So, you’re on a bodybuilding mission to have a fit and attractive body? However, this sport doesn’t come easy. Moreover, despite its aesthetic benefits, it can have unpleasant side effects such as bodybuilding stretch marks on biceps. The good news is, stretch marks can be prevented with a good diet and hydration, to at least reduce their visibility. Want to know how to prevent and manage bodybuilding stretch marks on biceps? If so, continue reading.
What Causes Stretch Marks on Outer Thighs?
What Exactly are Stretch Marks?
To put it simply, stretch marks are narrow streaks that appear on the skin as a result of tension caused by overstretched skin. They may be purple, yellow, or red depending on your skin colour and type. Although they do not have any serious medical implications, body aesthetics and other confidence issues can be problematic.
Image Credit:
Anastase Maragos
Why Do My Biceps Get Stretch Marks from Working Out?
Think of it as a balloon that has been overblown just before it explodes. The fading of the thin balloon material after it is overstretched can be likened to the light streaks on your skin after some time of intensive weight lifting. This will usually appear on your biceps or forearms due to rapid muscle growth and expansion from bodybuilding activities. When this expansion exceeds your skin’s elasticity, the skin breaks and the end result is a streaky pattern called a stretch mark.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks on Biceps
If you haven’t yet developed stretch marks, congratulations!! You are in luck. You are a step ahead but hey, don’t relax yet. You still have work to do – maintenance. What you need to consider is how to take steps to prevent stretch marks from developing on your flawless body. Want to know more about these vital steps? If so, continue reading.
1. Have a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet will help you to include essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin. These include vitamin A, C, E, niacin, iodine, zinc, copper, and antioxidants. You can get these nutrients from whole grains, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to include a generous dose of fruits and vegetables in your diet daily.
2. Aim for Gradual Weight Gain or Loss
As noted earlier, stretch marks from bodybuilding result from rapid muscle growth beyond the elasticity of the skin. Therefore, it is important to aim for a gradual increase in muscle tone so that your skin can have enough time to adapt to the expanding muscles. As excited as you are to achieve your beach bod in days, you might want to take it easy before you end up with a map of the world on your biceps! This gradual increase in muscle mass is less likely to overstretch the skin enough to form stretch marks.
3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised
Hydrating oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamins A and E help to prevent stretch marks by keeping the skin moisturised. Coconut oil and olive oil also work as great skin moisturisers loaded with antioxidants. Applying them regularly on your upper arms enhances your skin moisturising properties. Don’t forget to include water in your diet for natural hydration from the inside which gives your skin an appealing glow on the outside.
Image Credit: John Arano
How to Deal With Stretch Marks on Biceps
Very well, so you’ve got stretch marks already. Now what? Don’t feel bad about them. You have been working hard on building your muscles and you definitely deserve a pat on your back. That said, if you want to know the best way to deal with bodybuilding stretch marks on biceps, keep reading.
1. Use Stretch Mark Removal Creams
Stretch mark removal creams mostly promise to fade existing stretch marks with little time and effort. As a result, it is the go-to method for most bodybuilders who want to save time for more workout sessions. These creams function by promoting the production of collagen and elastin in the body, which are both proteins found in the skin. While collagen gives structure to the skin, elastin encourages blood circulation. More so, both elastin and collagen work together to prevent wrinkles from forming on the skin.
As soon as you spot the appearance of stretch marks, apply a stretch mark removal cream on them for a few months. This will prevent the formation of new streaks on the biceps, while helping to diminish the appearance of existing streaks.
2. Vitamin E Supplementation
Vitamin E, when combined with essential oils such as argan and rosehip oil, can do wonders for the skin. Although this will not reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your biceps, it does come with many skin rejuvenating benefits. This fat-soluble vitamin also comes with antioxidant functions to protect cell damage from free radicals. More so, it is a common ingredient in most lotions and sunscreens and benefits the skin through hydration and promotion of new cell growth.
3. Use a Derma Roller
Dermarolling, also known as micro-needling, is an effective and non-invasive skin treatment method. The device is made up of a roller composed of several small fine needles, which is attached to a handle. You can use a derma roller to treat stretch marks on your upper arms by rolling it over your skin. The fine needles on the roller create tiny holes in the skin, creating a controlled skin injury.
This controlled injury leads to superficial bleeding which allows the body to self-heal, resulting in the formation of new blood vessels and the production of collagen. The collagen will then help to make your skin firm and reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your biceps. Repeat about twice monthly for the best results. Applying oil to the affected area after using the derma roller will enhance results.
To Conclude
As established, bodybuilding stretch marks on biceps can come as a result of excessive working out. However, this can be prevented and managed with the right diet, hydration, and systematic weight gain or loss. That being said, if you develop stretch marks from bodybuilding, you can reduce their appearance by using stretch mark removal creams, vitamin E supplementation, and a derma roller.
Which other remedies have worked for you in removing stretch marks on your biceps? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section and feel free to share this article.
