If you’ve ever glimpsed a sparkling lightning bolt pattern on your butt or thighs and felt like your skin was telling you a secret, you’re in good company. The first thing to say is that having stretch marks is as rare and “embarrassing” as having a belly button. Imagine this. You’re living your best life, your body is doing an incredible job of growing, changing, and taking up space, and your skin is just trying to keep up with your evolution. It’s not a flaw. It’s a roadmap of where you’ve been and the glorious space you occupy now.
Welcome to a space where you stop looking at your skin through the lens of “correction” and start looking at it with the eyes of a creative director. We’re reframing the story from “How do we hide it?” to “Do you know how cool this actually is?” Your body is a canvas and these lines are the brushstrokes of a life lived out loud. Whether they’re silvery-white or bold purple, they’re yours and deserve to be treated with the same luxury and care you’d give your favorite silk slip dress.
So what’s the tea in these lines?
Let’s talk science. But let’s keep it chic. Stretch marks, or striae if you want to get fancy at a dinner party, occur when the middle layer of your skin (the dermis) is stretched faster than the fibers can keep up. Think of your skin like a high-quality elastic waistband. They are designed to be flexible, but when your body expands rapidly, such as through puberty, gaining muscle, or simply becoming more beautiful and plus size, the internal fibers can tear.
According to mayo clinic“The severity of stretch marks is influenced by several factors, including genetics and the degree of stress on the skin.” It’s literally written into your DNA. If your mother had them and your grandma had them, you’re just passing on the legacy growing up. It’s also important to note that the stress hormone cortisol may play a role by weakening the skin’s elastic fibers. In short, staying cool doesn’t just make you feel better. It’s a literal skin care routine.
Structure of glow up
When these marks first arrive, they usually appear in bright colors such as pink, red, or even deep blue. This is because blood vessels beneath the skin are exposed through tears in the dermis. Over time, they fade into the iconic silver or white lines we all know. There are no “broken” parts in this process at all. It’s just biology playing its part.
of American Academy of Dermatology While many products claim to erase them, they point out that “most of these products don’t work.” This is why we focus on care and nutrition rather than “cure”. Once you understand that stretch marks are deep within the dermal layer, you realize that no cream will work as a magic eraser, and that’s perfectly fine. We are not trying to erase evidence of its existence.
3 How to treat stretch marks like royalty
1. Hydration is your new best friend
While you can’t “scrub away” stretch marks, it’s definitely possible to make your skin feel buttery. Using rich emollient oils such as cocoa butter or shea butter will keep the surface layer of your skin supple and radiant. Think of it like polishing a diamond. You are not changing a stone. I’m just making sure it captures the light beautifully.
2. Gives radiance from within
Skin loves collagen. Applying collagen topically is a bit of a misconception, but eating foods rich in vitamin C and zinc can help your body produce collagen. It’s about giving the dermis the tools it needs to stay strong and elastic. Plus, drinking water is the ultimate plus-size power-up for a glowing-from-within look.
3. Massage the main character
When applying lotion, don’t just slap it on. Let’s do a lymphatic massage. This increases blood flow to the area and increases skin elasticity. It’s a moment of connection with your body that says, “I look at you, I love you, and you deserve to feel soft.”
final words about your masterpiece
It’s time to stop thinking that it has to be “seamless” to be beautiful. Every plus-size woman who’s ever hesitated to wear a swimsuit because of stretch marks deserves to know that those lines are a sign of a body that has survived and grown. We’re moving away from marketing based on the fear that if your skin isn’t airbrushed to perfection, you’ll fail. Perfection is boring. Personality is everything.
You are the creative director of your own image, and stretch marks are part of your signature style. You can take back your power by taking care of your skin with premium oils and having a “hey, you know what?” attitude about your biology. Have someone wear them with confidence knowing that your line is a work of art in progress. It doesn’t just take up space. You are expanding your empire and your skin is only making room for all of its greatness.
What has recently made you start viewing parts of your body as “works of art”? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
