No matter how much a woman cares about the condition of her body, sooner or later problems with stretch marks still arise. This is explained by the predisposition of the fair sex to this skin pathology. Stretch marks on the chest, sides, and hips significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life and impose restrictions on the choice of certain clothing models.
Cosmetic defects sometimes affect men, but they rarely pay attention to small scars. Before removing stretch marks from the body, experts advise women to undergo a full medical examination to determine the cause of internal tears in the skin tissue.
Why do people get stretch marks?
Stretch marks, or stretch marks, look like deep, oblong scars. Their color can vary from light pink to dark purple. The lighter the shade of cosmetic defects, the faster and easier it is to get rid of them. Stretch marks occur due to damage to the inner layers of the epidermis as a result of excess stress. Striations of intense color cannot be eliminated even with modern cosmetic procedures, but making them less noticeable will not be a problem. Old stretch marks can be removed from the skin only during a complex surgical operation.
Unsightly scars appear under certain conditions. The skin is stretched so much that it ruptures. Cosmetologists identify several main causes of the pathological process:
- sharp fluctuations in hormonal levels in women during pregnancy, as well as in representatives of the stronger sex who abuse steroids to build muscle;
- sudden weight loss or rapid weight gain provokes stretching or compression of all layers of the epidermis, loss of elasticity of the skin;
- disruption of the endocrine system leads to excessive or insufficient production of endocrine hormones by the glands.
These biologically active substances cause stretch marks to appear in very young girls. During adolescence, their body produces a significant amount of hormones - the main culprits in the formation of skin pathologies. But young people should not worry too much about this - their epidermis has increased regenerative properties, so there is a high probability that the skin will completely recover within a few years. During pregnancy, the situation is aggravated by the growth of the breasts, hips, abdomen, and weight gain. It is a rare woman who, after giving birth to a child, can boast of the original smoothness of her skin.
It is possible to remove stretch marks at home with due diligence and patience, but doctors advise spending a little time on diagnosis. The fact is that a cosmetic defect is also a symptom of very serious diseases that can be easily treated at the initial stage. These include:
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- hypercortisolism is a pathology of the endocrine system that occurs against the background of excessive production of hormones by the adrenal cortex;
- insufficient or increased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland;
- malignant and benign neoplasms in the medulla or cortex of the adrenal glands.
Steroid hormones become provoking factors for the development of stretch marks in these diseases. The firmness and elasticity of the skin depends on their concentration in the bloodstream. Even slight fluctuations in weight in this condition of the epidermis lead to tissue rupture. After treatment of the underlying pathology, the elasticity of the skin will be restored, but the stretch marks will not disappear without a trace. They need to be dealt with using restorative procedures in clinics or at home.
The symptoms of no skin disease even remotely resemble stretch marks. Striae look like thin stripes of varying lengths and widths. At the initial stage, their color is bright and saturated. This is explained by hemorrhages that occurred when tissue ruptured. Over time, blood clots dissolve and stretch marks gradually fade. At a certain stage, the color of the stretch marks is compared with the skin tone. But it’s too early to rejoice - the scars continue to fade and begin to stand out strongly against the darker background of the skin.
You can get rid of stretch marks using a laser
What stretch marks look like
The type of striae depends on their age. Immediately after they appear, they are bright red or purple. Blood vessels give them this color. Over time, the connective tissue grows, completely filling the vessels. Therefore, stretch marks lighten and become white or gray with a barely noticeable pearlescent tint.
Deep stretch marks on the abdomen
The shape of striae most often resembles:
- lightning;
- prominent veins;
- just stripes.
It is important!
The connective tissue of stretch marks does not produce pigment, so when tanning, stretch marks become even more noticeable. Hair does not grow on damaged areas of the skin, and sweat production stops.
Salon treatments
In clinics and beauty salons, specialists will even out the skin texture, restore the elasticity and natural shade of the area of the body where the stretch marks are located. It is impossible to completely remove stretch marks, but they will become almost invisible. Modern clinics are equipped with various devices for scar removal.
They also offer clients more gentle methods - wraps, scrubs, therapeutic massages. After an examination, a specialist will tell you how to quickly get rid of stretch marks. If the scars are old and rough, then only the use of a whole set of techniques applied in a certain sequence can help.
Laser peeling
Under the influence of laser beams, the skin texture is evened out. This occurs by removing the top layer of the epidermis and stimulating tissue formation. New cells contain a lot of collagen and elastin, biological compounds responsible for the elasticity of the epidermis. After a certain time, young tissues gradually replace damaged ones, and stretch marks become less pronounced.
The attending physician will tell you whether stretch marks can be removed with a laser for a particular patient. For some people, these procedures are contraindicated. Laser peeling is accompanied by minor damage to the dermis, so a rehabilitation period is provided between procedures. Typically it lasts from 10 to 30 days, after which a specialist evaluates the results. The number of sessions depends on the age of the scars and the area of the body damaged by them. To cure light stretch marks, 3-4 salon procedures are often enough.
Thermolysis using laser beams
This is a set of techniques that combine various methods of applying burns to the upper layers of the epidermis, the size of which is insignificant. After the procedure, the regeneration of young cells is stimulated. They contain a lot of elastin and collagen, the molecules of which are twisted into spirals. This helps tighten tissues and even out skin tone. Thermolysis methods differ from each other only in the diameter of the laser beams used.
Biorevitalization, mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is the parenteral administration of biologically active substances into the deep layers of the epidermis.
Under the influence of these medications, scars disappear forever. In their place, new, healthy tissues are formed. During the biorevitalization procedure, injections of hyaluronic acid are used. The substance is part of human connective tissue and ensures the correct arrangement of collagen and elastin chains. At the initial stage of treatment, stretch marks retain their color, and then gradually fade. The surface of the skin is smoothed, and stretch marks become almost invisible.
Ozone therapy
You can get rid of red, unsightly stretch marks with a course of injections with an ozone-oxygen mixture. This technique is based on a combination of parenteral administration of a medicinal product with massage. The mixture is evenly distributed in all layers of the epidermis, scar tissue is destroyed, and the skin texture is leveled. To stimulate natural regenerative processes more fully, experts recommend combining it with peelings and wraps.
Peels with chemicals and abrasives
You can remove old stretch marks by removing the upper stratum corneum of the skin with crystalline substances with a solid structure. During the procedure, blood supply increases at the location of the stretch marks, which is a necessary condition for cell regeneration. Acceleration of metabolic processes contributes to the death of old damaged tissues and the formation of new ones containing the optimal amount of collagen. Resurfacing is a traumatic procedure, so the patient will need several weeks to recover, during which he must carefully care for the damaged skin.
Oils are an effective remedy for combating stretch marks.
Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of stretch marks
If you follow certain rules and try to lead a healthy lifestyle, you can avoid the appearance of stretch marks, which look so ugly on the skin.
| monitor your diet very carefully . Poor nutrition can lead to metabolic disorders, which in turn will lead to sharp fluctuations in body weight. Pay attention to the balance of your diet. The daily menu must include healthy microelements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. |
| — It is advisable to visit the massage therapist’s office as often as possible. If you do not have the opportunity to massage, you can get by with simply pinching the skin in problem areas. Use special massage oils and creams for stretch marks. |
| — A contrast shower will not only help improve your health, but also relieve you from the appearance of stretch marks. Alternately massaging problem areas with a stream of cold and warm water tones and strengthens the skin. After taking such a shower, rub your body with a towel, then lubricate your skin with a composition designed to prevent stretch marks. |
| Swimming is considered a very popular preventative measure in the fight against stretch marks . Try to visit the pool regularly, at least once or twice a week. |
| — It’s no secret that pregnancy contributes to the appearance of stretch marks. In order not to think in the future about how to get rid of stretch marks, wear special bras and bandages . These devices will prevent excessive stretching of the skin and will help quickly restore its shape during the postpartum period. |
| products containing elastin, collagen, vitamins E, A, C to care for your skin . From time to time, make compresses with decoctions of medicinal herbs, essential oils or fermented milk products. |
Treatment at home
It is not always possible to quickly remove stretch marks, especially old ones, even with the help of aggressive chemicals that are used in beauty salons. At home, treating stretch marks will take a long time, but with patience and strength, the skin texture will gradually level out, and the stretch marks will fade or disappear completely. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, it is recommended to alternate procedures.
Striae can be removed with food and medications, but most of them provoke allergic reactions. Before applying the freshly prepared mixture to the surface of the skin, testing should be carried out. A small amount of the product should be rubbed into the crook of the elbow or wrist and wait 25-30 minutes. If redness and rashes do not appear on the skin, then you can safely begin the procedures.
Mumiyo
Shilajit is a healthy mineral compound with a high content of phosphorus, manganese, potassium, sodium and calcium. Its use can significantly improve metabolism in damaged tissues and launch regeneration processes. A healing cream will help reduce the severity of stretch marks on the skin. To prepare it, mix 5 g of mumiyo (in the form of tar) with 100 g of fatty baby cream. Rub into the problem area overnight. The course of treatment is 30-45 days. The product must be stored in a cool place, protected from light.
Essential and cosmetic oils
Using oils, especially essential oils, in their pure form can cause skin burns. Therefore, they are used only as part of medicinal mixtures. You can choose any base - pharmaceutical Vaseline, nourishing or moisturizing cream. Oil extracts from the following medicinal plants effectively eliminate stretch marks on the skin:
- sage;
- almond;
- bergamot;
- sea buckthorn;
- wheat germ;
- iron tree.
To prepare the mixture, mix 5-6 drops of oil with 100 g of base. The product is used for therapeutic wraps, massages, masks, or simply rubbed into problem areas.
Scrub
Regular use of scrubs helps even out the texture of the skin and activate blood circulation in its deepest layers. Biologically active and nutrients begin to flow to damaged tissues, which accelerates metabolism and regeneration. The keratinized cells gradually exfoliate, and new ones form in their place. What scrubs can you make at home:
- mix 100 g of table salt with the same amount of sugar. Carefully add any vegetable oil drop by drop until a thick paste forms. Massage the stretch mark area several times a week for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water and apply nourishing cream;
- 5 tbsp. Mix a tablespoon of finely ground coffee beans with honey to form a thick mixture. Apply the required amount of product to problem areas and massage the skin in a circular motion for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, wipe with a cotton pad soaked in lotion or tonic.
The procedure should not be carried out daily. This is not safe for sensitive skin, as microscopic damage may occur during the massaging process. The rehabilitation period between sessions should be at least 2-3 days.
Seaweed wrap at home helps get rid of stretch marks
Wraps
It is possible to remove stretch marks at home using seaweed wraps. Laminaria and fucus are sold in pharmacies or cosmetics stores. Algae contains a huge amount of mineral compounds and biologically active substances. The sea plant is used to combat stretch marks, cellulite, obesity and skin aging.
To increase the content of collagen and elastin in the epidermis with therapeutic wraps, procedures should be carried out regularly. To make the mixture, 200 g of kelp are crushed and soaked in warm water. The swollen algae is lightly squeezed out and applied to the problem area. A moisture-proof film and a terry towel are placed on top. To ensure maximum therapeutic effect, you need to keep seaweed on your back, legs, thighs or stomach for 1-2 hours.
It is better to treat stretch marks under the supervision of specialists who have extensive experience in smoothing the skin texture. They recommend the most effective and gentle methods for eliminating stretch marks. It is quite possible to get rid of ugly scars, but you will have to make a lot of effort. And do not forget about a preliminary consultation with a doctor.
Home remedies
However, a good remedy for stretch marks on the stomach and other places can be prepared at home from your usual body milk and healing ingredients that can be found on the shelves of your refrigerator, kitchen cabinet, or purchased at a store or pharmacy.
To prepare a medicinal cream for stretch marks you will need:
- any body cream;
- mumiyo.
Manufacturing stages:
- After squeezing a sufficient amount of cream onto the palm of your hand to treat all problem areas, add 1 g of mumiyo to it and mix well.
- Treat the skin with circular massage movements and do this daily.
To prepare healing horsetail lotion you will need:
- horsetail grass in the amount of 50 g;
- 0.5 liters of vodka;
- lemon juice;
- distilled water in the amount of ½ liter.
Manufacturing stages:
- The removal of stretch marks is largely due to the action of horsetail. This plant is capable of accumulating silicon, and this mineral takes an active part in skin regeneration. Pour vodka over the horsetail, add a few drops of lemon and put it in a dark place for about a month.
- After this time, strain and dilute with 0.5 liters of distilled water.
- Wipe problem areas twice a day until all the lotion is gone.
Causes
The mechanism for the occurrence of stretch marks is quite simple: the skin becomes stretched, but the cell mass simply does not have time to grow, there is not enough collagen. Because of this, the skin becomes thinner and begins to tear in the area of connective tissue. This is how stretch marks are formed. What can provoke their appearance:
- Childbirth;
- Breast-feeding;
- Cutting weight gain or losing weight;
- Taking hormonal devices;
- Active training;
- A young age when the body is just forming.
It is very simple to understand that stretch marks have appeared on the skin. When the connective tissue is torn, scars can be seen on the skin. Their color ranges from red to blue. In addition to the skin, small blood vessels also rupture; over time, blood drains from them, so the stretch marks fade. Then they become completely white, do not itch, do not itch, do not hurt. In general, they do not cause any physical discomfort . It’s just that scarred skin doesn’t look very nice. Especially with a bronze tan, ultraviolet light does not affect connective tissue, which lacks melanin.
The more elastic your skin is, the less it will tear. If the body produces enough collagen and elastin, the skin will stretch and contract without harming its appearance.
Striae can be divided into old and fresh. The stretch marks that have just appeared still have a rich color, but the old ones are already visible in the form of whitish stripes. They often appear on the buttocks, abdomen, thighs, and chest.
