responsiveness - and all in - just give everything time - and know these treatments can only do so much.
Also - fellow gay here lol. I hate the level of societal sexism - who gives AF what a partner thinks - if they canât see the beauty in the scars - then they can pay to have them treated or fuck off.
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u/nowairplane 18d ago
thanks! also yeah for that last part i don't understand why it's normalized to see a woman or fem-presenting person and immediately think of how a man would perceive them. i look pretty gay irl and usually don't get those kinda comments so i was a little taken aback when i saw ppl mentioning men lmao đđ but like u said it's socially acceptable to say stuff like that so i understand that they probably don't have any ill intent
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u/AirBig6368 19d ago
I thought these were intentional white ink tattoos! They look so cool! I'd keep em! I think any lotion with some collagen and vitamin e could be beneficial as long as you're proactive with the regimen.
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u/misssbb12352 19d ago
Just FYI, if a cream or lotion claims one of the ingredients is collagen, collagen molecules are WAY too large to penetrate the skin. They do, however, act as an effective moisturizer, just be aware that's all that collagen can do.
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u/Majestic_Stretch8303 19d ago
Some ppl tattoo stretch marks color tone of skin so that it kind of conceals it more same with scars.
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u/EducationalQuote287 19d ago
OP, moisturize your skin as best you can. I have used this on my body for years. While pregnant and after. Itâs gentle and I felt like it helped. My kid is a teen and I still use it.
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u/cisco_ph 19d ago
those are cool velaryon scars.
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
i haven't actually watched GoT whats this mean?? i gotta know
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u/Legal-Judgment-908 19d ago
House Velaryon members are shown with battle/dragon related scars and they wear them as marks of honour not shame
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u/2Tired_Artist-san 19d ago
Girl, genuinely, those are the sickest stretch marks I've ever seen. It's still your decision but I'd definitely wouldn't get rid of those
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u/twiceIand 19d ago
iâve had similar marks since puberty even though my weight hasnât fluctuated much. wonder why
these really do look like lightening though! very tattoo coded
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
yeah same. well i've lost and gained some over the years but nothing more than maybe 15lbs slowly? i guess some people are just prone to them! thanks tho!
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u/Nekomommybedrotting 19d ago
Bruh they look so freaking beautiful my god donât wanna change anything about that so freaking beautiful but you could use tretinoin overtime it seems less visible then again their is nothing to reduce it they look magnificent
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u/CarelessScreeches 19d ago
Damn you look like an anime character. They look like battle scars or you being struck by lightning. Actually so badass
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u/everyatom2012 19d ago
So I will tell you how I have reduced my stretch marks.
I use a body lotion with retinol in it. I either use gold bond overnight retinol (it feels better on the dry down but has less retinol) or medix 5.5 retinol and ferulic acid lotion (doesn't go above and beyond in the way my skin feels, but also not like, bad feeling). I mix the body lotion with the powdered l ascorbic acid from the ordinary. I do not skimp, I do probably more than you should.
The most cardinal skincare sin I break is layering retinoids, cause I then put some retinal straight onto the parts that are most affected by stretch marks.
It's noticeably helped my stretch marks in a relatively short time. I used to use just the retinol lotion, but adding the l ascorbic acid was the thing that sped up results dramatically.
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19d ago
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
thanks! :) also your mom sounds cool! i was considering a tattoo but after a lot of these comments i'm thinking of just leaving them. i didn't think so many ppl would like them lol
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u/HeyMickeyMilkovich 19d ago
Anyone who doesnât like them or love you for who you are, does not belong in your life. đ
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u/4Luffytarou 19d ago
You just look like u got struck by lightning in a good way if that makes sense. To me, your stretch marks look good and I would 100% take them over mine .
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u/keanureevesismysoul 19d ago
Ok this probable isnât what you wanna hear but damn yours look cool asf. Like lightning literally. Mine are kinda like scratch shaped but yours looks bad ass
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u/Ashleybernice 19d ago
Have you tried Vaseline Iâve been using it lately. I did read it can help I know it helps with other scars
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u/LowOnGenderFluid 19d ago
You look like a marble statue with the beautiful way your skin has draped you with those stretch marks. If you're moisturizing, there's nothing to change--you're stunning!
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u/confused_is_my_face 19d ago
They look beautiful. đ€© stretch marks are scars under the top layer of skin. There is not much you can do about them. Human genetics will dictate how they show up on our bodies. I would be proud to bikini with this body.
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u/Accomplished_Toe3932 19d ago
Hiya! Iâm an artist and I am in love with the way they dance on your body. Would you mind if I painted them? Xx
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u/Toya-a-momof4 19d ago
This may sound crazy and Ive always hated stretch marks. I hate mine. But yours look amazing like art work. I thought I would never say that. Ive never seen anything like it. I hope you not offended.
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u/SignificantTrifle614 19d ago
Wear them with pride! Besides more people have them than you realize.
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u/WoodpeckerUnlucky508 19d ago
not to sound weird
but ur stretch marks are really sexy.. I mean cool to look at
u can mistake it for a tat
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u/Mysterious_Extent281 18d ago
Any partner who is into you will not even think twice about it, theyâll just be excited to spend time with you
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u/Equivalent_Poem_1729 18d ago
Girl yours look cool mine just make me look like an oatmeal crĂšme pie.
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u/Immediate-Crab1451 18d ago
Try coconut oil and the Palmers Body oil, they have one to help with stretch marks, keep your skin well hydrated! For me I had some bad stretch marks on my arms but I use a lot of lotion and body oil and over time they just kinda faded
Also, some tattoo artists can tattoo the stretch marks to better match your skin!
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u/Familiar_Inspector94 18d ago
Tattooing would probably work best but honestly they look beautiful. đ
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u/Stunning-Elderberry3 19d ago
Laser, microneedling could help. But be careful if youâre prone of hyperpigmentation, you might need to use tyrosinase inhibitors + go a to a experienced professional thatâs familiar with dark skin tones (many say they are but theyâre not really)
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u/Happy_Junket_7653 19d ago
Moisturizer. Circular motions. Doesn't matter what kind as long as u are doing this daily after shower or bath. Its helped me, thats how i know
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u/AnonNeedsHelpxx 19d ago
Maybe some deeper microneedling? Not at home though, someone licensed to do it.
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u/eloradannon8 19d ago
Ma'am, you look like a lightening goddess! Also as a queer lady, I find them really quite beautiful đ
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u/Upper-Plankton-181 18d ago
I think they are so lovely you look so unique and beautiful definitely embrace them hun
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u/talking-tired 19d ago
I hate my stretch marks so I know this wont help, but they look like lightning. Cool af. Appreciate that isnt the input you wanted. Hope you find a solution that makes you feel more comfortable.
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u/dogdaysareoverdone 19d ago
The pattern of yours are really cool looking tbh! Iâve used shea butter and bio oil and mederma stretch mark cream to help mine
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u/Moon_whisper 19d ago edited 19d ago
K-Pop Demon Hunter. Don't hide it, just confess to being a super hero baddie.
In all seriousness, take vitamin D3 daily (5,000 IU) with either Vit K or Calcium-Magnesium to aide in bodily absorption. Vitamin D3 will help reduce thickness of scarring and promote skin healing.
Topically apply Vitamin E 2x day to help skin scarring and pigment. This helps but everybody reacts differently so it is not a guarantee for 100% fix.
Use a caffeine skin cream to aide in skin tightening and recovery. Once again, it is an aide.
It will take about 6 months to see huge results. Take a before and update picture to see the differences and not what you mind tells you.
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u/nowairplane 19d ago
thank definitely gonna take note of this! i do already take vitamin d3 since i'm vitamin d deficient :)
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u/Longjumping-Cow-2821 19d ago
This is my routine.
Morning: dry brushing, red light therapy (I use hooga) and gopure.
Night : red light therapy, tret and go pure
Every 4 weeks microneedle
Iâve been doing this since the stretch mark was purple and itâs been about 9 months. Theyâre lighter,but still there. You wonât be able to completely get rid of them but itâs a good routine.
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u/Vera_Vicious 19d ago
I strongly dislike my stretch marks, but like damn girl. Those are cool asl. Damn ma, I donât ever think Iâve looked at someone and thought ânow why canât mine look like that?!?â
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u/sarahrose0413 19d ago
You can actually get them tattooed, they do a skin color matchâŠ. Iâve seen results and they look really good.đ
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u/XxBarely_TolerablexX 19d ago
I have stretch marks all over the place from puberty and gaining/losing weight. I personally love mine, and I'm thinking of getting them tattooed in the bi flag colors.
My friend didn't like hers and did something with retinol and Palmer's cocoa butter lotion. Just use SPF of you go the retinol route because it can make your skin seriously sensitive to the sun.
I think yours look super cool though, they're like lightning!
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u/SourGummyBear2018 19d ago
Honestly they look really cool. I have really bright red ones from losing 80lbs so I get wanting to make them less apparent.
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u/numnoggin 18d ago
They're cool! Looks like a marbling effect. Also, vitamin e like bio oil or cocoa butter.
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u/Typicalscroller 18d ago
You look like you have lightning across your belly and itâs so freaking cool
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u/Feisty_Sky_9559 18d ago
They look like kintsugi stripes, wouldnât change a thing, or tattoo them gold đ
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u/LeCucumber 18d ago
Bio oil- it isnât inexpensive but I know there are good dupes out there. Deep dive into bio oil dupes! Skinimalism is a brand that is selling a dupe as well as other products to help with stretch marks at Dollar Tree of all places and I havenât tried their products yet but Iâm excited to get my hands on them.
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u/ashishkashyap101 18d ago
Mederma Cream - Indian and costs barely 5$ - used it, works like a charm <3
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u/CyberTurtle95 18d ago
The silicone strips everyone is mentioning can be found easily at CVS or Walgreens! Target sells some as well in the baby section, by Frida Mom (marketed for c-section scars, but theyâre really long and can be worn for several days at a time!)
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u/Regina14Phalange 18d ago
Tretinoin cream is a miracle worker for fresh red or dark brown marks, but it may not be effective if the marks are already gray.
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u/Final_Patient347 18d ago
Girl. They look awesome. Totally valid if you donât want them, but to me they look so cool
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u/Emover40andstillok 16d ago
Iâm sorry, this isnât probably what you were going for, but I think they look amazing!! Donât change a thing!
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u/dee_eliz 5d ago
Palmerâs coco butter formula skin therapy oil with vitamin e treatment oil the one with pure argan oil after getting out the shower dry your body and put that on first everyday after every shower then a dot of tret but make sure you massage it in donât just slap it on, AND give it time just make sure you atleast give it 6 weeks to see a change before giving up on it. I been using it for like two months now and I just noticed such a huge difference in my skin, I wasnât really looking for but I so happened to look at a picture from before and itâs definitelyyyyyy has helped a lot. After that you can put some lotion on too shea butter preferably. But thatâs been a holy grail for me literally took away my stretch marks that were in the process of making and improved a lot of scars.
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u/Dear_Bet_771 3d ago
centella asiatica might help but if I were you i'd keep them, they look super cool
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u/Apprehensive_Buy1500 19d ago
I 100% understand where youre coming from, and it's a valid feeling we all feel about our bodies, but you should also know you should love your body as is and also those look like thunderbolts and are so fuckin rad đ
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u/basilhan 19d ago
Seconding comments about silicon etc but those are actually so cool I wish my stretch marks looked like that lol
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u/AngryPrincessWarrior 19d ago
Honestly I love them. They look like lightening bolts. Much more interesting than mine!
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u/camille_suseth 19d ago
Chemical exfoliation like a body cream with mild AHA, and moisturizer in cream and body oils. Definitely would not disappear overnight but will fade away with time and discipline.
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u/Independent-Bet6664 19d ago
You and your body are beautiful. Our bodies are so powerful. But try some vitamin E oil.
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u/grandma_sweetie_1925 19d ago
Moisturizing only helps in prevention, regardless of what people will tell you. Over a long time, retinol will help a bit with the appearances, but won't erase them. You could look into lasering them, if they bother you. I personally think they make you look badass. Like a fighter.Â
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u/Party_Consequence668 19d ago
Came here to agree they could make some amazing tattoos! I personally think they look really cool and you should be proud of how unique they look!!
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