How to get rid of stretch marks on the stomach in men

Stretch marks on the skin, or stretch marks, that appear during pregnancy and after childbirth, as a result of weight gain, etc. - a problem familiar to most women. However, oddly enough, many men also know firsthand about stretch marks.

Stretch marks on the body of men are less common than in women, but, nevertheless, this is not such an exotic problem for the stronger sex. And if women almost always know why they might get stretch marks, how to prevent them or how to deal with existing ones, then men are usually not so competent in such matters.

What causes stretch marks in men?

Firstly, just like in women, stretch marks appear with significant weight gain. When this process occurs in a short time, the skin simply does not have enough elasticity to “encompass” the increased volumes.

Secondly, oddly enough, playing sports can also trigger the appearance of stretch marks. This is especially true for those who are actively building muscle mass. As with weight gain, the skin becomes less elastic. Such stretch marks appear especially often on the arms and shoulders, closer to the armpits.

Thirdly, stretch marks can appear in men taking corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, which worsen skin tone and often lead to weight gain.

Also factors influencing the occurrence of stretch marks are diseases of the thyroid and pancreas, hormonal changes in adolescence, and hereditary predisposition.

The areas of the body where stretch marks most often appear in men are the stomach and arms; stretch marks can also be located on the legs, back, and groin.

Naturally, unlike women, for whom stretch marks sometimes turn into a real drama, most men take these little troubles much more calmly, because stretch marks do not pose any threat to health, but are a purely cosmetic defect. However, this does not mean that the issue of combating stretch marks for men is irrelevant. And for professional bodybuilders, for example, smooth and even skin generally becomes a requirement of the profession.

How to remove stretch marks on the stomach in men? How to get rid of stretch marks on the back in men?

Fresh, recently appeared stretch marks usually have a reddish or purple tint. Over time, they lighten, becoming white or translucent. The older the stretch marks, the more difficult it is to get rid of them.

If getting rid of stretch marks is a matter of principle, then it is better to resort to professional salon procedures.

Chemical peels - the skin is treated with acid, as a result of which the upper layers are completely renewed. Immediately after the procedure, there is usually severe redness and irritation, which goes away after a few days and the results become noticeable. This method is suitable for combating stretch marks on the abdomen.

Mesotherapy: injections of special medicinal preparations are made at the locations of stretch marks, which improve the structure of the skin and gradually make stretch marks less and less noticeable.

Laser resurfacing, like peeling, eliminates stretch marks by renewing the upper layers of the skin, but this procedure is less traumatic. In this way, you can remove stretch marks on the stomach, back, legs, etc.

How to remove stretch marks on men's arms? Stretch marks on men's legs, treatment

In addition to salon procedures, there are also folk remedies for eliminating stretch marks. However, here it is better to tune in to long-term and consistent use and not expect brilliant results, especially when it comes to stretch marks with a long shelf life.

For example, in order to make stretch marks on the arms or legs less visible, you need to apply a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and badyagi powder (the ratio of the components is approximately 1:1) to the problem areas. The mixture is applied for 10 minutes, then washed off. The procedure must be repeated every day or every other day at least 10 times in a row.

Honey wrap is also effective. Honey is heated in a water bath and applied to those places on the arms or legs where there are stretch marks. Wrap the top of your arms or legs with cling film and put on something warm. After 40 minutes, the honey can be washed off.

Wrapping with kelp (purchased at a pharmacy) gives good results. The contents of the package are filled with warm water, and when the algae swells, they are applied to areas with pronounced stretch marks, wrapped in cling film and left for 20 minutes.

As an auxiliary home remedy to combat stretch marks in men, it is useful to use body scrubs. This can be any ready-made scrub, which is applied to the “target” areas with massage movements and washed off in the shower. You can also prepare the scrub yourself - for example, from ground coffee or grape seeds crushed in a blender. Both are added to the shower gel.

There are also ready-made cosmetic products for stretch marks that can be used by both men and women. Such compositions are available in the lines of the brands Vichy, Collistar, Clarins, Biotherm and others.

Prevention of stretch marks

Dealing with stretch marks that have already appeared is not easy, so it is advisable to take measures to prevent their occurrence. How can you prevent stretch marks? Of course, try to avoid the main risk factors as much as possible - avoid large weight gains in a short period, increase muscle mass gradually when playing sports, and monitor the state of the endocrine system. In addition, you can:

1. drink enough liquid - at least 2 liters of clean water per day (tea, coffee, juices and other drinks are not taken into account);
2. be sure to eat protein foods;
3. include in your diet more foods containing vitamins C, A and E, as well as zinc.

To protect yourself from the appearance of stretch marks on specific areas of the body, it is very useful to use wheat germ oil (regularly rubbed into the skin with massage movements).

Stretch marks are a fairly common phenomenon. It is generally accepted that this problem, like cellulite, is faced exclusively by women.

This is not true at all. Striae can also appear in men.

In fact, stretch marks are atrophic scars. They look like curved, repeating stripes on the dermis. Stretch marks in men, as well as in women, can have different colors.

For example, fresh striae have a pinkish or reddish color, while old ones have a whitish color.

Frequent localization of cosmetic defects is the abdomen, thighs, armpits, forearms, groin, lower back, back. The appearance of scars is caused by stretching and rupture of elastin and collagen fibers.

Why do they appear?

There are actually plenty of reasons for the appearance of stretch marks. A problem may arise due to frequent and sudden weight loss or weight gain, excessive physical activity, hormonal changes, or the use of corticosteroids.

The occurrence of stretch marks in representatives of the stronger half of society may be due to:

1. Genetic predisposition. Some men have a tendency to form atrophic scars. If one of the parents has this problem, it is quite possible that stretch marks will appear in the child. Although stretch marks in representatives of the stronger half are not a common occurrence, they can appear at any age.
2. The presence of pathologies of the pancreas. One of the main reasons for the formation of stretch marks is a malfunction in the functioning of this organ. Marfan syndrome, characterized by abnormal development of connective tissue, provokes the appearance of stretch marks. This disease is accompanied by an increase in the production of the hormone cortisol. As a result, the skin becomes too tender and less elastic.
3. Rapid weight gain. Quite often, stretch marks are formed due to a sharp gain in body weight over a short period. The appearance of stretch marks is caused by rapid tissue stretching. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and breaks. Microtraumas appear on the skin. This problem is often faced by athletes who suddenly gain weight. It is possible that stretch marks may appear in adolescents (due to hormonal changes).
4. Dramatic weight loss. Often the formation of stretch marks in men occurs due to loss of body weight. When losing weight, there is a loss of nutrients in the skin, as well as a decrease in elasticity.
5. Excessive physical activity. Bodybuilders often experience the formation of atrophic scars. If you do not control the increase in muscle volume, this is fraught with its rapid increase and rupture of dermal fibers.
6. Abuse of corticosteroids. Drugs in this group help to increase the body’s protective properties, minimize the inflammatory process and accelerate the healing of wounds on the dermis. One such drug is prednisone, which helps treat arthritis and asthma. Excessive use of corticosteroids can lead to the formation of stretch marks.

Localization of striae

Stretch marks among representatives of the stronger half of society can form on almost any part of the body. However, the favorite localization of stretch marks in men is the back, abdomen, hips, chest, buttocks, lower back, groin, armpit area, and arms.

Today, many men take care of their body and improve it in every possible way. The fight against stretch marks is not an easy and lengthy process. But possible. The result is worth the time and patience. It is completely impossible to get rid of stretch marks. But reducing stretch marks and making them less noticeable is something everyone can do.

Along with various procedures and medications (creams), several effective exercises will help minimize atrophic scars:

1. 
   
   
   
   Striae in the area of ​​the shoulders and forearms can be removed by performing exercises with a barbell. The most effective exercises include: raising arms with dumbbells in a standing position, pressing the barbell upward from the chest and from behind the head.
2. Push-ups and bench presses will help minimize stretch marks in the chest area.
3. You can remove stretch marks in the abdominal area with abdominal exercises.
4. Simple squats are effective in combating stretch marks on the legs.
5. You can minimize stretch marks in the buttocks by running with your knees raised.
6. Bends to the sides with dumbbells will help reduce stretch marks in the back area.

It is worth considering the fact that atrophic scars in the buttocks and shoulders are very difficult and slow to remove. Exercise alone will not be enough. In this case, you cannot do without cosmetic procedures, peeling, the use of creams and wraps.

Effective means

There are many ways and means to help eliminate such an unpleasant problem as stretch marks. However, the most effective are retinoids and oils. Retinoids are analogues of vitamin A (retinol compounds in their pure form are less stable compared to their derivatives).

That is why retinol palmitate is often added to creams to reduce atrophic scars. One form of vitamin A is retinoic acid. The products can be purchased both at the pharmacy and in the online store, with or without a prescription. Prescription medications are effective, but if the stretch marks are minor, over-the-counter medications may help treat the problem.

Retinoid creams help:

1. renewal of dermal cells;
2. formation of new elastin and collagen fibers;
3. restoring firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Preparations with retinoids will help eliminate stretch marks in men in a short time. After using the cream, a decrease in the size of the stripes is noted. Using oils is also effective.

Vegetable and essential oils are endowed with natural, nourishing and moisturizing substances that help improve the condition of the skin, restoring its firmness and elasticity.

In addition, oils supply the dermis with vitamins and other beneficial substances. Often, in the fight against stretch marks, the use of the following oils is prescribed: wheat germ, jojoba, coconut, olive. You can use oils in their pure form or buy preparations with them.

The correct selection of cosmetic products, as well as the appropriate and regular use of oils or formulations with them, will help reduce cosmetic defects and improve the condition of the dermis. Essential oils are effective in the fight against stretch marks.

Experts recommend the use of orange, lemon, lavender, rose, jasmine, and tangerine oils. Orange oil helps improve the tone of the dermis. In addition, it has a softening effect. Lemon essential oil helps stimulate blood flow to problem areas. Lavender oil has a relaxing effect and helps smooth out the relief of the dermis. Rose oil helps in increasing the elasticity of the dermis.

Since essential oils are not recommended for use in their pure form (this can cause burns), experts advise mixing them with base oils. Similar oil mixtures can be used to massage problem areas. Good results can be achieved by mixing olive oil - 10 ml with almond and lavender essential oils - three drops. This mixture must be rubbed into areas with stretch marks every day.

The following mixtures are no less effective:

1. olive oil - 10 ml with essential oil of frankincense and lavender - three drops;
2. rosehip seed oil (10 ml) with hazelnut essential oil - two drops;
3. wheat germ oil (10 ml) with essential oils of tangerine, neroli and lavender - three drops each.

Prevention

Striae among representatives of the stronger half of society is a fairly common problem. Eliminating stretch marks is many times more difficult than preventing their occurrence.

To prevent the appearance of white stripes on the body, it is recommended:

1. play sports, but in moderation;
2. eat more foods rich in ascorbic acid, vitamin A and E;
3. introduce protein-rich foods into your diet;
4. eat more fruits and vegetables;
5. drink at least two liters of liquid per day;
6. monitor your diet, eat healthy foods rich in amino acids, vitamins and beneficial microelements.

Stretch marks on the skin are a common skin problem in both sexes, regardless of age. The defect is not dangerous, but can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Often the problem of stretch marks occurs in males. To know how to minimize the risk of developing them, you need to have an idea of ​​which groups of people are at risk and how best to treat stretch marks in each specific case.

Why do they appear?

There are many reasons that provoke the appearance of stretch marks on the body in men.

The main ones include:

1. rapid increase in body weight;
2. rapid growth in adolescence;
3. taking corticosteroids;
4. genetic predisposition;
5. Marfan and Ehlers-Danlas syndromes;
6. malfunction of the pancreas.

Taking medications based on corticosteroids helps preserve the immune system, stop inflammatory processes and have a regenerative effect.

With rapid weight gain, the epidermis may not be able to cope with the load and become injured, becoming covered with small stretch marks. A similar situation is observed in adolescents - due to an increase in the rate of growth in length, the skin becomes tense and stretches.

Genetic reasons are due to the assumption that if a similar disease was observed in a relative, the likelihood of its formation on the body of another person from the family increases.

In some cases, diseases of the pancreas, thyroid gland and pituitary gland can trigger the problem.

Marfan and Ehlers-Danlas syndromes can contribute to the manifestation of stretch marks - due to an increase in the production of the hormone cortisol, the bonds of the connective tissue of the skin are weakened, and damage occurs.

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There are several classifications of stretch marks, which can be used to determine the depth of the disease, its type and degree of oldness.

So, there are two types of striae based on color:

The white appearance of striae is observed on old scars, more than 6 months have passed since their appearance.

These are atrophic skin injuries associated with the appearance of connective tissue at the site of the stretch. Due to the fact that their appearance occurred a long time ago, correction of this type of violation is usually more expensive and difficult.

If the veins of the stretch marks are bright in color (the shade can vary from purple, red to dark purple). Such damage appeared recently - the color indicates that the fibers broke the day before.

The brightness of the scar is determined by the fact that at the time the stretch mark appears, there are a large number of vessels and capillaries in the stretched area. The larger the stretch mark, the brighter its color. Newly developed stretch marks can be treated much easier than old ones; sometimes even home therapy alone helps.

According to location, stretch marks are divided into:

1. longitudinal (vertical);
2. horizontal.

The appearance of type 2 stretch marks most often indicates hormonal imbalances in the body. That is why, before correcting imperfections, you need to visit an endocrinologist.

In men, vertical striae are rare, as they are most common among pregnant women. Their appearance on the skin can provoke rapid weight gain due to obesity or increased muscle mass in sports activities.

According to the type of stretch marks on the skin, scars are distinguished:

1. scars (small formations on the skin of a pinkish color;
2. filiform (whitish narrow thread-like stripes on the skin);
3. longitudinal (stretch marks are located along the fibers of the epidermis).

Assess how long ago stretch marks appeared in a particular case. Possible by color of formation:

1. up to a year it is colored,
2. after a year it brightens with the acquisition of a pearlescent hue (this is especially effective for scar stripe stretching).

How to remove

On hands

Stretch marks on the arms of men are the most difficult to treat. If stretch marks appear on the forearm or shoulder, exercises with a barbell (push-ups from the chest, from behind the head, exercises with dumbbells in a standing position) are effective.

You can use any type of salon procedures (for example, chemical peeling or mesotherapy) and home masks if there are no contraindications.

On the stomach

Stretch marks on the abdomen are the most common in men.

Exercises that help prevent the formation of new ones and promote the removal of old ones. Aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles. It is effective to bring your legs to your stomach while sitting, and to lift them at the same time when lying down.

In the groin

Typically, inguinal stretch marks indicate a hormonal imbalance in the body - before treating such a defect, the cause of its appearance should be eliminated.

Many salon procedures are not recommended for use in the groin - therefore, for this dose it is better to use masks (including algae and honey), as well as pharmaceutical creams and ointments (after establishing the absence of hypersensitivity to the components and consulting with a specialist).

General methods for getting rid of stretch marks on the body of men

Medical

Medical methods of treating stretch marks involve a series of procedures to remove existing stretch marks and reduce the risk of new ones.

A popular treatment method is mesotherapy, for which a course of treatment is provided.

For each patient, the ratio of necessary drugs is individually selected, which are subsequently injected under the skin into the scar area with a pistol using a small syringe.

The amount of active substance administered is influenced by the patient’s health status, skin type, old age of stretch marks and the reasons why the formation appeared. 3-4 procedures are enough to show results.

Deep chemical peeling is one of the most effective treatment methods that can help permanently solve the problem of stretch marks.

However, the procedure has a number of contraindications and may not be used on all areas of the body. Typically, stretch marks are chemically removed from the facial area and abdomen.

During therapy, an acid of a certain concentration is applied to the prepared area of ​​skin.

The substance is able to penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis, which is a decisive factor in effectiveness - acids start the process of cell renewal from the inside.

Side effects of the procedure may include redness of the skin (lasts up to 48 hours after treatment) and sensitivity. However, minor stretch marks may disappear after the first peel.

The effect is achieved by removing the top layer of skin - this stimulates its enhanced renewal. Therapy for stretch marks with laser resurfacing works similarly.

Microdermabrasion is a new method of skin resurfacing.

The skin is polished with special microscopic crystals, which are placed in the tip of a hardware device under high pressure. The diamond tip does not require additional use of crystal structures.

Microdermabrasion is especially often used on areas of the skin where laser correction is contraindicated - for example, on the chest. The procedure helps to get rid of only recently appeared stretch marks.

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Homemade

A number of folk remedies have proven themselves to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks. The action of such drugs is aimed at increasing skin tone and elasticity.

You can add several mummy tablets, previously dissolved in a small volume of water, to any body cream. The solution is mixed with cream and rubbed into the skin in areas where there are stretch marks. During breaks between rubbing honey, the mixture is stored in a cool, dark place.

The course of treatment should be at least 90 days when used 1 or 2 times a day.

Badyagi masks are effective in treating stretch marks on the hands. The powder of the substance is mixed with hydrogen peroxide to a paste-like state. The mixture is applied to areas with stretch marks for 10-15 minutes. For complete disappearance of stretch marks, 10-12 procedures may be sufficient.

Laminaria is used to wrap the skin against stretch marks. The algae is poured with warm water and, after swelling, applied to problem skin for 20 minutes. During this time, you can apply cling film to the skin to prevent the mixture from dripping and to create a thermal effect - this way, beneficial substances penetrate into the layers of the epidermis better.

Pharmacy products

Retinoid ointments based on vitamin A or similar substances have proven themselves to be effective in the prevention of stretch marks. Over-the-counter ointments are suitable for treating minor stretch marks.

The active substance accelerates skin regeneration and promotes the renewal of skin collagen fibers. The drug is especially effective on new stretch marks that have not yet become old.

Striae may not disappear completely from the ointment, but in almost all cases there is a reduction in the ear.

The use of such therapy is especially effective for stretch marks on the sides and back. The ointment is used strictly according to the instructions.

Oils can have a preventive effect:

They restore and moisturize damaged skin, stimulate regeneration and renewal of fibers.

Essential oils are always used diluted when added to oil or cream mixtures, as they have increased activity.

Esters stimulate blood circulation near the affected area of ​​the epidermis.

Vegetable oils soothe the skin. Oils are especially often used:

You can also use creams based on these oils.

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Prevention

It is easier to prevent the appearance of stretch marks than to fight those that have already appeared. There are a number of simple recommendations that, if followed, will help a man minimize the risk of stretch marks.

These include:

1. food quality control: the foods consumed should be varied and include a sufficient amount of amino acids, microelements and vitamins; if necessary, you can consume useful substances as part of complexes;
2. increasing the proportion of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet;
3. increasing the amount of water consumed daily;
4. increasing the content of protein-rich foods in the diet;
5. consuming sufficient quantities of tocopherol acetate, retinol acetate and ascorbic acid;
6. preventive use of creams and ointments;
7. regular exercise.

By following these rules, you can minimize the risk of stretch marks on any part of the body. The therapeutic effect of such measures increases with the additional use of preventive creams and applications.

Stretch marks are not a dangerous abnormality. The defect can only cause inconvenience of an aesthetic nature. At the same time, correct determination of the type of lesion, the reasons that caused it, as well as well-chosen therapy can minimize the consequences and rid a person of stretch marks completely.