How To Hide Stretch Marks – 2 Simple Methods

Remove all traces of indented streaks from your body through makeup and tanning.

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• Nov 17, 2023

Image: Shutterstock

Stretch marks are quite normal. What defines you is who you are on the inside. Nonetheless, some women keep wondering how to hide stretch marks since they are self-conscious about them.

Most people prefer a smooth appearance to their skin, particularly if the marks are on their breasts, arms, butts, or legs. Stretch marks can be hidden and covered in a variety of ways. We have covered how to achieve it in this article. Keep reading to find out more!

In This Article

How To Hide Stretch Marks

If you are looking to hide your stretch marks, camouflage skin imperfections, blemishes, scars, or other skin issues, there are several remedies and skin care techniques you can try. You can use makeup and self-tanning products to conceal your stretch marks temporarily. White or old stretch marks are usually difficult to treat or erase (1). If you have such stretch marks, the following methods can help.

Method 1: Makeup To Cover Stretch Marks

Step 1: Exfoliate The Skin

Woman exfoliating her legs to lighten the appearance of stretch marks

Image: Shutterstock

Your skin must be smooth before you can cover the stretch marks with makeup. Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells and makes the skin smoother and softer. You can use a scrub for exfoliation.

Step 2: Apply Sunscreen

Woman applying sunscreen to reduce the appearance of stretch marks

Image: Shutterstock

Sun protection is important whenever you are heading out. UV exposure can damage your skin. Exposing stretch marks to UV rays can further aggravate them and cause hyperpigmentation.

Step 3: Apply Concealer

Layer the sunscreen with a concealer. Use a flat foundation brush to apply the concealer to the stretch marks. Make sure to apply a thin layer and check the coverage. If you are not satisfied, apply another layer of concealer.

Use short strokes to apply the concealer. Tap with a beauty blender/sponge for a flawless finish.

Step 4: Apply Setting Powder

Woman using setting powder to hide stretch marks

Image: Shutterstock

After applying the concealer, you need to set it with a setting powder. Use a powder brush for this purpose. Once you have applied the powder, leave it as it is for at least 2 minutes.

Related: How To Apply Compact Perfectly

Step 5: Fix Your Makeup

Woman applying setting spray on her makeup to hide stretch marks

Image: Shutterstock

Use a makeup setting spray to set your makeup. This ensures your makeup doesn’t melt or transfer to your clothes.

A blogger discussed how she reduced her stretch marks. She shared pictures of the initial angry red lines that significantly lightened 1.5 years later. She writes, “I alternated between a bunch of stretch mark creams, and Jojoba oil with vitamin E. Massaging the skin is more important than the cream! (i)” She also believed that mental aspects played a significant role, emphasizing, “A few kind thoughts towards your body do wonders for your self-esteem.”

Method 2: Self Tanners To Cover Stretch Marks

Step 1: Exfoliate The Skin

The first step is to prepare your skin for the process. Exfoliate your skin so that the product gets a smoother surface for a flawless finish. You can exfoliate your skin with a scrubber while taking a shower. However, do this a day before applying the self-tanner.

Step 2: Apply Tanner

Woman putting tanning cream on the applicator glove to hide stretch marks

Image: Shutterstock

Squeeze the self-tanning lotion into a plate. Decide the quantity as per the area you need to cover. Dab the beauty blender in the tanning lotion and apply it along the lines of the stretch marks. Apply the tanning lotion to your legs and hands to make it look even.

Step 3: Let It Dry

Let your skin dry after the application. Check if the application is uniform. Correct any streaks or dark patches; use a washcloth to wipe them.

If you are not satisfied with the results, you can remove the fake tan or reapply.

Quick Tip

To increase the longevity of your fake tan so it conceals your stretch marks for an extended period, wear loose-fitting clothes after the procedure for at least 24 hours.

These two methods can help you cover your stretch marks. In addition, there are other simple ways you can achieve these results.

Other Useful Tips To Cover Stretch Marks

Clothes are one of the best ways to cover your stretch marks. Here are a few tips:

Wear high-waisted pants or bikini bottoms to cover the stretch marks on your abdomen.

You can also wear long shirts.

Pick bikini bottoms that offer back coverage to hide any stretch marks on your buttocks.

Pick a tankini that covers your torso and chest area. This can conceal stretch marks on your breasts, lower back, abdomen, and buttocks.

You may also try tattooing. Get in touch with any cosmetic tattoo artist. They use skin-colored ink to conceal your stretch marks (2).

From one study, stretch marks are more common in women than in men, and they are more noticeable in people with darker skin. In puberty, the striae (stretch marks) prevalence ranges from 6% to 86%, in pregnancy, 43% to 88%, and in obesity, it is 43%.

Early treatment can help reduce the intensity of the stretch marks. During the early stages, the stretch marks appear reddish, purple, or pinkish. This is when you need to start treatment. Fresh stretch marks respond well to treatment with tretinoin (3). Hence, consult a dermatologist for treatment options when the stretch marks are fresh.

Keep in mind that sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, enhancing the appearance of your stretch marks. To avoid this, always apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

Quick Tip

If shirts are not your thing, you can opt for a scarf and wrap it around yourself to cover stretch marks on the upper half of your body.

Now, the big question remains – do stretch marks ever go away? Keep reading to find out.

Do Stretch Marks Go Away?

Stretch marks do often fade over time, but they may not completely disappear. Initially, they appear as red or purple lines due to skin stretching, and with time, they often become lighter, resembling silvery-white streaks. While some creams and treatments help minimize their appearance, their effectiveness varies from person to person. Factors such as skin type, genetics, and their cause determine their fading. Regular moisturizing, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may aid in minimizing their visibility. For more severe cases, medical procedures like laser therapy or microdermabrasion may be recommended (4). Nevertheless, consulting a dermatologist for personalized guidance based on individual circumstances is always beneficial.

Infographic: Easy Methods To Hide Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are normal, but women always try to hide stretch marks so as discussed in the article there are some ways to hide stretch marks. So to know about the easy methods to hide stretch marks, check out the infographic below!

easy methods to hide stretch marks (infographic)

While stretch marks are quite normal, most people like to hide them because they feel conscious about them. If you want to know how to hide stretch marks, it is pretty simple; you can either use self-tanners or concealers to cover the stretch marks. Ensure you exfoliate your skin to allow proper application of makeup on smooth skin. You can also try simpler hacks such as wearing high-waisted pants to cover the stretch marks on your abdomen and buttocks. For those who are more adventurous, you can also go for cover tattoos where they use skin-colored ink to cover the stretch marks. Last, but not least, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated can reduce your chances of developing stretch marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cover stretch marks with foundation?

Yes. A full-coverage foundation can help cover stretch marks.

How long do stretch marks take to fade?

They may not completely fade. However, with proper treatment, they may lighten in appearance within 6 to 12 weeks.

Will losing weight remove stretch marks?

No, stretch marks would not fade away even after losing weight.

Does hot water make stretch marks worse?

Taking hot showers may dry out the skin and dry skin is more likely to develop stretch marks.

Can salt remove stretch marks?

Sea salt is an excellent body scrub and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Is stretch mark laser treatment painful?

While it is not painful, it may cause slight discomfort.

Key Takeaways

Stretch marks can be temporarily concealed with makeup and self-tanning products.
To hide your stretch marks, choose high-waisted jeans or bikini bottoms.
You could also consider getting a tattoo, as a tattoo artist can conceal your stretch marks with skin-colored ink.
If your stretch marks have turned white, see a dermatologist for help.
On the other hand, fresh stretch marks can be efficiently treated by hydrating your skin.

Learn how to hide stretch marks with this easy tutorial. Get tips on the best products and techniques to improve their appearance by clicking on this video.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. My Stretchmarks (Almost) Disappeared With At Home Methods
http://www.venusianglow.com/2008/10/my-stretchmarks-almost-disappeared-no.html

References

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