Stretch marks on the body in teenagers: causes and treatment

The first stretch marks in teenagers usually come as a shock. Striae on the abdomen, back and thighs of adolescents form quite often. The appearance of teenage stretch marks can be caused by various reasons. With tissue deformation and an increase in the amount of subcutaneous fat, the skin stretches and thins. The connective tissue pigment is destroyed. You should not hope that stretch marks will disappear without special treatment. The red or purple streaks will eventually become whitish streaks. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the causes of the formation of stretch marks.

Causes of teenage stretch marks

Experts have identified several main reasons for the appearance of stretch marks in adolescents. Striae can form on a child’s body due to hereditary predisposition. If parents have stretch marks on their skin, there is a high risk that their children will also develop them. In this case, increased attention should be paid to preventive measures to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Stretch marks in teenagers can also appear when the immune system is weakened. This condition of the body leads to disruption of the functioning of all organs, as well as to a deterioration in the elasticity of the skin, especially in adolescence.

Stretch marks in adolescence can also appear during a sudden growth spurt. As the body grows, the child’s weight gains quite quickly, as a result of which the skin becomes thinner and bursts due to strong tension.

The formation of teenage stretch marks can also be associated with hormonal imbalance in the body. Therefore, any disease that is accompanied by hormonal imbalance can lead to the formation of stretch marks on the skin.

Stretch marks on the back of teenagers most often appear due to a lack of muscle mass. During puberty, a child's bones grow faster than muscles, and the skin stretches and becomes cracked. Systematic back pain can signal displacement of the vertebrae. Therefore, when the first stretch marks appear on the back of teenagers, you should consult a doctor.

In girls, with rapid growth of the mammary glands, stretch marks may also appear. However, do not be upset, because such defects can be made almost invisible.

Methods for treating stretch marks in teenagers

It is advisable to begin treatment of teenage stretch marks immediately after determining the cause of their appearance. With timely treatment, you can completely get rid of these cosmetic defects on any part of the body.

Mesotherapy is the best way to combat stretch marks in teenagers on the back, buttocks, legs and other areas of the body. During this absolutely safe procedure, a special medicine is injected under the skin, which improves metabolism and restores damaged skin areas. A course of mesotherapy is usually carried out over six months. To completely restore the skin, you need to undergo at least 12 sessions.

Today there is a large selection of cosmetic products that help the disappearance of stretch marks in teenagers. Special gels or creams contain elastin, silicone, collagen and other ingredients that nourish and moisturize the skin. After applying such products, an invisible film is formed on the skin, which prevents moisture loss. It is advisable to use any cosmetic products in combination with sports and massage. To obtain visible results, all procedures for stretch marks in adolescents must be carried out daily.

If cosmetic preparations do not help with stretch marks in teenagers, then laser resurfacing would be the best option. With the help of resurfacing, teenage stretch marks can be eliminated after just one procedure. High cost is a significant disadvantage of laser resurfacing.

Traditional methods of treating stretch marks in teenagers

Some folk remedies also effectively get rid of stretch marks in teenagers on the back, chest, buttocks and other parts of the body.

To prepare a cream mask for stretch marks in teenagers, you will need five tablespoons of honey, five tablespoons of aloe pulp and about one hundred grams of water. All ingredients must be mixed until smooth. Some of the mixture can be frozen in ice cube trays. After taking a shower, it is advisable to apply a scrub to problem areas, and then a pre-prepared mixture, and wrap yourself in plastic wrap.

After an hour, thoroughly rinse off the mask and apply any moisturizer. In the morning, you can take a frozen cube of raw material and wipe the damaged skin. After the paste has completely dried, you need to take a shower and apply cream to your skin. Such procedures must be done daily for a month. After a week, you can repeat the course of treatment.

Fresh stretch marks on teenagers' legs can be removed with a cucumber-oatmeal mask. To prepare the product, five to six tablespoons of oatmeal should be mixed with the same amount of sour cream. After taking a shower, apply the mixture to the stretch marks and then massage these areas of the skin for about half an hour. After the massage, the mixture should be washed off and the skin covered with moisturizer. The course of treatment is about a month.

Before carrying out procedures with these masks, you need to make sure that the teenager is not allergic to the ingredients they contain.

Striae are microscopic breaks in the dermis and epidermis. Outwardly, they look like scars and scars of varying lengths. At first, skin defects have a dark color, which later becomes pinkish and less noticeable. Such formations appear when body weight changes, during pregnancy, and also in adolescents.

Reasons for the formation of stretch marks in adolescence

Striae in adolescents are detected for the following reasons:

1. Hormonal changes in the body during puberty.
2. Intensive physical development. Striae often appear in adolescents in the chest area or on the back precisely because of the rapid development of muscles. In girls, they may appear on the chest as a result of the growth of the mammary glands.
3. Weakening of the body's immune defense against the background of hyperactivity of the body. In some cases, she begins to mistake her own cells for foreign ones. This process contributes to the development of stretch marks on the skin.
4. Unfavorable genetic factors.
5. Weight jumps, that is, intense weight gain or, conversely, too rapid weight loss. For the same reason, stretch marks appear on the skin of those adolescents who do not exercise moderation.
6. Obesity due to the development of hypothalamic syndrome. With this pathology, the processes of glucose synthesis from non-carbohydrates are enhanced, which causes excess weight.
7. Insufficient muscle development, which contributes to the appearance of stretch marks on the back and lower back.

Most often, stretch marks on the skin appear when the normal hormonal balance of a teenager is disrupted. This contributes to a change in the structure of the connective tissue and, as a result, the formation of a scar on the skin.

Are stretch marks dangerous for teenagers?

The appearance of such stretch marks in adolescence always has a reason. They cannot manifest themselves and sometimes indicate the presence of serious pathologies in the body. Among them are:

1. Frequent colds due to weakened immunity.
2. Diseases of internal organs.
3. Hormonal disorders that can cause increased fatigue, obesity, increased hair development, and thyroid disorders.
4. Vertebral displacement. This condition is accompanied by pain in the back.
5. Diabetes.
6. Cushing's and Marfan's disease.

Where stretch marks usually appear

The places where striae appear are:

1. thighs (inner and outer parts);
2. stomach;
3. back, lower back;
4. buttocks.

In girls, stretch marks appear not only on the hips or legs, but also on the chest. Rarely they are found on the back of the head and hands. This indicates severe health problems.

Ways to prevent the appearance of stretch marks in young men

To prevent stretch marks, young men need to eat well. The daily diet should be structured so that it maintains the physiological ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. There should be sufficient amounts of fiber-rich foods on the table. Five meals a day are recommended.

You can prevent the formation of stretch marks by maintaining an active lifestyle. It is useful for young people to be outdoors more often and for longer. It is necessary to engage in sports training. Stretch marks on the butt do not appear in those who run, swim, ride a bike, or play tennis. If a teenager has insufficient muscle mass, then strength exercises are useful for him.

You need to sleep at least 6 and no more than 10 hours. Moreover, you need to learn to go to bed and wake up always at the same time.

Medicines against stretch marks

A doctor can recommend a large number of medications to combat stretch marks in adolescents. We will talk about the most common treatments for stretch marks.

Creams or ointments

To prevent the appearance and treatment of stretch marks in adolescence, you can use a specially developed cream. This is the safest way to combat this disease. Natural cosmetic preparations have almost no contraindications for use.

If a teenager has sensitive skin, it is recommended that he use hypoallergenic preparations. Girls can use ointments for pregnant women, since they do not contain harmful substances. The natural ingredients they contain combat skin imperfections and restore its natural appearance.

If the use of ointments leads to allergies and other changes, the teenager should consult a doctor.

Vitamins for teenagers

Stretch marks at a young age can appear as a result of poor nutrition and resulting hypovitaminosis. To combat stretch marks, you need to consume these vitamins.

1. Retinol, or vitamin A. It promotes the growth of body tissues. Helps strengthen immune defense and combat visual impairment. Contained in vegetable oil, nuts, cereals, and dairy products.
2. Vitamin E is responsible for skin elasticity and promotes the synthesis of necessary hormones. Contained in soy, dairy products and vegetable oils.
3. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant. It helps restore collagen and strengthen skin tissue. The vitamin is found in kiwi, currants, citrus fruits, sea buckthorn, cabbage, cereals, and strawberries.
4. Vitamin D regulates the activity of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and helps strengthen muscle tissue. Contained in butter, seafood, oatmeal, cheese, and yolks. Sunbathing is beneficial for vitamin synthesis in the body.

Traditional methods of treatment

The most popular folk method for treating stretch marks is rubbing a small amount of olive oil into the skin. It helps remove dead skin, smoothes and makes it elastic.

1. Apply oil to stretch marks and massage the affected area for 5 minutes.
2. Warm up the treated area of ​​the body using a warm heating pad.
3. Repeat this procedure every day for a month.

Stretch marks can be smeared with lemon juice, baby cream, and Vaseline. All these remedies reduce itching and improve skin condition. The procedures may be supplemented with massage.

Hardware treatment methods

The most effective way to treat stretch marks is laser resurfacing. It can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. The scar disappears by layer-by-layer removal of the scar walls.

Laser therapy helps improve collagen production and increase tissue elasticity, so the skin looks much better after such treatment. If stretch marks are very noticeable on the skin, then several similar procedures may be required.

In addition to laser resurfacing, mesotherapy is used. The patient is given an intradermal injection of a drug that fights stretch marks. Treatment is not carried out for herpes and colds.

Electrocoagulation involves treating skin lesions with a weak electric current. To achieve the desired effect, several procedures must be performed.

A relatively inexpensive and effective way to get rid of stretch marks is collagen injection. It restores the skin and nourishes it.

Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks forever?

Modern methods of treating skin diseases help to significantly improve its condition and get rid of stretch marks. Treatment can be lengthy and labor-intensive. You can completely get rid of them within 3-4 months, sometimes six months.

To have healthy skin, a teenager needs to eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid stress and intense physical activity. Then stretch marks will not appear on the skin.

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, 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. 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 composition 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 a 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