What stretch marks look like on the legs of teenagers

Stretch marks on the legs of teenagers are a common problem: the occurrence of the so-called. Striae during puberty are observed in 25% of the population. Correction of skin defects requires an integrated approach. In the absence of timely treatment, formations are modified into physiological scars, which are eliminated mainly through surgical intervention.

Reasons for education

The etiology of the disease has not been sufficiently studied.

Doctors say the main reason for the appearance of stretch marks is disruption of connective tissue cells. Factors influencing the decrease in the ability of fibroblasts to synthesize elastin and collagen include:

1. Hormonal imbalance caused by diseases of the endocrine system (including increased secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex) or long-term use of steroids.
2. Genetic predisposition. The risk of stretch marks is increased in children whose parents have similar skin defects.
3. Malfunctions of the immune system.

The list of additional reasons why stretch marks appear on the hips and under the knees of adolescents includes an increase in muscle mass during intense sports activities, obesity, a pubertal growth spurt, and excessive physical activity.

The formations in question are localized not only in the area of ​​the lower extremities. In girls, stretch marks appear on the chest during the development of the mammary glands, on the stomach - during pregnancy; in children, regardless of gender, skin defects form on the back and shoulders with the progression of autosomal dominant diseases (including Marfan syndrome).

What they look like

Under the influence of one or more of the above reasons, the reticular layer of the dermis is destroyed: small vessels, elastin and collagen fibers are torn. The consequence of microdeformations is the appearance of multiple (less often single) narrow wavy stripes on the integument in the injured area. Formations are located on the body horizontally, radially or vertically; their length varies between 1-10 cm, width - from 1 to 6 mm.

Striae can be flush with the skin or have a convex or retracted relief. Stretch marks protruding above the epidermis sink into fibrous structures upon palpation.

The color of the stripes changes over time. Newly appeared formations have a red-violet hue; As the affected areas fill with connective tissue, the scars gradually fade. Old (formed more than 6 months ago) striae are colored pearlescent white.

Why stretch marks are especially noticeable on dark or tanned skin is very simple: the melanin pigment is not synthesized in the injured areas of the dermis.

Treatment

Therapy for deformities is a long-term process, the effectiveness of which depends on how long ago the problem occurred. Stripes formed over 1-6 months. before contacting a doctor, they are completely eliminated by using laser resurfacing, mesotherapy and cosmetic preparations. Surgery may be required to remove hardened scars.

It is prohibited to treat stretch marks on a child’s legs on your own, without first consulting a specialist. The method of treating stretch marks is chosen by the doctor after determining the reasons for their appearance and assessing the general health of the child.

Mesotherapy

During the procedure, small doses of special substances (vitamin cocktails, collagen, etc.) are introduced into the skin of the legs, which soften the connective tissue structures, minimize trophic disorders of the integument and activate the regeneration processes of deformed areas.

The list of contraindications for mesotherapy includes:

1. neurological diseases;
2. blood clotting disorder;
3. inflammatory diseases of injured areas;
4. infectious and oncological pathologies;
5. pregnancy;
6. individual intolerance to the drugs used.

The average duration of treatment for stretch marks is 6 months.

Cosmetology preparations

To remove newly developed stretch marks, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic creams and medicinal ointments.

The components of products approved for use in adolescence are:

1. elastin;
2. collagen;
3. vitamins (A, E, K);
4. cocoa butter, shea butter, almond, coconut.

Liniments moisturize the skin, increase its elasticity and smoothness, and reduce the brightness of the color of formations. Sales of drugs are carried out through pharmacy chains.

The list of popular products includes cosmetic creams Sanosan and Mustela, ointments Bepanten, Contractubex.

To obtain the expected effect, you should apply the product to your feet 2 times a day. The minimum duration of therapy is 3 months.

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing helps quickly get rid of cosmetic defects on the skin. Manipulations are carried out using 2 types of devices: erbium and carbon dioxide. The first is used to eliminate shallow stretch marks, the second allows you to correct advanced formations.

The procedures are contraindicated for adolescents suffering from:

1. diabetes mellitus;
2. oncological diseases;
3. epilepsy;
4. kidney diseases;
5. inflammatory pathologies of the epidermis.

The method under consideration for removing stretch marks involves exposing the injured skin of the legs to laser beams. Manipulations minimize the affected area, restore the natural color, elasticity and smoothness of tissues.

Resurfacing is not performed on pregnant or lactating minors.

The described procedure is highly expensive.

Vitamins

Taking vitamin complexes helps slow down the process of thickening and scarring of stretch marks on the legs. The additives should contain:

1. Retinol, which strengthens the immune system and activates the regeneration of skin structures.
2. Ascorbic acid, involved in collagen synthesis.
3. Phylloquinol, the need for which increases significantly during the phase of rapid growth of the body. The substance has a brightening effect.
4. Vitamin D vitamers (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol). The list of the most important functions performed by biologically active components includes regulation of metabolic processes and activation of the secretion of certain hormones.

Before choosing the optimal drug, you should consult your doctor.

Folk remedies

Stretch marks that form on the hips or behind the knees in teenagers can be eliminated using alternative medicine recipes.

Effective folk methods of restoring damaged structures are compresses, masks and rubbing.

For lotions it is recommended to use:

1. lemon juice;
2. egg white whipped into a strong foam;
3. olive oil.

The selected component should be applied to areas with sprains and secured with a bandage. After 40 min. It is necessary to rinse off the product used with warm water. To speed up the process of tissue regeneration after the procedures, you need to rub a moisturizer into the skin. Manipulations are performed 2 times/week.

A mask made from a mixture of a small amount of yeast, 0.5 tbsp, helps to reduce stretch marks. warm cream and 1 tsp. honey The prepared product is infused for 30 minutes, then applied to the area with stretch marks. The affected area should be wrapped in plastic wrap and a warm towel. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, treatment can be carried out 1 day. at 3 pm.

For rubbing, it is recommended to use a mixture of 2 drops of wheat germ oil and a similar amount of extracts from neroli, mandarin and lavender. The product is applied to pre-steamed skin.

In addition to the methods listed above, regular self-massages, peelings with sea salt, ground coffee or sugar can help minimize stretch marks at home.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, adolescents are advised to carefully monitor their weight and eat right. The diet should be enriched with vitamins, proteins, and fiber. The following should be excluded from the daily menu:

1. fast food;
2. carbonated drinks;
3. foods with excessive amounts of salt;
4. sweets.

Children must follow the correct eating regimen (eat in small portions 5 times a day) and drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

Dieting for weight loss during adolescence is guaranteed to lead to stretch marks.

To prevent stretch marks, it is also necessary to follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle (play sports, move more, avoid bad habits, sleep at least 7 hours a day), regularly use moisturizing creams, take a contrast shower.

Preventing the occurrence of formations is easier than eliminating formed scars. Following these tips will help you maintain beautiful skin and avoid long-term treatment.

Adolescence is considered the most difficult time in the life of any person. This is justified by the fact that the body quickly grows and changes, and at the same time the mental state of the teenager becomes unstable. Complexes may appear about one’s appearance even for no apparent reason, and if a defect such as stretch marks develops, this can greatly upset any young girl. That is why it is important for a person to be prepared for this and to know the causes of the defect, as well as treatment methods.

What causes stretch marks to appear?

Stretch marks are small scars that can appear on the legs, abdomen, buttocks, and chest. At first they are red or blue in color, but then they become white and practically do not stand out against the background of the skin. However, in dark-skinned people the deficiency is more noticeable, and even when tanning it is clearly visible, since stretch marks do not change their color under the sun's rays. That is why teenagers may be worried about this problem, which can and should be eliminated.

The reasons for the formation of this defect are quite varied:

1. Fast growth. Some teenagers experience rapid growth - for example, in one year they can stretch 10 centimeters. Along with this comes weight gain, and the skin does not have time to adapt to this. As a result, it becomes thinner and breaks, which is why stretch marks form.
2. Hormonal disbalance. This reason is one of the most common and should alert both the teenager and his parents. Any of the hormonal diseases can cause stretch marks, so if they appear, it is recommended to immediately visit a doctor.
3. Genetic predisposition. If the mother or father of a teenager had stretch marks at his age, then there is a chance that the child will also develop them. It should be understood that this reason does not provide an absolute guarantee that a defect will actually form, but it is better to take measures to definitely prevent it.
4. Weakened immunity. Many people do not see the connection between poor immunity and the fact that stretch marks may appear. They are mistaken, since this reason is quite common and directly affects the appearance of the skin and its elasticity. If the epidermis begins to stretch worse, then there is a high probability that stretch marks will form on the body.
5. Lack of muscle mass. This reason only applies to cases where teenagers develop stretch marks on their backs. When this happens, you should immediately visit a doctor, as more serious problems than stretch marks may arise in the future.
6. Sudden breast enlargement. Only girls whose breasts grow quickly face this problem. However, if stretch marks appear, for example, on the legs, then other reasons for their occurrence should be considered.

You should not be upset when this defect appears on your body. It is not dangerous to health, and you can get rid of scars if you start treating them in a timely manner. You shouldn’t put it off until the last minute and hope that everything will go away on its own. As long as stretch marks are blue or red in color, it will be easiest to remove them at home.

Prevention

If a teenager’s skin is clear and stretch marks have not appeared, then prevention should not be neglected. The defect can form at 11, 14, or 17 years old, so during puberty special attention should be paid to taking care of the skin.

First of all, you should use moisturizing and nourishing creams, which will have a great effect on the appearance and strengthen the epidermis. There are products that are made specifically for teenagers and take into account all the features of this period of growing up. When choosing a cream, you must first look at the components - among them there should be as many natural ingredients as possible and there must be no elements that cause an allergic reaction. You can consult your doctor before purchasing the product. He will take into account the individual characteristics of the teenager and recommend a cream that is safe for health.

Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy body and beautiful skin. For good growth and development, a child must eat healthy food and also take vitamins. The main thing is to adhere to this regularly so that the effect really occurs and stretch marks do not appear. Every parent should teach their children a healthy lifestyle from childhood so that problems do not arise later.

Physical activity will not be superfluous, as it improves general condition and promotes proper blood circulation. Also, daily exercise, even regular exercise, will prevent stretch marks and other problems. It will be the right decision to enroll your child in dancing, swimming or a sports section from an early age.

How to cure stretch marks?

If prevention does not help or it is too late for it, then you should think about how to remove stretch marks. You should not believe people who say that this defect remains for life. They are wrong - with good treatment, stretch marks can be made at least invisible, and at most completely removed.

At home, stretch marks can be removed using compresses and wraps. This method is considered one of the simplest, as it does not require large costs and special conditions. For example, you can use a lemon compress - apply freshly squeezed juice to gauze and apply to the area with stretch marks for an hour. You can also use healing clay - spread it on your feet, leave for 30-40 minutes and rinse off.

How prevention and treatment method can be used cold and hot shower. This method is good because it is accessible to every person. It is enough to turn on cool water for a minute at the end of taking a hot shower to improve your health and have a positive effect on stretch marks. This method will probably not help you get rid of them completely, but it will definitely reduce their number. Along with a contrast shower, it is recommended to take baths with essential oils and sea salt. They also have a beneficial effect on the skin and, in addition, calm the nervous system.

If possible, register for massage, then you should do it. This procedure improves blood circulation and helps get rid of stretch marks. It is often carried out using essential oils, which themselves improve the condition of the skin. If you wish, you can do the massage yourself - you can learn how to do it, for example, with the help of video tutorials.

Special creams are used not only for prevention, but also for the treatment of stretch marks. They help to get rid of the defect at home in a short time and do not harm your health. It is recommended to purchase funds from well-established companies, since in this case there is less risk of running into defects. If you wish, you can make the ointment yourself - add a mummy tablet to the baby cream and mix.

At a more mature age, you can go for serious procedures, which are carried out in beauty salons. Among them mesotherapy, laser peeling, plastic surgery and others. They help remove stretch marks once and for all, however, they can be quite painful and are not cheap. But the defect will completely disappear in a short time and will not return.

In this article we discuss stretch marks in teenagers. We talk about the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks in adolescents on the body, chest, back, hips, legs and butt, and what treatment methods are effective to use. You will learn what to do for stretch marks in teenagers, whether they go away on their own, which doctor to see and what to apply at home.

What are stretch marks

Stretch marks, also known as stretch marks, are a kind of skin defect that appears in the form of narrow wavy stripes of different widths and has shades from white to red-violet.

Gradually, the color of the stretch marks becomes lighter and discolored, usually this can take several days, several months or years. Typically, stretch marks are localized on the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In athletes who rapidly increase muscle mass, stretch marks may appear on the inside of the arms and shoulders.

Striae appear as a result of microtraumas of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They often occur in people with a genetic predisposition.

Causes

Striae can occur in both adults and adolescents. In adults, stretch marks usually occur due to rapid weight gain and equally rapid weight loss, as well as due to hormonal changes or pregnancy.

In adolescents, stretch marks usually appear on the body at the age of 13-15 years. They can be white, red, pink, purple or brown. The brighter the shade of stretch marks, the less time has passed since their appearance. Most often they are localized on the chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs and legs.

Experts cannot name the exact factors that cause the formation of stretch marks on the skin. But among the potential reasons are:

1. Weak immunity - a decrease in the protective functions of the body causes a violation of the turgor of the skin, which leads to micro-tears of the skin.
2. Genetic predisposition — if among a teenager’s immediate family there are people with stretch marks, then such a child has a high probability of developing stretch marks. That is why it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of their occurrence.
3. Hormonal disorders — various disruptions in the hormonal system negatively affect human health. With hormonal imbalance, stretch marks in a teenager are usually localized on the hips and butt. Hormones are responsible for the growth of bones and tissues in height and breadth. But in some cases, the body does not keep up with these changes, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks in adolescents and pregnant women. It is during adolescence and during the period of bearing a child that the body does not have time to respond correctly to hormonal changes, which leads to microtraumas of the skin.
4. Sudden increase in height or weight - rapid increase in body weight and development of muscle tissue causes thinning of the skin.
5. Rapid growth of mammary glands — in adolescence, active breast growth begins in girls, which causes the appearance of stretch marks in the décolleté area. Suitable dermatological therapy will help to cope with them.
6. Muscle fiber deficiency - this leads to the development of red-blue stripes on the teenager’s back, which must be treated.
7. Lack of collagen and elastin fibers — because of this, stretch marks on the butt often occur in teenagers. In places where fat and muscle accumulate, it is the hardest for the skin to stretch. Often, such stretch marks on the body in adolescents occur due to poor nutrition or lack of physical activity.

Will stretch marks in teenagers go away on their own? No, this is impossible, since stretch marks are a microtear in the skin, that is, a kind of scar that remains with a person for life.

Which doctor should I contact?

If stretch marks appear on the body of a teenager, you should consult a dermatologist. Depending on the condition of the skin and the location of the stretch marks, the use of special ointments, creams or vitamins, as well as the use of certain cosmetic procedures may be prescribed.

Location of stretch marks on the skin

Striae are most often located in areas of intense muscle and bone growth. In teenage girls, stretch marks appear on the hips and legs, in teenage boys - on the shoulders and arms.

Excessive consumption of cortisone steroids leads to the formation of stretch marks on the knees, thighs, abdomen, butt, legs and shoulders.

If stretch marks form in the back of the head, arms and back, then this indicates serious pathologies. Therefore, urgent consultation with a specialist is required.

Treatment

Eliminating stretch marks on a teenager’s body requires a comprehensive approach. As a rule, experts prescribe the use of special creams and ointments, folk remedies or cosmetic procedures, depending on what triggered the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of a teenager. Let's take a closer look at each of the remedies.

Photo of stretch marks on a teenager's back

Creams and ointments

In cosmetology, a wide range of products are used, the action of which is aimed at eliminating teenage stretch marks. The presence of collagen, elastin, silicone and glycerin in the creams helps to increase and improve skin elasticity and prevent moisture loss.

It is recommended to reduce physical activity while using ointments and creams. But it is advisable to carry out massage sessions as often as possible, as this helps to quickly restore the skin to its previous appearance.

In order for the effect of using cosmetics to be noticeable, it is important to regularly use cream and ointment.

The most popular and effective remedies for teenage stretch marks are:

1. Bepantol (emulsion) - perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin, giving it elasticity and preventing the development of stretch marks. Judging by the reviews, this emulsion is effective for removing stretch marks on the legs and abdomen of a teenager.
2. Mustela - a French-made cream containing natural oils and resinous substances that prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and effectively deal with them.
3. Bio-Oil - an oil that perfectly copes with stretch marks, scars and other skin defects in teenagers.
4. Sanosan - a cosmetic product actively used by pregnant women. But it can also be used by young people. Sanosan contains natural ingredients that remove stretch marks on the hips and are effective for removing stretch marks on the chest and abdomen.
5. Vichy - is the most suitable remedy for removing stretch marks in teenagers. The substances included in the product give the skin elasticity and lighten stretch marks. The only negative is the high cost of the cosmetic product.
6. Avent — the effectiveness of this remedy for stretch marks has been proven by many tests. The substances included in the product are safe for the body of a teenager.

You can buy all these products at any pharmacy, specialized stores, or by going to the official manufacturer’s website.

Vitamins

Some vitamins are no worse than expensive creams and ointments in treating stretch marks and preventing their appearance. It is recommended to pay attention to the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, - has a beneficial effect on the growth of bone and muscle tissue. Helps strengthen the body's protective properties and restore cells. Large amounts of this vitamin are found in dairy products, fish oil, beef liver, carrots, red rowan berries, eggs, herbs, orange vegetables and fruits.
2. Vitamin E (tocopherol) — gives the skin elasticity and firmness, improves immunity, takes part in the absorption of retinol and the synthesis of hormones. Present in large quantities in sunflower oil and sunflower seeds, almonds, cereals, green leafy vegetables, sea buckthorn and rowan.
3. Vitamin K - takes part in blood clotting, gives the dermis elasticity and firmness. Contained in large quantities in spinach, broccoli, beef liver, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and chicken.
4. Vitamin D — gives strength to the muscle and bone tissue of a teenager, normalizes the activity of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and pituitary gland. Present in cod fat and liver, fatty fish, seafood, butter, and egg yolk.
5. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - has a powerful antioxidant effect, restores elasticity and synthesizing collagen to the skin. There is a lot of ascorbic acid in citrus fruits, walnuts, black currants, rose hips, sweet peppers, and kiwi.

If a teenager has vitamin deficiency, a specialist may prescribe additional multivitamins.

Photos of essential oils for stretch marks

Folk remedies

In folk medicine there are many remedies whose action is aimed at combating teenage stretch marks. In some cases, such means are even better than traditional ones. But before using them, you need to test for an allergic reaction.

To do this, a small amount of the prepared product should be applied to the teenager’s wrist. If after a quarter of an hour there are no changes in this place, you can use it.

Listed below are the most famous and effective traditional medicine against stretch marks at home:

1. Cream with mumiyo — to prepare it, dissolve 2-3 mummy tablets in water and mix with regular body cream. Treat problem areas with the prepared mixture up to 3 times a day.
2. Coffee scrub - Grind the coffee beans in a coffee grinder, then mix with honey or essential oil. While taking a shower, the prepared mixture should be rubbed with light movements for 15-20 minutes into problem areas of the body: butt, legs, hips, chest or back. Then the product is washed off and a nourishing cream is applied to the skin. It is recommended to use this scrub no more than 2 times every 7 days.
3. Essential oils — to carry out a home SPA procedure, you need to use only fatty massage oils. Wheat germ, jojoba, avocado and almond oils are excellent. It is also permissible to use olive, peach, flaxseed and sesame oils. Natural oils are used in combination with aromatic oils. An example of a cosmetic recipe: 3 drops of essential oils of geranium, myrtle, rosewood are mixed with ether of frankincense gum, immortelle (2 drops each) and with 10 ml of argan and 30 ml of rose hips. The resulting composition is applied in a circular motion to the stretch marks on the chest and gently rubbed in. It is advisable to repeat the procedure no more than 2 times a week.
4. Chamomile wraps — to prepare the product, pour 0.2 kg of chamomile flowers into 250 ml of warm milk and bring to a boil. The cooled mixture should be applied to the problem area, covered with cellophane on top and wrapped in a towel. Leave the compress on for 20 minutes, then take a contrast shower and spread the skin with nourishing cream.
5. Carrot lotion — to prepare this remedy, you need to take one carrot (grated on a fine grater), pour 220 ml of distilled water into it. Wait 15 ml, squeeze out the carrots and add 1 tbsp. almond oil The prepared lotion should be lubricated on problem areas twice a day, and the product itself should be stored in the refrigerator.
6. Aloe cream “Ambulance” — to prepare the product you will need 0.1 kg of dandelion leaves, 4 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 3 medium sized aloe leaves. Aloe and dandelion leaves need to be crushed in a food processor, then add olive oil to the mixture and mix well, gradually adding flour. The resulting composition should have a creamy consistency. This cream is applied to problem areas and washed off after 20 minutes.

Cosmetology procedures

There are many safe procedures in cosmetology that help remove stretch marks on a teenager’s skin. Here are the most common:

1. Mesotherapy - an effective and safe method of combating stretch marks in adolescents. Injections into different parts of the body activate the metabolism and effectively eliminate stretch marks. A cosmetic session is carried out 2 to 3 times a month. The duration of the course is six months and at least 12 procedures. Contraindications for mesotherapy are the presence of inflammation in the area where injections are performed, blood diseases, herpes, viral and colds. It is also undesirable to carry out the procedure in the summer.
2. Microdermabrasion — using this technique you can remove stretch marks on your back. With the help of microscopic crystals, the growth of new elastic cells is activated and the skin becomes more elastic. Striae on the abdomen, thighs and back of a teenager after mechanical peeling remain only if the patient’s skin is hypersensitive.
3. Laser skin resurfacing - quite an expensive cosmetic procedure. But its main advantage is the elimination of stretch marks on a teenager’s skin in just 1 session. After the first procedure, you can additionally use special creams and folk remedies against stretch marks - this will allow you to achieve the maximum effect from laser skin resurfacing. The duration of the procedure is about 1 hour. During the session, a slight burning sensation is felt, and after it swelling and redness are likely to appear.
4. Massage is an integral part of a comprehensive approach to getting rid of teenage stretch marks. The massage can be varied: plucking, using natural oils, mumiyo, creams, vacuum cupping, smoothing.

Stretch marks on a teenager’s skin are an unpleasant phenomenon that can be dealt with with an integrated approach. Parents should monitor their child and at the first sign of stretch marks, immediately consult a doctor and not wait for them to go away on their own.

Children playing sports

Prevention

Preventing the formation of stretch marks is much easier than trying to cope with their consequences. That is why it is important to adhere to certain preventive measures that will protect a teenager from the appearance of unsightly stripes on the body.

Here's what to do:

1. Monitor your teenager's diet. It should contain a sufficient amount of fiber and as little junk food as possible so as not to provoke excess weight gain.
2. Visit doctors regularly and get tested to promptly identify hormonal imbalances.
3. Maintain good personal hygiene and use various moisturizing creams and lotions.
4. Move more and spend time outdoors. A sedentary lifestyle provokes the development of stretch marks in adolescence. That is why it is important to motivate your child to have an active lifestyle or send him to a sports section.
5. Follow the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water without gases per day.
6. Follow a work-rest schedule, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
7. If possible, try to protect the teenager from bad habits and instill in him a love of a healthy lifestyle.

Following these recommendations will help prevent stretch marks from appearing on your teenager's body. And if they do appear, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent their further development and increase in size.

Video: How to get rid of stretch marks