What do stretch marks look like on the body?

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 using 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 with 30 drops of rosemary oil is taken. 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 on both 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 hips.

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.

1. AHA acids: stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
2. Retinol (vitamin A): stimulates active division and proper functioning of cells, accelerates regeneration.
3. Vitamin C: regulates and stimulates collagen production.
4. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates scarring and strengthens connective tissue. It also improves circulation, making the skin smoother and more elastic.
5. Aloe: softens the skin and stimulates cellular renewal.
6. Hyaluronic acid: actively moisturizes the skin, making it more elastic.
7. 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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