Skin breaks in teenagers

Typically, stretch marks in teenagers appear as brown, white, red or pink stripes on different parts of the body. Most often, most people attribute their occurrence to a heavy load on the skin. But doctors see the reason for what is happening in the developmental features of the young, growing body of adolescence.

Content

1. Causes
2. Prevention of stretch marks
3. Methods for treating stretch marks

The very fact of the appearance of teenage stretch marks (or stretch marks) is a reason for examination. The usual cream is usually not enough to eliminate stretch marks on the body of teenagers. In such a situation, it is important to promptly identify the causes, as well as determine the correct treatment.

Causes ↑

Stretch marks are internal tears in the outer layer of skin. In teenagers (13–16 years old), they can occur on the back, shoulders, abdomen, chest, legs or buttocks. The appearance of this cosmetic defect is explained by many circumstances. During the transition period, the entire hormonal background changes. Endocrine diseases and heredity make themselves felt. As a result, stretch marks may appear on the body. Subcutaneous tears that exist for up to a year are purple or red in color. It is easier to cope with such stretch marks: they are treatable. At a later stage they gradually become lighter. Such old stretch marks, which are already more than a year old, do not change color even on tanned skin and are more difficult to treat. The following factors can cause stretch marks on the skin of teenagers:

1. hereditary predisposition;
2. weakened immune system;
3. hormonal disorders;
4. sudden weight gain;
5. poor diet, dehydrated body;
6. lack of muscle mass;
7. rapid growth of mammary glands;
8. rare genetic diseases;
9. long-term use of hormonal drugs.

Prevention of stretch marks ↑

At the first signs of the appearance of stretch marks on the body, it is recommended to immediately contact at least an endocrinologist.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, kidneys, adrenal glands, as well as blood tests for hormones.

By accurately determining the true causes of stretch marks, you can completely remove them. The process is long, but in adolescence, during a period of increased development, it is much easier to treat stretch marks. During treatment, it is strictly forbidden to indulge in diets, suddenly gain or lose weight. Prohibitions also include excessive exercise, including pumping up muscle mass.

Supportive measures in the fight against stretch marks (usually red, brown or pink stripes) on the body and their prevention include the following measures. Increase the amount of protein food in the diet. Scrubs with folk remedies are used, a very light massage with a sisal mitten with oil and honey.

Among cosmetics, use moisturizer or any cream with the presence of collagen. Beauty vitamin A, olive and essential oils would be appropriate here. An active lifestyle, running, swimming, contrast showers, a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of fluids will help avoid this problem. Moreover, preventive measures should begin at the age of 10–12 years.

Methods for treating stretch marks ↑

To solve the problem of stretch marks in adolescence, folk and cosmetological methods are initially used. They are quite simple and take minimal time. For example, after a bath and shower, apply honey masks with aloe. To prepare this composition, mix 5 tbsp. l. honey and aloe in 100 g of water. Another popular mask consists of a mixture of cucumbers and oatmeal. The course is at least a month. When restoring skin, cosmetology puts gel, cream with silicone, elastin, collagen, glycolic and retinol peeling in the first place. It is not recommended to do manual massage during treatment and even for preventive purposes.

A mixture of oatmeal and sour cream (in a 1 to 1 combination) helps remove fresh stretch marks. The composition must be applied for 30 minutes. on problem areas of the body for a whole month.

A homemade remedy made from mumiyo is considered universal in the fight against stretch marks. It is suitable for teenagers, women after childbirth and in adulthood, as well as men. The composition is prepared by mixing 5 g of mumiyo in a teaspoon of warm, clean water. Then it is added to the cream (per 100 g), after which it is left for 20 minutes. Apply the prepared cream twice a day to steamed skin and leave for at least 20 minutes.

At later stages, when special cream and other cosmetics are not enough, they move on to more radical methods. These include laser resurfacing and mesotherapy.

Laser resurfacing gives quick and significant results on all problem areas (including areas on the legs, shoulders, and back). It is done under anesthesia in several procedures, depending on the type and degree of complexity of the stretch marks.

The cheapest and safest method is mesotherapy. It consists of administering a medicinal substance subcutaneously. This method helps get rid of stretch marks and also helps strengthen the immune system. But until complete recovery it is necessary to carry out the course for six months.

This problem is a common occurrence in adolescence. Often, eliminating it is associated with overcoming a number of complexes that arise along with it. It is necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of this age and support the teenager in a timely manner by explaining the essence of the issue. It is important that he does not become discouraged, but continues to work on himself and his body. But you should always remember that prevention is easier than cure. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of the appearance of stretch marks, preventive measures should be actively taken.

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

Almost every woman knows what stretch marks are on the skin, and has seen from personal experience how difficult it is to get rid of them. But what horror engulfs parents when they notice that exactly the same white or red stripes have appeared on their son!

Victoria Tolstonosova, trichologist, dermatocosmetologist at the International Medical Center "URO-PRO", (Krasnodar), told Letidor why stretch marks appear in boys, what diseases they can signal, how you can get rid of them and what preventive measures will help in this case.

What are stretch marks

I want to reassure children, as well as their parents, with the information that stretch marks, or stretch marks, are not a disease, but I agree that they still spoil the appearance of the skin.

During adolescence, the body begins to develop rapidly, with bone growth occurring faster than muscles and skin. Thus, the surface of the body is stretched, injured, and tears are formed, held together by connective tissue.

At first, stretch marks are red, then the capillaries in the skin die, and the damaged areas become lighter.

At what age can stretch marks appear in boys?

Around 13-15 years old. At the same time, the voice breaks, a mustache begins to grow, mood swings may be observed, and excessive excitement is replaced by fatigue and apathy.

Why stretch marks form

The most common cause is an increase in height and weight that occurs simultaneously with a lack of muscle mass.

Also, one should not write off the general changes in hormonal levels characteristic of puberty, as well as heredity.

What diseases cause such stretch marks?

In adolescence, a person tends to become depressed because of his appearance, and stretch marks can become a serious reason for the development of an inferiority complex.

In addition to rapid maturation, stretch marks can indicate that their owner:

suffers from hormonal imbalance, has a weakened immune system,

has diseases of internal organs,

has a displacement of the vertebrae,

suffers from diabetes mellitus,

suffers from Itsenko-Cushing syndrome (when the adrenal glands produce corticosteroid hormones in excess - approx. ed.),

suffers from Marfan syndrome (underdevelopment of connective tissue - approx. ed.).

After the appearance of stretch marks, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, who can then prescribe a blood test to determine hormonal status, and also send the teenager for an ultrasound examination of the kidneys, abdominal organs, thyroid gland and adrenal glands.

How to get rid of stretch marks for a teenager

The sooner a teenager begins to treat stretch marks (medical name for stretch marks - approx. ed.), the more impressive the results the procedures will give.

Of course, it is easier to treat young patients than adults, but stretch marks are a case where prevention is extremely important.

1. Fresh red scars, along with the rest of the back, should be regularly lubricated with moisturizing creams high in collagen, elastin, vitamins A and E.

Once or twice a week, you can apply a gentle scrub with small particles to the surface of your back to deeply cleanse the surface layer of the epidermis and remove dead cells.

It makes sense to purchase a product at the pharmacy that reduces the number of dermal tears and stimulates collagen production.

Proper nutrition with a predominance of high-protein foods and at least 2.5 liters of water per day, jogging, cycling, swimming, team sports and relaxing massage will also be effective ways to combat stretch marks.

Contrast showers and baths with sea salt.

When white stretch marks are observed on the back, then a young man has a direct path to the cosmetologist’s office. Here he will be offered a seaweed wrap, as well as a chemical peeling based on fruit acids.

Thanks to the action of the active components, dead skin particles are removed along with stretch marks, and the process of formation of new cells is started.

If the above methods do not help, then from the age of 18 you can sign up for laser resurfacing or mechanical peeling.

I often recommend a course of mesotherapy to my patients: hyaluronic acid stimulates the restoration of damaged skin.