How to Get Rid of Bra Indents on Shoulders-11 Effective Ways
Bra indentations occur as a result of downward pressure exerted by bra straps on your shoulders. The bra indents often appear as dark, ugly patches that turn into permanent marks over time.
Bra indentations are mainly caused by ill-fitting bras that dig through your shoulders thus interfering with the normal flow of blood circulation. While for some people, the bra scars disappear over time, for some they could get darker and worse still, become permanent marks.
Now, wondering how to get rid of bra indents on shoulders? Well, there are a couple of effective methods, and wearing professionally fitted bras remains the most effective method. Others include exfoliators, massaging, using bra strap cushions, etc.
Let us delve into different ways of removing bra indents on shoulders
How to Get Rid of Bra Indents on Shoulders
1. Wear the correct bra size
Wearing the correct bra size not only makes you comfortable but also prevents unnecessary pressure on your shoulders, and prevents bra scars, indents as well as shoulder pain.
So, it is important to regularly measure your proper bra size either by yourself or with the help of a professional. This is by measuring your band size, bra cup size, and bust number.
So, how do you know a perfect-fitting bra? Well, if the:
- bra’s bridge does not exert pressure on your chest
- bra’s underwire does not hurt you.
- bra’s band is flexible enough such that you can move it freely without the need to keep adjusting.
- bra’s cup fits well, with no loose space or inadequate space but a perfect fitting space.
2. Use a DIY Exfoliator (milk)
Did you know that milk contains vital nutrients that not only nourish your skin but can also lighten dark spots and scars?
To effectively achieve this on your bra indents, you will need to combine regular milk with almond oil. The almond oil works wonders by nourishing and soothing your skin.
The process of making this exfoliator entails carefully mixing a teaspoon of each ingredient, that is, almond oil and regular milk. The next step is to scrub your shoulders with the exfoliator with a keen interest in the bra indents.
After that, use a towel to cover the scrubbed area for absorption. Let it sit for a few minutes, say ten minutes, then rinse your shoulder with plain lukewarm water.
3. Massage your shoulders
Another effective way of getting rid of bra indents is by massaging your shoulders to aid blood circulation on your shoulders, while also fastening the healing process of bra indentations and scars.
We recommend using massage oils, especially olive oil and almond oil. The latter works quite effectively in nourishing your skin giving it a perfect glow.
You may also want to add essential oils such as tree tea oil that is rich in essential nutrients that work to lighten the dark scars and indents.
When massaging your shoulders, you can extend to the neck and the upper back to release the tension throughout these areas. Remember you can do it yourself or have someone massage you.
Once you are done with the massage process, rinse your shoulders using mild soap and lukewarm water. Don’t forget to moisturize!
4. Wear a sunscreen
Whether it is hot summer or mildly hot, applying sunscreen helps to keep your skin well moisturized.
It also blocks the harmful UV rays from damaging your already fragile skin as a result of bra indents, especially during high temperatures. Remember that bra indents and patches are likely to occur during the hot summer season.
When shopping for sunscreen, consider one with a minimum high factor of 30.
5. Wear a strapless bra
If you are comfortable wearing strapless bras, you may want to consider them to give your shoulders a break as it heals.
This is particularly important if you suffer from shoulder pain as it will relieve your shoulders from downward pressure exerted by bra straps, thus a pain relief. Also, it will give the bra marks time to clear away.
Strapless bras also help improve blood circulation on your shoulders and aid in lightening the dark marks.
See also: Post breast augmentation bras
6. Drink lots of water
Keeping yourself well hydrated translates to improved skin appearance and minimal chance of getting dark skin patches and bra indentations.
Six to eight glasses of water is an ideal water intake per day.
Besides drinking water, you should consider adding your diet to lots of fruits and vegetables. This way you will keep your body healthy from the inside while reflecting on your skin appearance.
7. Homemade moisturizing mask to soothe your skin
Keeping your skin well-moisturized makes it healthy skin. Healthy skin is highly likely to bounce back in case it faces undue pressure caused by bra straps and subsequently bra indents. With such skin, you can be sure that dark marks will fade easily.
What’s more, whenever you moisturize your skin, you attain a smoother skin appearance thus reducing the chances of suffering from bra indentations.
Just like milk, plain yogurt gives your skin the intense moisture that it needs. Coupled with turmeric, an antiseptic ingredient, your skin will be in for a great rejuvenation.
To make this homemade mask, you will need a teaspoon of plain natural yogurt combined with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric. For the best results, consider adding ½ teaspoon of honey to help the mask stick well on your skin.
Stir the mixture well. After that, gently apply it to the affected area of the skin. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Finally, wipe it off gently using a clean towel.
8. Cross your bra straps to reduce shoulder pressure
Crossed bra straps at the back tend to distribute the weight of your breasts evenly.
Therefore, you are likely to experience less pressure on your shoulders consequently, less likelihood of suffering from bra indentations.
See also: How do you tighten loose straps?
9. Use bra strap cushions
How about making use of bra strap cushions?
Bra strap cushions work to alleviate the exerted pressure from bra straps cutting into your skin thus causing bra indentations.
Just place the bra strap cushions beneath your bra straps to protect your shoulder back and you are good to go.
10. Make use of bras with wide straps
Bra straps that are wide tend to distribute weight over a large surface area, unlike thin straps that seem to cut through your skin sharply.
Therefore, the chances of suffering from bra indents with wide bra straps are minimal.
What’s more, wide bra straps exert less pressure on your shoulders thus no shoulder pains.
11. Seek medical attention
If the above methods don’t work, consider seeking professional medical services.
A plastic surgeon will likely assess the bra indentations to determine whether it is permanent or mild.
Permanent indents mainly occur as a result of damaged muscles on your shoulders and can be corrected mostly through surgery.
Mild bra indentations can be treated through minimally invasive treatments.
Additional Questions
How can shoulder indentations caused by bras be repaired?
One effective method you can consider is the regular application of an exfoliating scrub and moisturizer. An exfoliating scrub helps to remove dead skin cells and lighten the distinct lines made by your bra straps, significantly reducing the appearance of these indentations. Meanwhile, moisturizers work wonders in addressing the issue of dry and irritated skin caused by chafed straps, thereby further reducing the visibility of bra strap indentations. As someone who has personally dealt with this issue, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this strategy. In fact, I have found that using natural products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile offers the best results.
What is the solution for shoulder grooving?
Using an exfoliating scrub on your shoulders and hydrating masks are beneficial. Daily exfoliation not only fades the scars but also promotes the formation of new skin, which gradually makes the grooves less visible. I’ve found this method very effective over the years! Moreover, a well-formulated hydrating mask can significantly calm the skin. It adds a robust level of moisture, making the skin appear smoother and concealing minor dents which haven’t been present for long periods. This has personally worked for me, and I can confidently recommend this course of action.
How can bra strap syndrome be addressed?
The best way to prevent or alleviate the effects of bra strap syndrome is by alternating the type of bras worn. Either opt for strapless bras or those with wide straps, as these distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly, lessening the burden on your shoulders. Additionally, using a shoulder pad threaded through the strap can be beneficial—the downward pressure exerted by the straps is distributed evenly via the shoulder pad, preventing the formation of indentations. Personally, as someone who has faced these issues, I found that purchasing bras whereby the straps aren’t too tight can indeed make a difference.
What causes the grooves to form in your shoulders from a bra?
Shoulder Grooving is a condition where indentations form in your shoulders due to the weight-bearing pressure of bra straps on larger breasts. This constant pressure can lead to not only discomfort but, in severe cases, disfigurement. From a personal standpoint, investing in bras designed to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back can help preclude this issue. Regularly rotating between different types of bras can also help.