4 common body issues that can make you feel self-conscious

Forget our weight – there are other body issues and insecurities that can make us feel just as self-conscious about our appearance. That’s totally normal.
RELATED: How to get rid of embarassing facial hair
The good news is, now is the perfect time to commit to treating your body bugbears so that by next summer, they’ll no longer affect your confidence. So, let’s get started!
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks occur when the skin has rapidly stretched as a result of puberty, pregnancy or weight gain, and usually pop up on the hips, thighs or tummy. Whether you’re a woman or man, slim or curvy, anyone can get stretch marks – and they come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Typically, new stretch marks will be more red in colour and then fade to a silvery white. While prevention is always your best bet, you can’t always predict the changes to your body, which is why many of us are left with these annoying little lines. But don’t fret – there are things you can do to reduce their appearance.
Solutions:
DIY at home
Some common kitchen ingredients can help to fade and heal stretch marks. Potato juice, for example, contains vitamins and minerals that aid in the growth and restoration of skin cells. So, you could try cutting a potato in half and rubbing it on the stretch mark area for a few minutes. Other at-home solutions include using lemon juice, egg whites and olive oil.
Products for stretch marks
- Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil
- Palmer's Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion for Stretch Marks
- Environ Vitamin A, C & E Enhanced Body Oil
Professional treatment for stretch marks
E-Dermastamp/Dermaroller with Platelet Rich Plasma at Cosmos Clinic in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
RELATED: How to get rid of stretch marks
CELLULITE
A lot of people are under the impression that only overweight people have cellulite, but that’s not true. Even Chrissy Teigen, whose body is the envy of women all over the world, has admitted to having the lumpy, bumpy imperfection. There are many factors that can cause cellulite, such as genetics, fad dieting or a change in your metabolism. So even if you’re the healthiest, fittest version of yourself, there’s still no guarantee you won’t end up with it. And the same goes with getting rid of cellulite – there’s no instant cure, but there are plenty of options to help you smooth out this pesky imperfection.
Solutions:
DIY at home
Dry body brushing is one of the best DIY treatments for cellulite, as it works to increase blood circulation, smooth the skin and evenly distribute fat deposits. For the best results, use a brush with natural bristles in circular movements towards the heart. As for at-home ingredients, the caffeine in coffee grounds has a tightening effect on the skin, making it ideal for homemade cellulite scrubs.
Products for cellulite
Top tip: Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus recommends applying cellulite products after exercise so they absorb better: “It will help to activate the cellulite-fighting ingredients.”
Professional treatment for cellulite
Ella Baché Thermal Mud Body Treatment Mask, which is enriched with cocoa powder and caffeine to stimulate blood circulation and smooth the appearance of cellulite.
RELATED: Tone and tighten your trouble areas
DARK HAIR
If you love the cooler months purely for the fact that you don’t have to shave your dark underarm hair every day, imagine how good life would be if you never had to do it again? No matter if it’s on your legs, bikini line or face, dark hair can be a downer, especially if you have light skin. But gone are the days of daily hair removal – the beauty industry has come a long way, and there are plenty of ways to get longer lasting results.
Solutions:
DIY at home
IPL (intense pulsed light) devices target the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out – and they can be safely used at home. With continued use, they can halt the growth process of your hair, meaning you can go up to months without seeing a single hair. The catch? Those with light skin and dark hair are the best candidates and it may not work so well for others.
Products for hair removal
Professional hair removal
Arion Laser Hair Removal at Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia, with treatments every four to six weeks apart. Alternatively, Laser Clinics Australia also offers laser hair removal. There are over 40 locations across Australia – find your nearest one here.
RELATED: How to wax your arms
DRY, LACKLUSTRE SKIN
If you’ve been neglecting the skin on your body, it’ll take a little time to restore it and bring back that healthy glow we all know and love. Even if you don’t suffer from dryness, itchiness or flaking, your skin may still be craving some love and conditioning. Committing to a good body routine now will get your skin radiant and glowing from top to toe in no time.
Solutions:
DIY at home
Start by amping up your exfoliation routine: dry body brush daily and use an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week. Exfoliating will make any lotions and oils you apply afterwards to absorb deeper into the skin for long-lasting hydration. For bonus beauty points, take a few minutes to really massage these products in to stimulate blood circulation.
Products for dry, dull skin
Professional treatment for dry skin
endota spa Moisturise Body Treatment or Body Polish and Cream Hydration treatment at Ayurve Spa - 1/436 George Street, Sydney.
RELATED: The best body creams for every budget
What is your biggest body bugbear? Have you tried any of the tips, products or treatments mentioned above?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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104 Member Comments
Good article, gives you lots of choices
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IPL saved me. My biggest and only one was ingrowns. Not any more =D
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Good to know Yohanna. Would love to try IPL.
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Rubbing a cut potato into my skin? My husband would think I’ve finally lost it. And my daughter would wonder why I’m wasting food.
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The Vaseline spray moistursier is lovely, so moistursisng and smells gorgeous too
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I am very lucky that I don't have stretchmarks. I think out of all these cellulite would be the thing that I want to really get rid of.
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Very informative article, thank you.
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Dry, itchy, flaky skin is my biggest issue in winter. I have to moisturise from head to toe right out of the shower.
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Yet a again some great tips.
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I agree about the coffee grounds scrub, I have tried one, and while it makes a mess in the shower for a short while, it certainly does tighten the skin and leaves you feeling invigorated.
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My problem is I hate the smell of coffee.
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Great article, stretch marks! I use bio oil on my stretch marks.
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Can relate to a few of these issues.
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So many body issues to feel self conscious about, lucky we have so many products to address them :) I haven't tried any of these, but would like to.
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Great article, very informative
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Dry leg skin looks so much better with a dollop of body moisturiser. That's probably my bugbear.
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Dry itchy skin is the worst for me especially coming into winter and stretch marks
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Dry skin! Especially now we're heading back into winter. I just try to moisturise as well as exfoliate and dry body brush. As well as to cut myself some slack - at the end of the day, out bodies are amazing and do so much for us, so sometimes TLC is what we can do in return ❤
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I used to have dull dry skin. Since last year, I've been moisturising my body in the morning and night. I wake the next day with smooth silky skin and I don't have to worry about dry skin on my body...even during Winter!
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I used to be self conscious of my stretch marks especially when my couple on my hips turned into a belly full after having my son, but that soon dissappeared while on a camping trip when a few friends (men included) looked at them from a different view, by saying "they are a reminder of how amazing your body is" HELL YEAH the female body is amazing in all its perfect "imperfections".
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LaurenCeh, that's it exactly...they are not stretch marks they are tiger stripes and they're well earned. You've got a great bunch of friends
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Yes I have a lot of these ! Dark hair and have to shave every other day. IPL sounds great! And having dry skin in winter is a pain- I use coconut oil like it's going out of fashion!
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I have most of these! It's amazing to see that there are a lot more treatments and remedies than I expected!
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oh I have too many of these! it's winter now, so mostly they are hidden lol - outta sight, outta mind! Must admit as I've gotten older I don't care so much about my stretch marks, I earned them through several tough pregnancies including twins so I am even a little proud of them!
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