Stretch marks on girls' bodies

Hello, dear friends. Along with cellulite, stretch marks on the body are one of the most common skin problems. They worry not only women, but in some cases also men.

And fighting them is just as difficult as fighting cellulite. How to do this correctly, is there a way to prevent scars from appearing, and who is primarily at risk? About this and much more in my article today.

Unsightly stripes

Stretch marks or striae (from the Latin “striae” - stripes) are one of the types of dermal atrophy. They usually appear in cases of rapid stretching of the skin in places where there are micro-tears.

Areas of particular risk are the chest, hips, abdomen, and lower back. They do not cause any harm to health, but they do cause mental discomfort (especially in the fair half of humanity) and a great desire to get rid of them, who (which is quite natural) do not like the way these scars look at all.

What does the problem look like?

These are small stripes or small scars of different colors - from whitish to bluish, 1 to 8 mm wide and 1 to 10 cm long, there are several pieces or many. You can’t really sunbathe with these guys, you can’t even wear a short dress - who would like that, really?

This phenomenon affects many women. Not so long ago it was finally discovered that they exist, scary to say, even in models!

This became clear after some modeling houses advertising lingerie decided to stop retouching photos of half-naked beauties. They explain their decision very simply - what is natural is not a disadvantage.

However, despite changing fashion, not everyone likes to “walk with scars,” and many decide to fight them.

However, it is worth preparing for a long war - they do not give up so easily. Especially if you are trying to remove stretch marks at home.

How to fight? The easiest way is to prevent them from appearing. But for this it is worth knowing what causes them.

Where do troubles come from?

The reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon do not always lie on the surface; sometimes they can be provoked by some disease, one way or another associated with the excessive formation of hormones in the cerebral cortex.

More often, stretch marks mean that any of the following points are occurring:

Adolescence

Teenagers experience rapid bone growth, and their muscles may not always keep up. The result is micro-tears in the skin, which are “patched” with scars.

Pregnancy

Especially in cases of rapid and severe weight gain.

Weight jumps

Applies to both pregnant women and all others whose body weight increases quite quickly (or decreases, for example, after childbirth or sudden weight loss).

The sharply increased number of extra pounds is reflected not only by the deposition of fat in the subcutaneous layer, but also by ruptures of this very layer due to the fact that it simply does not have time to stretch. Likewise, the stretched dermis does not have time to tighten when you lose weight.

Heredity

Not mandatory, but still the reason for the appearance of stretch marks. If someone in your family has such an example, then this is a sign to begin prevention in order to prevent problems.

Poor nutrition

Foods poor in vitamins and nutrients turn against your skin, which becomes less elastic and breaks.

Dehydration

Insufficient fluid makes the dermis less elastic and therefore more susceptible to rupture.

These are the main reasons, and now it’s time to understand how to remove stretch marks if they already exist, or prevent them from appearing at all.

For beautiful skin

Treating stretch marks is not easy and takes a long time, because you essentially need to smooth out the scar and even out the layer of the dermis. Don’t expect quick results – persistence and patience will help here.

This is especially true for home treatments - everything also depends on your skin type and its ability to regenerate. Keep in mind that often such scars never heal completely, especially if they are old. But you can almost always significantly improve your appearance.

Prevention

This is the simplest and most effective way to combat stretch marks. You need to start it in case of a genetic predisposition, in adolescence, as well as in the early stages of pregnancy.

Watch your diet

Food should be balanced. Your diet should include foods that contain vitamins that are good for the skin - A, E (for example, nuts, greens, broccoli, juicy fruits and vegetables), as well as antioxidants (berries and fruits) and omega 3 fatty acids (fish, eggs , nuts, seafood).

Drink enough water

Water helps remove toxins from the body and keeps skin cells elastic, which in turn makes it healthier and more elastic.

This item includes not only the standard 1.5-2 liters of water per day, but also herbal teas, juicy fruits, vegetables with plenty of water (cucumbers, celery), watermelons.

Care procedures

Daily massage

Massage the areas most prone to stretch marks for 15 minutes

Use a terry towel or a dry brush made from natural fibers - this will help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce existing stretch marks (avoid the delicate breast area when brushing).

After cleaning, take a shower.

You can massage using a mixture of olive oil and vitamin E (drop a few drops) – this will make the dermis more elastic.

In the cabin

You can take a massage course in the salon - for example, conduct a vacuum or general hygienic massage.

The massage can be replaced or supplemented with mud or seaweed wraps.

Natural Bath Products

Many body gels contain aggressive substances that gradually dry out the skin, depriving it of elasticity. Choose products with natural oils.

Hydration

Here you need to know what to smear your body with. It is correct to use a special cream or gel against stretch marks, which contains substances from the retinoid group, which helps stimulate the division of epidermal cells, increases their moisture content and elastic fibers.

Pregnant women should choose groups of creams specifically designed for them, without containing harmful substances.

I note that I have come across the opinion that the cream in no way helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and that it is a waste of time. Is this really true, maybe someone knows? I would be glad if knowledgeable people share their experiences in the comments.

Moisturize problem areas daily, preferably morning and evening. If itching or burning appears somewhere, then this is a clear sign that the dermis is stretching especially strongly there and it is this area that deserves special attention.

Physical exercise

Necessary to improve blood circulation, stimulate metabolic processes, and as a result, skin condition. It’s worth highlighting here

Exercises for pregnant women

During this period, such exercises will also help to avoid excess weight gain, thereby eliminating the main cause of unpleasant deformities on the body.

You need to do all the exercises recommended by your doctor to make pregnancy easier.

You can also try maternity yoga and other gentle stretching exercises such as Pilates.

Exercises after childbirth

The intensity should be increased to maintain healthy blood flow and help the skin return to normal.

It will be useful to do strength training - it helps to build a little muscle and tighten the skin. Also include cardio in your exercise program - running, cycling, swimming.

Treatment

Unfortunately, prevention does not always help prevent the appearance of unpleasant scars. In this case, you need to act in combination - all the above tips remain valid, but it’s worth adding something more intense in impact.

Chemical peeling

Strong acids are applied to the scars, which burn them and thereby activate the dermis' production of its own epidermis.

The procedure is very painful, especially with the use of phenolic acid, and requires precautions.

Laser peeling

It consists of burning out scars with a laser beam.

Before the procedure, preliminary preparation is required for 1-2 months, when a special cream with a high content of ascorbic acid is applied to the skin.

Plastic surgery

The most radical and most effective way. At the same time, it is associated with the risk of complications and long wound healing.

What to remember

1. Stretch marks can be effectively combated.
2. The sooner you start doing this, the more likely it is that you will be able to get rid of them completely.
3. Prevention is the best way to avoid this problem from occurring.
4. The healing process can take months and requires patience and effort.

Do you have your own secrets for fighting stretch marks? Share in the comments!

Always be beautiful and healthy, and with this I say goodbye to you. See you again in new articles.

Stretch marks on the body greatly spoil the appearance and most often appear in the hips, abdomen and chest. It is quite difficult to fight them; this requires a lot of effort and patience. They arise due to the fact that the skin tears and cracks, and on top begins to connect with the help of structural tissues. After this, atrophic scars with uneven edges form, which doctors call “striae.”

Experts distinguish the following types:

- New ones, they have a purple or reddish tint, they occur during the healing of connective tissue at the sites of ruptures in the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. There is an established pattern that the larger the size of the scar, the more intense its color will be. These are called stretch marks on the body that are no more than one year old. They are easiest to cure even in the most harmless ways.

- Old ones, they are lighter in color. This is the name for stretch marks that are more than one year old. Loss of color in scars is caused by the emptying of blood vessels directly in the stretch marks. Old tears, even if tanned, will have a light shade, since there is no pigment production in the connective tissues.

Reasons for appearance

There are certain factors that contribute to the appearance of unpleasant stripes on the body:

1. Sudden weight gain or loss. In this case, the skin cannot have time to adapt. This problem often occurs in those who are on a diet, as well as in children and adolescents due to active growth.
2. Genetic disposition to the appearance of striae.
3. Use of anabolic hormones or other similar drugs. Most often found in athletes. Such stretch marks appear on the body even in men.
4. Pregnancy. It can cause blemishes due to hormonal changes and stretching of the skin.
5. In adolescents, there is an excess of adrenal hormones. This condition is called hypercortisolism syndrome.

Is it possible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks?

In order to never find out about such defects, you need to spend more time on your skin. If you regularly moisturize and clean it, the chances of their occurrence are significantly reduced. In addition, it is recommended to eat well and exclude white bread and flour from your diet; you should try to eat as many whole grains and cereals as possible.

Regular exercise is a very good helper, since activity helps to constantly keep the body in good shape, thereby eliminating the appearance of microscopic voids.

In order to completely get rid of scars and not think about them anymore, you can use a special gel, scrub, peeling or body cream for stretch marks. It is best to purchase such products directly from the pharmacy. In order to restore already damaged areas, they need to be massaged regularly so that oxygen begins to flow into the cells again and over time they will become less noticeable.

Pregnancy

The main cause of stretch marks in women is pregnancy. They can naturally form on both the stomach and chest, because these are the most vulnerable parts of the body. At this time, expectant mothers begin to experience hormonal changes, which can help understand why stretch marks begin to actively appear on the body. There is no escape from this, but proper care can significantly reduce this problem. It should be noted that at this time the use of potent drugs is strictly prohibited, as this can harm the fetus. Therefore, good hydration and folk remedies will be the best helpers for obtaining a positive result.

Ailments causing striae

Many people wonder why stretch marks appear on the body and how to get rid of them. It is important to know that certain diseases can also be responsible for the occurrence of these scars. If the problem does not appear in the usual places for scars, for example, on the back, then it is not recommended to postpone a visit to the doctor. You should not self-medicate; only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe medications that reduce the production of hormones that cause stretch marks on the body.

Another reason for the appearance of unwanted scars is genetic predisposition. If your mother got stretch marks during pregnancy, then most likely you will also have them. Therefore, it is better to prepare first and start using special creams or gels in conjunction with physical exercise and a high-quality diet.

Stretch marks in teenagers

When the first stretch marks appear in teenagers, they are initially simply shocked, although this problem on the stomach, back and hips is quite common. They are formed due to completely different reasons, which of course are based on changes in hormonal levels. You shouldn’t hope that they will go away on their own, so it’s best to start treatment right away.

Stretch marks on the body of teenagers will soon turn from purple and red to whitish, as the tissues lose pigmentation. Such scars stand out very strongly on a tanned body, and such a disease can cause a huge number of complexes and significantly lower a child’s self-esteem. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to clearly determine the cause of the appearance. Most often it is weight gain, but there can be many factors, they can only be determined by a doctor.

Prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy

Many people know and understand why stretch marks appear on the body during the period of waiting for motherhood, but not everyone is familiar with the information on how to prevent them.

1. Healthy and proper nutrition. It is necessary to increase the intake of protein and vitamins, which increase skin elasticity. The diet must include fatty fish, poultry, fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. You need to regularly eat fermented milk and dairy products and cereals, as they are rich in potassium.
2. Use special cosmetics against stretch marks. When choosing products, be sure to purchase those that indicate that they are suitable for use during pregnancy.
3. Be sure to consult your doctor; if there are no contraindications, then use a contrast shower, as it increases skin elasticity.
4. Use self-massage of problem areas with small pinches every day after water procedures.
5. Wear a brace and support garment every day. A prenatal bra is used for the breasts.
6. With your doctor, choose a set of exercises that will help your skin stay toned.
7. Use homemade scrubs twice a week. When exfoliating the top layer, the product will help activate the production of the necessary substance to maintain elasticity.

Salon removal methods

Many people are interested in how to remove stretch marks on the body and what is best to use for this. The most effective procedures include:

1. Retinol or glycolic peeling. It perfectly cleanses and promotes the growth of new epidermal cells.

2. Microdermabrasion is the process of resurfacing scars. This method will increase the production of collagen and elastin.

3. Ozone therapy is the introduction of gas under the skin. This procedure is very painful, but effective.

4. Laser resurfacing helps make stretch marks invisible in a few sessions.

5. Injections of enzymes restore damaged tissue and smooth out scars. The effect of the procedure lasts up to 3 years.

6. Myostimulation - during the procedure, the skin is treated with a current of a certain frequency.

7. Plastic surgery consists of complete removal of areas of skin damaged by striae; it is used only as a last resort.

8. Wrapping can be done with sea mud, algae, plankton extracts and mineral salts. It only works on small scars.

Folk recipes

Anyone who cannot afford salon treatments is interested in how to remove stretch marks on the body at home. The most effective methods are:

1. Skin peeling using finely ground coffee beans, this is done every day for several months. It is carried out using a washcloth or a special mitten. The composition is rubbed into local places.

2. Consumption of fish oil improves the elasticity of the integument.

3. Masks made of blue or green clay diluted with water. The mass is brought to the state of sour cream and applied to the affected areas for 20 minutes. Then everything is washed off and a bath is taken with 30 drops of rosemary oil. This procedure is used daily for 20 days.

4. Apply olive oil with vitamin E, as it significantly improves skin tone. This action is performed at least 3 times a week.

5. Self-massage using your hands or a towel rolled into a roll, with further rubbing and pinching. Such procedures are done after a contrast shower. After 20 minutes of manipulation, you need to apply almond or olive oil to the body. With this you can improve skin tone and increase blood circulation.

6. Taking baths with sea salt and oils. For the session you will need 15 drops of orange, rosemary, lavender, apricot, fir oil, as well as any amount of salt.

7. Taking a contrast shower daily will enhance tissue metabolism and help improve blood circulation. This procedure ends with cold water.

8. Daily rubbing of the affected areas with wheat germ oil. This is done before bed for 10 minutes.

Proper nutrition

A well-chosen diet can also help quickly remove stretch marks on the body. Photos of women who have similar problems can be seen below. To avoid such ailments, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods and healthy cereals should be on the table every day. It is necessary to eat lean fish and meat, because protein is the best material for the synthesis of elastin and collagen, and these are building materials for the skin. The daily diet should include a complex of vitamins, especially C, A and E, as well as all the necessary trace elements and minerals, which include silicon, calcium and potassium.

A proper diet in combination with another method of removing stretch marks is a very effective and high-quality method that can be easily used by anyone.

Massage

Now you need to figure out how to remove stretch marks on the body using rubbing. Regular stroking using various oils is an excellent remedy in the fight against the disease. Orange or almond oil, rosemary, hazelnut, and wheat germ are perfect for the procedures. All these products contain vitamin E, which makes the skin firm and elastic. Movements must be done carefully so as not to stretch the skin, without applying strong pressure.

If you understand why stretch marks appear on the body, then you can choose the right oil or a special pharmaceutical product and begin performing massage procedures, which must be carried out with light rubbing movements for 5-15 minutes. It is best to do this after a contrast shower and before bed. Thanks to this, the effect will be the strongest. There are no restrictions on rubbing in oils, and creams have a shelf life indicated on the packaging.

Striae is not a new problem, but it still raises many questions. Why do stretch marks appear on the skin? How to get rid of them? How to prevent their occurrence? Types of striae? But don't worry too much. The problem of stretch marks is not as bad as it seems. Today you can be offered cosmetics, hardware techniques, and plastic surgery. To prevent it from happening to the latter, the most important thing is to detect the problem in time and begin immediate treatment at the initial stage of its occurrence. The main reason for the appearance of stretch marks is hormonal imbalance with a sharp decrease or increase in body weight. But there are a number of other provoking factors. But first things first…

Striae can form due to stretching of the skin. The cause may also be the effects of wound healing, microtrauma and scarring of sutures after surgical operations. It is worth considering the main reasons in more detail.

Stretch marks in men (on the lower back, sides, buttocks, thighs, armpits and forearms). Causes:

1. Horizontal stretch marks on the sides, lower back and hips are formed as a result of excessive physical activity, sudden weight loss or weight gain.
2. The defect may occur due to hormonal changes or problems with the pancreas.

Stretch marks in women (can form in almost any area of ​​the body). Causes:

1. Pregnancy. During this period, the skin stretches in the chest and abdomen.
2. Obesity. Rapid weight gain dramatically stretches the skin.
3. Diabetes. Due to cracking and drying of the leather.
4. Endocrine diseases and pancreatic diseases. The body releases large amounts of cortisol, which weakens connective skin tissue.
5. Sharp weight loss.
6. Long-term use of drugs from the glucocorticoid group, which lead to obesity and, consequently, stretch marks.
7. Heredity.

Stretch marks in teenagers (form all over the body). Causes:

1. Obesity.
2. Hormonal disbalance.
3. Losing weight or sudden weight gain.
4. Increased growth. When the skin does not have time to grow behind the body and muscle mass.
5. Stretch marks on a teenager’s back may indicate problems with internal organs.

Stretch marks in children. Causes:

1. Hormonal disbalance.
2. Obesity.
3. Losing weight or sudden weight gain.
4. Increased growth.
5. Poor nutrition.
6. Sedentary lifestyle.
7. Excessive physical activity.

Hormonal striae most often appear during pregnancy, as well as during puberty. During this period, the balance of hormones is disrupted, causing the skin tissue to become thinner. You need to see a doctor, get tested and start taking medications that can normalize hormonal levels.

Pregnancy is a wonderful moment in a woman’s life, but skin defects can overshadow this period. As the fetus grows and develops, the belly of the expectant mother grows, extra pounds appear, the skin stretches, there is a lack of moisture, its elasticity is lost and then scars appear.

Striae on the face can form due to mechanical damage to the skin or an increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows down the production of much-needed elastin. Stretch marks on the face can also form due to weight loss.

Pink stretch marks. They are formed at the very beginning, after ruptures of the skin fibers. The scars are still very fresh and close to the surface of the skin.

Purple stretch marks. They become like this after the stretched tissue is no longer so fresh, but there is still a chance to quickly and easily get rid of the defect.

Blue striae. They acquire this shade after 4-5 months. In this case, creams will no longer help.

White stretch marks. Old scars become completely whitish and lose pigment. These stretch marks last about 8 months or more. They are no longer amenable to cosmetic treatment and require, at a minimum, laser resurfacing.

The choice of treatment method depends on the color of the stretch marks. You should contact a surgeon only when all other options have failed and your stretch marks are more than 8 months old.

Still, it is better to first contact a cosmetologist. Modern hardware procedures and professional products have proven their effectiveness many times.

Home treatment should be considered first. Today, on the shelves of pharmacies and cosmetic stores there is a large selection of drugs that are ways to quickly rid the body of stretch marks. But only if they are pink or purple. Such products contain amino acids, essential oils, collagen, vitamins and minerals.

It is impossible to quickly get rid of old stretch marks. Especially on the back and stomach. But in addition to special ointments, gels and lotions, cosmetology can offer you mesotherapy and laser resurfacing.

The essence of mesotherapy is the injection of a special device into the area of ​​stretch marks. This allows you to improve local metabolism. Several procedures are required.

Laser resurfacing allows you to achieve results after one session. However, this method is more painful and expensive.

1. Try to do physical exercises that strengthen your body muscles.
2. Take a contrast shower more often and pour cold water over your body.
3. Do a light massage with your hands in different areas.
4. Use moisturizing creams and gels that improve the elasticity of the skin.
5. Don't forget the wraps. Contact them at least once a week.
6. Wear quality underwear.
7. Try to eat a balanced diet. This will avoid hormonal problems.
8. Don't overeat or starve if you don't want to stretch your skin.

Can stretch marks form after breast augmentation surgery?

Yes, they can, due to a sharp increase in volume and stretching of the skin. Therefore, before surgery, it is necessary to take preventive measures against the appearance of stretch marks - moisturizing the skin, various massages, a balanced diet, taking vitamins.

What causes stretch marks on the sides?

If vertical stretch marks have formed on your sides, this is due to sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss. Horizontal striae indicate hormonal imbalance and diseases of the endocrine system.

You need to deal with stretch marks on your sides in the same way as with stretch marks in any other areas, plus you should visit a nutritionist and endocrinologist to normalize your diet and level out your hormonal levels.

Why do stretch marks appear on the buttocks of men?

This is usually due to excessive exercise, as well as sudden weight loss or weight gain. Therefore, at the first symptoms you should take immediate action.

Can stretch marks form on the hips after childbirth, and not just on the stomach and chest?

Yes, during childbirth, when pushing, there is a strong tension in the entire body of the expectant mother, including the skin. It tears, and stretch marks can form both on the thighs and buttocks, between the legs and in other areas. There is also a high risk of getting stretch marks on the legs and calves, since the legs are forced to bear a lot of weight during pregnancy. In this case, doctors usually recommend resting more often.