Stretch marks, or stretch marks, significantly worsen the appearance of the skin, and during the summer holidays many people simply begin to feel embarrassed about their body. But if you make some efforts in time, you can get rid of this aesthetic problem. However, it should be noted that fighting stretch marks requires patience and perseverance.
For what reasons do stretch marks occur?
Stretch marks appear as a result of rupture of the inner layers of the skin when it is strongly stretched.. When such tears occur, the body tries to “darn” them with the help of connective tissue. As a result, scars form.
There is an opinion in society that only pregnant women are susceptible to stretch marks on the abdomen. In fact, the circle of people who are included in the “risk group” is much wider, since there are many reasons that provoke the appearance of skin tears.
- Sudden weight change. It may happen that a person begins to recover rapidly. This can be caused by hormonal imbalance, taking certain medications, diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes, obesity), etc. Fat tissue increases in a short time and is deposited under the skin, which, in turn, does not have time to stretch, and tears occur.
- Pancreatic diseases. Diseases of this organ are accompanied by the release of the hormone cortisol into the body. It significantly weakens connective tissues and makes the skin fragile.
- Adolescence. During puberty, some teenagers grow, as they say, by leaps and bounds. Therefore, stretch marks may form.
- Pregnancy period. While carrying a child, the skin of the expectant mother's abdomen is greatly stretched. Added to this is the fact that a woman’s hormonal background changes: the production of progesterone and estrogen is activated, which reduce the production of collagen and elastin. As a result of such changes, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness and begins to tear when stretched.
- Genetic predisposition. Inelastic skin can be inherited from your parents. Then the occurrence of tears may well be provoked by even minor stretching.
- Unbalanced diet. If there is little protein in a person’s diet, this affects the production of collagen and elastin. Since protein is the building material of all cells in the body, if there is a shortage of it, the likelihood of stretch marks sharply increases during stretching of the skin.
- Avitaminosis. Vitamin deficiency also reduces the production of the required amount of collagen and elastin.
- Dehydration. With little fluid intake, the skin becomes excessively dry and therefore inelastic.
- Sedentary lifestyle. Oddly enough, this factor also affects the condition of the skin and its ability to stretch without tears. With a sedentary lifestyle, stagnation appears in the skin cells, toxins accumulate, which prevent the absorption of beneficial components. As a result, the skin becomes dry and inelastic.
- Bad habits. Alcohol and tobacco have the most negative impact on skin condition. Therefore, it loses its elastic properties and the likelihood of stretch marks increases.
Types of stretch marks on the stomach and other parts of the body
Striae are divided into fresh and old. You can determine the “age” of a stretch mark by its color.
Fresh stretch marks have a burgundy or purple color because the connective tissue contains blood capillaries.
Old stretch marks are characterized by a white tint. The fact is that the connective tissue that “patched” the tear has a rather dense structure. There is little moisture in it, there is practically no vital activity (even hair does not grow in the area of the scars). Therefore, over time, the need for capillaries simply disappears, and the stretch marks begin to turn white.
How to eliminate stretch marks yourself using folk remedies
If the stretch marks are fresh, then you can easily deal with them yourself using traditional methods. However, it should be remembered that you should not expect quick results: the procedures will need to be performed within 3–4 months.
Rubbing in vegetable oils
Natural oils effectively moisturize the skin and saturate it with beneficial substances.
To combat stretch marks, we can recommend almond oil, which is rich in vitamin E. In addition, it has a fairly light consistency, so almond oil is well absorbed and does not leave a greasy residue. It can be used for oily and normal skin.
Wheat germ oil also effectively fights stretch marks. However, it is worth considering that the product has a specific aroma and is absorbed for a relatively long time. For dry skin, it is suggested to use a mixture of equal parts of almond oil and wheat germ oil.
To eliminate stretch marks, you need to take 1 tsp. vegetable oil and rub in with massage movements until it is completely absorbed. The procedure can be repeated daily, morning and evening. Usually after 4-5 weeks the scars become less noticeable.
Removing stretch marks with a scrub
- salt - 1 glass;
- sugar - 1 glass;
- olive oil - 0.5 cups.
All components must be mixed. Apply the resulting scrub for 5–10 minutes. Gently massage those areas of the abdomen where there are stretch marks, and then rinse off the composition with warm water and apply body cream to the skin. The procedure should be carried out 2-3 times a week.
Compress with essential oils
Scars are noticeably smoothed out if you apply a compress with essential oils every three days. To prepare the mixture you should take:
- neroli essential oil - 2 drops;
- rosewood essential oil - 4 drops;
- petitgrain ether - 1 drop;
- kefir - 1 tbsp. l.
Add all the essential oils to kefir at room temperature, moisten a cotton napkin with the resulting mixture and apply to the stretch marks. It is recommended to put cellophane and a terry towel on top of the napkin. Leave the compress for 1.5 hours.
Video: oils against stretch marks
Mumiyo saves from striae
At home, you can make your own cream for stretch marks based on mumiyo.
- mumiyo - 1 g;
- warm purified water - 1 tsp;
- baby cream - 100 g.
First, the mumiyo should be placed in water and wait until it is completely dissolved, and then the resulting solution should be added to the baby cream. The product should be rubbed into the skin where there are stretch marks. It is advisable to carry out the procedure after a hot shower, since the skin is well steamed and the effectiveness of the cream increases.
Video: recipe for stretch mark cream
Masks against stretch marks
Various masks also help get rid of stretch marks well.
Blue clay
Every day for 1.5–2 months you can apply a mask with blue clay to your stomach. For this you need 2 tbsp. l. mix clay with 1 tbsp. l. water until a homogeneous paste forms. Apply the resulting mixture to problem areas with a brush and leave until the product hardens completely. Then the mask should be washed off with warm water and apply body cream.
Avocado-based peeling mask
- oatmeal - 1 tbsp. l.;
- cosmetic clay - 1 tbsp. l.
- avocado - 1 pc.;
- olive oil - 0.5 tbsp. l.
Mix all the components of the mask in a blender and apply to the stomach. After half an hour, rinse off the remaining mask with warm water. You can use the product 2-3 times a week.
Massages
With the help of massage, you can activate blood circulation in the tissues and increase the elasticity of the skin. Therefore, massage is an effective procedure against stretch marks. However, do not forget that it should be done in courses, since single sessions will not bring results.
Manual massage
When performing the procedure with your hands, it is recommended to focus on pinch movements, since stretching movements can only aggravate the situation.
It is recommended to perform a massage using essential oils for stretch marks:
- neroli;
- lavender;
- orange;
- rosemary;
- tangerine
- pine;
- petitgrain.
They cannot be used in their pure form, as they can cause burns. Therefore, a mixture of 10 tsp is prepared. vegetable oil (for example, almond) 5 drops essential. A course of massages consists of 10–15 sessions, then a break of 1 month is required.
Honey procedure
Massage with honey can be done both in the salon and at home. To do this, pour 1 tbsp into your palm. l. honey and pat the stretch marks. The massage continues until the honey is completely absorbed. Typically this time is 10–15 minutes. After this you need to take a shower.
It is recommended to massage with honey 2-3 times a week for a course of 10-15 procedures. Then a break for 1 month is recommended.
Honey massage has its limitations:
- pregnancy;
- allergy to honey;
- hypertension;
- damage or growths on the skin.
Cupping massage
Manipulation with special cups effectively triggers regenerative processes in the skin. For home use, you can purchase special jars at the pharmacy.
In the salon, this procedure is called hardware vacuum massage, during which lymph flow and blood circulation are activated, the production of new cells is stimulated, tissue nutrition is improved and, accordingly, scars are softened and reduced.
Cupping massage at home or in a salon is carried out at intervals of 1–3 days. The number of procedures per course is 10–15 sessions. The break between courses is 2–3 months.
Hydromassage
You can fight stretch marks at home using a contrast shower. You should start with a water temperature that does not cause a feeling of discomfort. Then, for 30–40 seconds, you need to massage your stomach with a hot shower in a circular motion, and then also massage with cold water for 30–40 seconds. So it is necessary to alternate the temperature regime for 5–7 minutes. The procedure can be repeated daily.
Attention! During pregnancy, hydromassage cannot be used if the uterus is in good shape and there is a risk of miscarriage.
In spa salons, a special underwater shower massage is performed, which accelerates all metabolic and restoration processes at the cellular level, which helps make stretch marks invisible.
Wraps
To eliminate stretch marks, health centers and beauty salons use wraps with cocoa butter, lanolin, and medicinal mud. Algae (kelp and bladderwrack) are especially popular. Algae wraps (thalassotherapy) stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, and also activate blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and promote cell renewal. After a course of 10–15 procedures, old stretch marks will become less noticeable, and fresh ones will fade and be almost invisible.
But wraps can also be done at home. To prepare the composition you should take:
- algae powder - 1 tbsp. l.;
- clean water (40–60 °C) – 250 ml.
The algae should be filled with water and left to swell for 20 minutes. After this, apply the composition to the stomach using a brush, wrap in cling film and put on warm clothes. After 40 min. Rinse off the algae in the shower and apply body cream.
Wraps should be repeated 3 times a week.
Video: removing postpartum stretch marks with wrap
Procedures with a mesoscooter
The mesoscooter is a roller on which medical alloy needles are located. Needles can also be produced with titanium or gold coating. The mesoscooter makes many micro-punctures on the skin, which activates the activity of cells that promote collagen production. In addition, after exposure to a mesoscooter, the production of melanocytes, which are responsible for skin color, is restored in scar tissue.
The effect of the device can be increased several times if it is used in combination with special concentrates (for example, collagen, vitamin complex, hyaluronic acid).
To combat stretch marks on the abdomen, you should choose a mesoscooter with a needle length of 2.5–3 mm.
The device is used as follows:
- Apply the concentrate to cleansed skin;
- roll the mesoscooter over problem areas 10 times vertically, 10 times horizontally and 10 times in the direction of each diagonal;
- then the concentrate should be applied again. After using the device, the beneficial components of the meso-cocktail will penetrate the skin more deeply, which means the effectiveness of the procedure will increase;
- The final stage is the application of a soothing cream.
Treatment of the abdomen with a mesoscooter can be carried out once a week for a course of 10–15 procedures.
Laser resurfacing
With the help of laser resurfacing, you can get rid of not only fresh, but also old stretch marks. The essence of the procedure is that under the influence of laser radiation, skin cells are evaporated, as a result of which connective tissue and old collagen fibers are destroyed. This leads to activation of restoration processes and renewal of skin cells.
The penetration depth of the laser beam is set individually, depending on the size and age of the stretch marks.
One type of resurfacing is fractional (selective) laser thermolysis, which differs in that the laser affects only atrophic stretch mark tissue, while healthy areas of the skin are not affected. This eliminates burns and swelling, and the recovery period is only 2-3 days. With fractional thermolysis, the laser beam is broken into many small beams. A kind of fine-point mesh is formed (the diameter of one point is only 0.1 mm).
To eliminate stretch marks, you need to undergo 3-4 sessions of laser thermolysis with an interval of 1-2 months.
Video: fractional laser thermolysis
Chemical peeling
To combat stretch marks, beauty salons offer medium and deep peelings.
Among the medium peels, the Jessner procedure can be distinguished. A mixture of resorcinol, salicylic and lactic acid is used here. Several layers of the reagent are applied to problem areas of the abdomen at intervals of 5–7 minutes. The number of layers and the time of exposure of the composition to stretch marks is determined by a specialist individually. The applied reagent penetrates deep into the epidermis.
After a few days, you can observe abundant exfoliation of the skin. At this time, cell regeneration and renewal begin. After the final tissue healing occurs, the scars on the skin become almost invisible. The recovery period is 3 weeks.
Jessner peeling is carried out no more than once every 2 months. In most cases, two sessions are prescribed to eliminate stretch marks.
Deep peelings of stretch marks on the abdomen (phenolic, trichloroacetic) are highly painful, so they are performed using local anesthesia. During the session, compounds are applied to the skin that can dissolve and burn the deep layers of the skin.
The rehabilitation period is 1–1.5 months. Before the procedure, the patient must undergo a comprehensive examination. However, after deep peelings, you can forget about stretch marks (even old ones) forever.
The phenol or trichloroacetic procedure can be done once a year.
Prevention of stretch marks
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, you must follow the following recommendations:
- monitor your weight;
- adhere to a balanced diet;
- maintain a drinking regime (you should drink 1.5–2 liters of clean water);
- if necessary, take vitamin and mineral complexes;
- regularly go to the gym and lead an active lifestyle;
- get rid of bad habits;
- During pregnancy, women are advised to wear a bandage and rub vegetable oils into their stomach;
- if you are predisposed to stretch marks, you must take courses of massages, wraps, etc.
Stretch marks appear for various reasons. They can be fresh or old. It is much more difficult to deal with old stretch marks, so when scars appear, you should immediately take measures to eliminate them. This can be done both at home and in beauty salons.
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:
- 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.
- 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:
- Pregnancy. During this period, the skin stretches in the chest and abdomen.
- Obesity. Rapid weight gain dramatically stretches the skin.
- Diabetes. Due to cracking and drying of the leather.
- Endocrine diseases and pancreatic diseases. The body releases large amounts of cortisol, which weakens connective skin tissue.
- Sharp weight loss.
- Long-term use of drugs from the glucocorticoid group, which lead to obesity and, consequently, stretch marks.
- Heredity.
Stretch marks in teenagers (form all over the body). Causes:
- Obesity.
- Hormonal disbalance.
- Losing weight or sudden weight gain.
- Increased growth. When the skin does not have time to grow behind the body and muscle mass.
- Stretch marks on a teenager’s back may indicate problems with internal organs.
Stretch marks in children. Causes:
- Hormonal disbalance.
- Obesity.
- Losing weight or sudden weight gain.
- Increased growth.
- Poor nutrition.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- 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.
- Try to do physical exercises that strengthen your body muscles.
- Take a contrast shower more often and pour cold water over your body.
- Do a light massage with your hands in different areas.
- Use moisturizing creams and gels that improve the elasticity of the skin.
- Don't forget the wraps. Contact them at least once a week.
- Wear quality underwear.
- Try to eat a balanced diet. This will avoid hormonal problems.
- 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.
Stretch marks are suspicious stripes that one (un)fine day settle on our skin. And even in the most inappropriate places.
Who are stretch marks, where do they come from and why don’t they want to leave, is it possible to prevent the appearance of uninvited guests, and how to deal with stretch marks if they do come and unpack your suitcases - read in this post.
How stretch marks form
In a series of posts about the structure of the skin, we learned that its main layer - the dermis - is similar in structure to a water-spring mattress. The role of springs is performed by collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen gives the skin strength, elastin gives elasticity and flexibility. Together they allow the skin to stretch and curl.
Fibers have a large margin of strength, but it is not infinite. With sudden or constant stretching, the fibers first become thinner and then break.
The rupture sites are filled with connective tissue. It does not replace collagen and elastin, does not perform their functions, but simply takes the place of damaged fibers and fills the void. As a result, thin scars appear on the skin, which we call stretch marks or striae.
Stretch marks can appear on any part of the body. But more often they form where more subcutaneous fat accumulates: on the stomach, hips, buttocks, and chest. Fat cells - adipocytes become crowded, they begin to push, stretch the skin, it cannot withstand the attack and breaks.
Stretch marks rarely come one at a time. Usually several parallel breaks appear at once, 1-10 cm long and 1-5 mm wide.
Life path stretching
The areas of skin where stretch marks are intended to appear become thinner, itchy, itchy and pinkish. This is how stretch marks are born.
Then the fibers break and gradually begin to fill with connective tissue.
Blood vessels live in the connective tissue that forms in places where fibers break. They show through thin skin and give stretch marks a reddish tint. Therefore, fresh, newly appeared stretch marks are pink, red or purple.
Typically, fresh stretch marks are slightly raised to the touch - like scars. Sometimes, when pressed, the skin sinks deeper. Especially impressionable people should not touch stretch marks with their hands.
Stretch marks that formed less than six months ago are considered young, and more than six months are considered old.
In six months, the connective tissue grows greatly and manages to thoroughly mend the fiber breaks. The number of vessels in it decreases. Therefore, old stretch marks become lighter and flatter.
Causes of stretch marks
The main reason for the formation of stretch marks is sudden changes in body volume and weight. Collagen and elastin fibers do not have time to stretch in time and tear.
Teenage years. Teenagers' bodies change very quickly. The muscles cannot keep up with the bones, the skin becomes “small” for the rapidly growing body. If the skin is not elastic enough, it begins to tear in areas of active growth. For girls - on the hips, buttocks, and chest. For young men - on the back and shoulders.
Sudden weight changes. When we gain weight quickly, the body actively stores excess fat under the skin. She does not have time to react in time and stretch to accommodate the new volumes. At the same time, the skin stretches not only from excess fat, but also from rapid muscle growth and sudden weight loss. When you lose weight, fat deposits go away, but stretched skin remains. Folds and creases form on it. In places where there are creases, the skin tears under its own weight and - hello, stretch marks.
Pregnancy. Not only does a pregnant woman’s skin not keep up with her rapidly growing belly, but hormones also contribute to stretch marks. Namely, prolactin. During pregnancy, prolactin is significantly elevated. Elevated prolactin suppresses the synthesis of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin weakens and tears in places of greatest tension - on the stomach and chest, less often on the thighs.
Lack of protein foods. Protein is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. If the body does not receive enough protein from food, it synthesizes collagen and elastin more slowly. The skin becomes less strong and elastic and more susceptible to stretching and tearing.
Dehydration. When the body lacks water, the skin dries out. Moisturizing cosmetics cannot attract enough moisture from the outside and retain it in the dermis. Even if it is very good and competent cosmetics. It's not enough. As the skin loses moisture, it becomes less elastic. Any sudden movement and the skin tears like a dried leaf.
Taking corticosteroid drugs. Corticosteroids are hormones that are prescribed for many conditions, from arthritis to eczema. They relieve inflammation well. But - the fly in the ointment - they inhibit collagen synthesis. Less collagen means a greater likelihood of skin ruptures and stretch marks.
Cushing's syndrome. In this condition, the body produces a lot of the hormone cortisol. This slows down the production of collagen and elastin. Slow and insufficient synthesis of collagen and elastin leads to the appearance of tears in the skin.
Marfan syndrome. Caused by a mutation in the gene that controls skin elasticity. It is declining greatly.
Heredity. A lot depends on genetics when it comes to stretch marks. If your mother or grandmother has stretch marks, then the risk that they may appear on you is high. Start prevention as early as possible.
Prevention of stretch marks
Several healthy habits can help reduce the risk of stretch marks.
Maintaining optimal body weight. Sudden weight changes are the most common cause of stretch marks. Therefore, losing weight and gaining weight, if necessary or unavoidable, such as during pregnancy, should be done gradually.
Regular physical activity. Running, yoga, swimming, dumbbells, stretching, biking are your true friends in the fight against stretch marks. Any regular physical activity helps maintain skin elasticity. This means it reduces the risk of stretch marks.
Proper nutrition. A frying pan of pasta and a bucket of borscht bun eaten at night will not go unnoticed not only for the butt, but also for the skin. But proteins and slow carbohydrates (meat, dairy products, buckwheat, oatmeal, vegetables and fruits) will help it maintain elasticity and strength for a long time.
Sufficient amount of liquid. Dehydration is a direct path to loss of elasticity, dryness and stretch marks. Drink at least two liters of water daily.
Body massage with a dry brush. Regular dry brushing improves blood microcirculation and promotes skin regeneration. For maximum effect, combine rubbing with a contrast shower.
Cosmetics and procedures. Competent skin care products and regular cosmetic procedures are proven methods for maintaining skin elasticity, strength and tone. Peels cleanse the skin of dead cells, improve cellular metabolism and stimulate regeneration. Mud and algae wraps saturate with minerals and vitamins, strengthen the skin, and support the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Moisturizing creams and serums saturate with moisture and maintain water balance. And some components of care products specifically stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. More on this below.
Treatment of stretch marks
Dealing with fresh stretch marks is much easier than with old ones. While stretch marks are pink, there is a chance that the right cosmetics and treatments will make them almost invisible.
It is most likely impossible to completely get rid of old stretch marks.
Creams, serums and masks for stretch marks
Competent products for stretch marks should contain components that stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and also actively moisturize and soften the skin.
- AHA acids: stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
- Retinol (vitamin A): stimulates active division and proper functioning of cells, accelerates regeneration.
- Vitamin C: regulates and stimulates collagen production.
- Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates scarring and strengthens connective tissue. It also improves circulation, making the skin smoother and more elastic.
- Aloe: softens the skin and stimulates cellular renewal.
- Hyaluronic acid: actively moisturizes the skin, making it more elastic.
- Oils: moisturize, nourish the skin, restore damaged tissues, actively renew the epidermis.
To get a noticeable effect, you need to use anti-stretch marks regularly - 2 times a day and constantly, and not in courses.
Stretch marks are initially lighter than the natural color of the skin. And since melanin is not produced in the connective tissue, when tanning, the stretch marks remain white and are even more noticeable on tanned skin. Therefore, unfortunately, it will not be possible to disguise stretch marks with a tan.
Hardware methods for getting rid of stretch marks
When cosmetics alone are no longer able to cope with old stretch marks, salon procedures and hardware techniques come to the rescue.
Laser skin resurfacing. Stretch marks are treated with laser. It destroys the top layer of skin. To restore the skin, cells begin to actively divide, and collagen and elastin are synthesized faster. As a result, the scar tissue of the stretch marks is leveled out, the skin becomes smoother, and the stretch marks themselves become almost invisible.
Medium and deep chemical peels. They intensively exfoliate, destroy the upper and middle layers of the skin, penetrate deeply - to the lower layers of the dermis. They stimulate regeneration: the cells of the basal layer begin to divide more actively, and the fibers begin to grow faster. New tissue fills the layers of the dermis with stretch marks destroyed by peeling, acquiring the color of healthy skin.
Mesotherapy and biorevitalization. Help the skin recover faster after grinding and peeling. Injections of peptides and hyaluronic acid actively regenerate and moisturize the skin, restoring its elasticity, smoothness and healthy color.
Briefly about the main thing
Stretch marks are the result of rupture of collagen and elastin fibers.
Fresh stretch marks are pink, old ones are white.
The main reason for the appearance of stretch marks is a sharp increase in body volume and weight: during pregnancy, in adolescence, when gaining muscle mass or excess fat.
Poor nutrition, dehydration, taking hormonal medications, genetics and certain diseases can also lead to the formation of stretch marks.
To prevent stretch marks, eat more protein foods, proper carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, drink at least two liters of water a day, do not forget physical activity, dry brushing and use good body moisturizers.
If stretch marks do appear, the right creams, serums and body masks will help restore elasticity to the skin and reduce the depth of the stretch marks. A radical solution is salon procedures: serious peelings and laser resurfacing. They will make stretch marks almost invisible.
While stretch marks are pink, there is a chance that the right cosmetics and treatments will make them almost invisible. It is most likely impossible to completely get rid of old stretch marks.
There is no magic pill for stretch marks.
How do you deal with stretch marks? Share your wisdom in the comments.
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