Stretch marks on certain parts of the body. Why do stretch marks appear?

03.09.2019

About 70% of the world's population has stretch marks on the body or striae. They are shallow scars on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks are considered a cosmetic problem and can be removed at home or in beauty salons.

From what appear

Endogenous and exogenous factors can provoke the appearance of stretch marks on the body.:

Pregnancy. During this period, stripes on the skin appear on the abdomen and chest. Together with this, hormonal changes occur in the woman's body, which also provokes the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks that develop during pregnancy cannot be treated with strong medications.
A sharp decrease or increase in body weight. Scars on the body are formed if a person loses or gains more than 300 g per day. In order not to face a problem, you must adhere to the optimal rate of weight loss or weight gain - up to 1.5 kg per week. When you are losing weight, exercise is recommended to help protect your skin from stretch marks.
Internal pathologies. Such diseases include Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome. In such a situation, stretch marks can appear in unusual areas, for example, on the back. To get rid of the problem, the patient is prescribed medications that affect the production of hormones.
Genetic predisposition. A person has a high risk of striae formation if his immediate family has encountered a problem. In this case, it is better to immediately take preventive measures - use special cosmetics to maintain skin tone and follow the rules of nutrition.
Puberty. In adolescence, scars on the body occur due to changes in hormonal levels.

In addition to these factors, an unbalanced diet, a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits also lead to the formation of stretch marks.

How do they look

The appearance of the stripes on the skin depends on the structure of the human skin and its tone. It is these indicators that affect the severity of the symptomatic picture of the problem.

The color of the formations varies from light to dark purple. The shade of stretch marks largely depends on the age of their appearance, fresh scars are red-purple in color, and old formations are lighter in tone.

The connective tissue that makes up striae is characterized by a low production of melanin. For this reason, when sunburned, areas of skin with stretch marks change their color less intensely than surrounding tissues.

Scars on the body are formed in singular and plural quantities, it all depends on the structure of the epidermis and its ability to stretch.

The striae are not the same in size: the width of the formations varies from 1 to 7 mm, and the length - from 0.5 cm to 10 cm.

The structure of stretch marks is also diverse: the stripes can be located above the surface of the skin, at the same level with it and be pulled in. As a rule, the relief of stretch marks changes over time.

Skin lesions in Cushing's syndrome have specific characteristics:

they are localized on the shoulders, back, abdomen and chest
the skin at the site of stretch marks becomes thinner.

In addition to stripes, pigment spots appear on the surface of the skin with endocrine disruption, itching and peeling of certain areas of the dermis occurs.

Development stages

Several stages of striae development are noted:

Inflammatory, if stretch marks appear less than 6 months ago. Tsuch formations have a bright red or purple tint. The morphological examination reveals cellular structures, blood stasis and a large number of dilated vessels between the damaged skin structures.
Atrophic if stretch marks are older than 6 months. The color of such formations can vary from white to pearlescent. They are made up of thickened skin and inner walls of connective tissue. When morphological examination of "old" striae, no cellular elements and signs of microcirculation in tissues are found.

Where do they appear

Stretch marks are most often formed:

on the face;
on the back;
on the chest;
on the sides;
in the buttocks and thighs;
on foot.

Scars on the face occur due to mechanical damage to the skin or hormonal disruption in the body, when there is an increased production of progesterone, which negatively affects the elasticity of the dermis.

Often, a sharp weight loss becomes the cause of the formation of stretch marks on the face.

The reasons for the appearance of stripes on the back are as follows:

sedentary lifestyle;
unbalanced diet;
hormonal changes;
a sharp decrease or gain in weight;
strong physical activity falling on the lumbar region.

Transverse stripes on the back can appear during adolescence during puberty. It is almost impossible to get rid of them in the future.

Stretch marks on the chest are formed due to:

breastfeeding;
pregnancy;
surgical operations in this area;
weakened immunity;
inflammatory process of the mammary glands;
hereditary factor.

When the first scars appear on the mammary glands, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures that will prevent the appearance of new formations - daily exercises to strengthen the muscles of the chest, contrast shower, manual massage, wraps.

Stretch marks on the sides are:

vertical, with a sharp increase or decrease in weight;
horizontal, due to hormonal imbalance.

Stretch marks on the sides are removed in the same way as scars on other parts of the body. In this case, it is additionally necessary to visit an endocrinologist and a nutritionist in order to normalize hormonal levels and nutrition.

Stripes on the buttocks occur for the same reasons as on other parts of the body.

There is another factor that provokes the formation of scars on the buttocks - a long intake of hormonal drugs. In men, stretch marks on the pope appear due to excessive physical exertion.

Getting rid of the growths on the buttocks is quite simple, especially if they are bright red. To do this, special gels and creams are applied to problem areas of the skin.

Stripes on the legs, especially on the calves, appear due to the increased load on them. Pregnant women are at greatest risk of developing stretch marks on their legs.

Video: Laser Removal

How to remove stretch marks on the body

Removing scars on the body is a long-term process that requires an integrated approach to the problem.

The following techniques are used to remove formations:

Chemical peeling. During the procedure, acids are used to burn the altered skin cover and create conditions for the natural production of collagen.
Laser peeling. Under the influence of laser beams, areas of damaged tissue are burned out and the growth of healthy cells is stimulated.
Mesotherapy. In the problem areas of the body, special preparations are introduced - trace elements, vitamins, enzymes. These funds have a beneficial effect on the process of tissue regeneration and bring them closer in structure to a healthy skin condition.
Microdermabrasion or mechanical resurfacing. As a result of the procedure, stretch marks on the skin are removed, in the place of which new healthy cells are formed.
LPG massage. Manipulations are performed by an apparatus that has a vacuum effect on the skin. Thanks to the massage, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, blood circulation and metabolic processes of the epidermis are normalized.
Lifting. With the help of special equipment, an electromagnetic effect is exerted on the damaged areas of the skin.
Wraps. Active substances such as spirulina algae are used as wrapping material. These components increase the tone of the epidermis and activate the production of collagen in it.

To eliminate large and pronounced stretch marks, which do not respond well to conservative treatment, plastic surgery is prescribed. During the procedure, stretch marks are removed along with adjacent tissues.

This method of eliminating scars is resorted to only in extremely rare cases due to the possible likelihood of a secondary infection settling into damaged tissues.

At home, it is possible to cope with recently formed scars with the help of creams containing collagen and elastin. On average, the course of using scars gels is 2 months.

It is important that the cream for stretch marks also includes other beneficial ingredients:

vitamins of group A and B;
unsaturated fatty acids;
components that stimulate cell regeneration;
blood supply activators;
antioxidants.

The list of the most effective creams for stretch marks includes:

Mama Comfort;
Bepanten;
Sanosan;
Mustela;
9 months.

The widely advertised creams and gels for stretch marks are ineffective for old formations. Local preparations are not able to affect the change in scar tissue and stimulate the regeneration process in the deep layers of the skin. They only help faster maturation of stretch marks and their lightening.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for stretch marks on the body are effective only with regular use.

Several recipes will help get rid of the problem:

The crushed coffee beans are rubbed daily into the damaged areas of the skin. It is advisable to perform the procedure with a hard sponge or mitten. Stretch marks will be almost invisible after a few months of using the coffee beans.
150 ml of natural yogurt is mixed with almond oil and lemon zest (1 tablespoon of each ingredient). The resulting mass is applied to stretch marks several times a week. The mixture is stored in a refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
To prepare a scrub for scars, mix 200 g of medium-sized salt and sugar. To these ingredients add 250 ml of vegetable oil (palm oil). With this tool, massage the problem areas for 10-15 minutes. To achieve a visible result, the procedure is performed daily for 2 months.
Cosmetic green clay is stirred with water to a dough consistency. The mixture is applied to the scars for 10-15 minutes until it dries completely. The dried product is washed off with warm water, and then a bath with essential oils is taken (25 drops per bath). The course of the daily procedure is 14 days.
The most effective folk remedy for stretch marks is a mummy cream that is easy to make at home. For this, 1 tsp. warm water is mixed with 1 g of the substance. The solution is mixed with 100 ml of baby cream and rubbed into the formation once a day. Mummy cream is stored in the refrigerator.
In 1 tsp. Almond oil add 8 drops of rosemary oil. The agent is rubbed into the area of \u200b\u200bstretch marks formation once a day until they become invisible.
When treating stripes on the body, chamomile decoction is used. To do this, add ½ cup of dried chamomile flowers to 250 ml of milk and simmer for 15 minutes. In the cooled broth, moisten the tissue and apply it to the affected areas. The compress is covered with a plastic wicker and insulated with a thick cloth. The holding time of the compress is 15 minutes.

What determines the result

The effectiveness of getting rid of scars largely depends on the age of their occurrence. It is possible to completely remove stretch marks only if they appeared no more than 12 months ago. The effectiveness of the treatment is also influenced by the used method of healing problem areas of the skin.

To eliminate stretch marks, it is not enough to use any one method, it is advisable to carry out a whole range of necessary measures. "Old" striae can be made more invisible with the help of cosmetic procedures - laser peeling and a number of other salon techniques. Gels and creams cannot completely eliminate the problem and turn stretch marks into healthy skin cells.

Stretch marks on the skin do not pose a threat to human health, but their appearance gives a person many inconveniences. Formations can occur due to a number of both external (mechanical damage to the skin) and internal (pregnancy, endocrine pathologies) factors. At the first signs of a problem, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures to eliminate it as soon as possible.

When the inner layer of the skin expands and loses its elasticity, stretch marks or striae appear. Most often, these lines become more visible on the abdomen and chest during pregnancy, when lifting weights and losing weight. Over time, the color of stretch marks on the body changes: the red-violet color fades, white scars appear. All sorts of people become the authors of myths, sometimes making it difficult to see the real picture.

Treating stretch marks: separating fact from fiction

Some people try to disguise striae with clothing and cosmetics. Such an ostrich policy does not suit everyone, so the ranks of those who have declared war on stretch marks are multiplying. There are many methods of struggle: the use of creams, oils, lasers and other achievements of modern cosmetology plus home remedies.

Many chances are missed due to ignorance of the properties of the skin and the nature of stretch marks. How to cure stretch marks on the body and completely protect yourself from the appearance of new lines? The answers to the question will help to debunk the long-standing myths. Efforts to get rid of or prevent stretch marks shouldn't be like fighting windmills.

The color of fresh stretch marks on fair skin is often pink or red. Those with darker skin tend to suffer from reddish-brown streaks. Gradually, these internal tears in the body lining are filled with scar tissue, which differs in structure from normal skin. Gradually, the lines fade, become almost indistinguishable from adjacent parts of the body. This is how the myth appeared that stretch marks heal on their own.

Damaged protein fibers of collagen and elastin in the skin do not regenerate for a long time.

The importance of hardware cosmetology is greatly exaggerated. Allegedly, from the answers to the question "How to remove stretch marks on the body" - only one is correct: "with the help of laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion procedure." The possibilities of hardware cosmetology are not limitless, there are contraindications, it happens that aggressive methods of treatment aggravate skin defects.

Video on how to remove stretch marks on the body

Three popular myths about the causes of stretch marks

The belief that, with a strong desire, anyone will prevent the appearance of stretch marks on their body is a common misconception. The whole reason is ignorance of the reasons why stretch marks appear on the body, with what structures they are associated. This is how conjectures appear that are of no use to anyone.

When another myth bursts like a soap bubble, disappointment remains, they say, everything is useless, there is no cure. This is not the case, because the reasons for the change in hormonal levels and skin reactions differ from person to person. Therefore, the results of any therapy are always highly individualized.

The miracle of complete elimination of stretch marks is expected by people who have a vague idea of \u200b\u200bwhy stretch marks appear on the body. No procedure will reverse the transformation of rough scar tissue into normal skin, consisting of three layers (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). Let us remember how we ourselves or our friends usually explain the appearance of lines on the body.

Myth 1: "Stretch marks occur only with a strong expansion of the skin in obese people and pregnant women."

The real reason lies in the hormonal changes that accompany puberty, pregnancy, and body weight fluctuations.

Myth 2: "stretch marks do not appear in thin people."

The likelihood of striae does not directly depend on weight. Stretch marks can also haunt naturally thin people who experience hormonal imbalances.

Myth 3: "men are not threatened with stretch marks."

Hormones are produced in the body of every person, the disorders associated with them occur in women and men. Puberty, weight fluctuations and muscle building activate substances that break down skin fibers.

Stretch marks are not a disease, but treatment will be required

The intermediate part of the skin - the dermis - is important for the entire body shell. Compared to the epidermis, the base layer is especially vulnerable to hormonal and metabolic disorders. Most of the treatments for stretch marks on the body work on the surface of the skin, but their goal is the dermis, which is laced with a dense mesh of connective tissue fibers.

The elastic frame is especially sensitive to an excess of steroid hormones, a lack of collagen and elastin. The skin loses its strength and elasticity, breaks of delicate fibers occur. A decrease in skin plasticity is more often manifested in areas where subcutaneous adipose tissue is most developed, that is, in the abdomen, chest, lower back, hips, buttocks.

The properties of scars that have already appeared do not change, on the contrary, after the birth of a child and / or loss of weight, the lines on the body may become more noticeable. Whatever the reasons for stretch marks on the body, the therapeutic and visual effects from the use of procedures, the use of cosmetics can be very pleasant:

discoloration and reduction in the size of colored lines;
reduction of white stripes;
improving the texture of the skin in the area of \u200b\u200bstretch marks;
prevention of the appearance of new stretch marks.

Let's sum up

People of different sex and age are prone to stretch marks. Reddish, purple, brown streaks appear during periods when the skin is under significant stress. They can be caused by puberty, pregnancy, weight gain or weight loss. The extent to which collagen fibers stretch and break depends on hormonal processes that affect many of the skin's properties, such as its ability to retain moisture.

When striae appear, you need to try to prevent their spread. Both pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics are suitable, as well as alternative methods of treatment. There is no panacea, which does not mean abandoning the search for an effective treatment for stretch marks. Many products and medicines provide the normalization of hormonal levels and metabolism. Advances in laser therapy and cosmetology are helping to make stretch marks less visible on the body.

The best time to treat stretch marks is the first 6 months, until the lines have faded.

The flawless condition of the skin of the body can be ensured by expensive sessions in clinics and affordable creams for stretch marks. The choice of correction methods depends on personal preferences and financial well-being. A comprehensive body beauty rehabilitation program must necessarily include an optimal water regime. A well-formulated diet also stimulates the appearance of new fibers that maintain skin elasticity, making it smoother and more beautiful.

In contact with

Stretch marks on the skin are familiar to many bodybuilders, especially those who have gained a lot of mass. Note that stretch marks are not limited to bodybuilders. Unpleasant streaks on the body often appear in adolescents, pregnant women and other people undergoing hormonal changes or suffering from problems with the endocrine system. Outwardly, these stripes, as a rule, have a reddish or purple hue, eventually changing to white. Which, in turn, already remains so, since the stretch marks do not contain pigments, and therefore are not able to sunbathe.

Stretch marks are stretching of the skin as well as tearing of the dermis. In theory, they can occur on every part of the body, but in most cases, streaks form in those places where a person has the highest concentration of subcutaneous fat - the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. For athletes, this list is also supplemented by places such as the inner side of the arms and deltas, since in the process of intense training it is these areas that significantly increase in volume. Initially, stretch marks have a pinkish tint, the skin on them becomes thinner than the rest of the body. They can also itch. Over time, the streaks fade, at this stage it becomes much more difficult to eliminate them. White stretch marks are called "old", and they acquire such a shade approximately within a year and a half from the moment of manifestation.

At their core, stretch marks of the skin are nothing more than microtraumas. The skin is unable to stretch due to the rapid change in body volume, and therefore injured from the inside. The body, trying to "sew up" the wound, fills the area with connective tissue, which in its properties, specifically - external, differs from the skin. In addition, specific hormonal drugs can be the cause of stretch marks, in particular, corticosteroids, which are used mainly to eliminate certain inflammations.

The manifestation of stretch marks on the skin indicates that the process of production of elastin and - components that are directly responsible for the condition of the skin is disrupted in the body. As such, they do not pose a danger to the health of the body, however, if the root cause of stretch marks is associated with one or another hormonal disorder, it certainly needs to be eliminated. In the case of stretch marks, a much more negative point is their aesthetic effect, unlike battle scars, these stripes do not adorn the body of even the most brutal man. Not to mention the fair sex.

Thinning of the skin and a decrease in its elasticity in places of stretch marks is explained by the hormonal changes already mentioned above. These, as you know, occur in adolescents during puberty, in women during pregnancy, as well as in some athletes who radically revise their diet, or who use it. Actually, it is not even the diet itself or the use of any drug that plays a role, but what follows is sudden changes in weight, both in one and the other direction. That is why the problem of stretching is so urgent for bodybuilders, whose training process involves a set of muscle mass, or, on the contrary, an emphasis on the so-called "drying". If these processes are accompanied by the use of pharmacological support, the risk of skin stretch marks increases significantly. By the way, not least to avoid the risk of stretch marks, nutritionists advise when losing weight to try to lose weight by no more than 2-3% per month... As for training, excessive loads after a long break, or, on the contrary, an abrupt cessation of training, can also lead to stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Treatment and Prevention

Given the complexity of the fight against stretch marks of the skin, timely prevention of their manifestation would be a much more correct solution. However, some of its points can also be successfully applied to get rid of the existing bands, and therefore we will consider them simultaneously in both cases. So, to prevent and get rid of stretch marks, it is recommended:

smear problem areas of the skin with special creams and oils;
maintain an optimal water balance in the body, drinking at least 2 liters of water per day;
try to eat as little food as possible with salt and preservatives;
pay attention to the required concentration of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

These include, in particular, components such as zinc, copper, vitamins C, B5 and Ebecause it is these substances that increase collagen production. Foods where they are found in the largest volume are: avocado, liver, green peas, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, whole grains. Protein, which is already the main component in the bodybuilder's diet, also contributes to tissue restoration and prevention of rupture;

essential oils or plant extracts - substances that stimulate blood circulation in the body.

The best thing is to add them directly to the water when swimming. Or rub into the skin while bathing. You can use one oil or a combination of several at once. In the second case, it is worth choosing one of the oils as the main one, it is best if it is an oil rich in vitamin E, for example, almond or olive. For one tablespoon of such oil, dissolve a few drops of essential oil (geranium, lemon, orange, mint, rosewood, etc.). We rub the resulting composition into the skin with massage movements. You can also use a combination of pure essential oils, mixing them in a ratio of 2 drops each.

do a pinch massage.

The last two tips are most commonly used by girls, but this does not mean that tough male bodybuilders should neglect them. These guidelines are effective and versatile.

For the prevention and direct treatment of stretch marks, you can also use all sorts of exfoliating scrubs. Moreover, their recipes are quite simple, so you can prepare a scrub as follows:

1 cup salt + 1 cup sugar + 0.5 cups butter (ideally palm oil). During water procedures, thoroughly wipe problem areas with the resulting composition, and after taking a shower or bath, lubricate these areas with cream.

Also for water procedures - to prevent stretch marks, a contrast shower is very useful, which strengthens both the skin itself and the smooth muscles under it.

Preparations for the treatment of skin stretch marks

In the case when the stripes have already appeared, and you do not want them to remain for life, you need to deal with their immediate elimination. If we talk about the specific names of drugs to combat stretch marks, the following drugs are worth mentioning among them:

Aekol

Contractubex

A special gel against stretch marks and scars.

Strataderm

Silicone based gel. Optimizes collagen production in problem areas of the skin.

Aevit

Capsules for internal use. Contains vitamins A and E.

Professional help

Modern cosmetic and medical clinics offer a number of ways through which stretch marks can be removed from the skin. A few words about each of them.

Laser resurfacing

The process is the impact of a laser beam on the sites of stretch marks. At the same time, the beam is able to reach even the deepest layers of the skin, destroying the inner fibers of stretch marks themselves. After the procedure, the skin acquires a bright red hue, as if after a burn. It sometimes takes up to several months to completely restore its cover.

Chemical peeling

This procedure involves applying special acids to the skin, which burn everything, including the inner layers of the epidermis. The process is very painful and is carried out under general anesthesia. As well as the previous method, this kind of effect is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.

As an alternative to the two methods described above, expectant and present mothers often use seaweed wrap. You can buy "raw materials" for the mixture at every pharmacy. Dry kelp are diluted in warm water, after which the composition is applied to areas with stretch marks and covered with a thermal film. One wrap session lasts 40-45 minutes. Instead of spirulina, you can also use clay, cocoa, medicinal mud.

The method called "mesotherapy" also has its own contraindications. Its essence lies in the implementation of microinjections under the skin. These injections include vitamins and botanicals to make scars almost invisible. However, it will not be possible to completely eliminate stretch marks, in addition, it must be borne in mind that this procedure is prohibited from carrying out diseases of the bladder and a number of other ailments. Therefore, before doing mesotherapy, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Microdermabrasion of the skin is also one of the procedures offered by cosmetic clinics. However, it is not suitable for large areas of skin, is accompanied by painful sensations and at the same time gives the desired effect by a maximum of 50%. Therefore, it is used in rare cases.

Among the more gentle medical methods, we can also mention ELOS-rejuvenation, during which the skin is simultaneously treated with a laser, light flux and radio frequency radiation, which allows to stimulate the production of collagen, as well as ozone therapy, in accordance with which a healing mixture is introduced under the skin, consisting mostly from oxygen and ozone. It is possible to completely eliminate stretch marks only with the help of plastic surgery. Surgical intervention in this case involves the removal of stretched skin during abdominoplasty.

However, even the surgical method does not always guarantee complete elimination of stretch marks, especially when it comes to old scars. It is necessary to carry out all the necessary procedures, including medical ones, in a timely manner, at an early stage of the appearance of stretch marks, only in this way will you "help" them disappear without a trace. And be sure to use an integrated approach, combining different methods of dealing with stretch marks, carry out the procedures regularly, eventually stopping at those that have the most positive effect on your skin.

Stretch marks and methods of dealing with them - Video

Why arise stretch marks of the skin? And how to deal with stretch marks?

A fragile woman is surrounded by enemies. Wrinkles, extra pounds, cellulite, acne - and, of course, stretch marks. These ugly stripes on the hips, stomach and chest are guaranteed to spoil the mood of almost every woman.

Why do stretch marks appear?

The very word "stretch marks" is the answer to the question of where they come from. Stretch marks of the skin occur due to mechanical damage when it is overly stretched. The body mends these tears with connective tissue, just like scars. And please, here are some ugly stripes - stretch marks. At first, the young connective tissue is permeated with blood capillaries, so stretch marks of the skin have a deep pink or even purple color. Then the connective tissue grows old, loses water, and with it elasticity. Capillaries die off. For this reason, stretch marks of the skin turn pale. (If you sunbathe, they still remain distressingly white. The explanation is that there is no pigment in the connective tissue).

The most common reason for the appearance of skin stretch marks is a sudden change in body volume. That is why pregnant women most often suffer from this scourge. It would seem that this is nonsense: stretch marks appear on the skin of those who have lost weight too quickly. Well, where are they from here? After all, the volume of the body, on the contrary, has decreased! What's the stretch? It turns out that when you lose weight too quickly, the blood supply to the skin deteriorates, and with it the elasticity of the main subcutaneous layer of the dermis drops sharply. Where excess skin folds into wrinkles, it "breaks" like dry paper on a fold. You already know the rest ...

Nutritionists have accurately calculated the rate at which it is permissible to lose weight without the risk of earning stretch marks on your stomach or thighs. The limit is as follows: per month you are allowed to reduce your weight by no more than 2%. For a woman weighing 75 kilos, this means a loss of one and a half kilograms, no more!

The genetic factor also plays an important role. The tendency to form stretch marks of the skin is inherited. If your mother or grandmother suffered from these dirty stripes, then you cannot be saved either. Much depends on age. Oddly enough, but at the age of 15-25, the risk of stretch marks is highest. This is due to the fact that young skin grows "too" slowly. She often breaks, not keeping up with the growth of the body. But in adulthood, stretch marks almost never happen. The skin has time to stretch. Deep wrinkles are formed. They store in themselves a supply of "material", which is enough to compensate for any stretch. Northerners are more prone to stretch marks than southerners. For the reason that they have much thinner skin. What conclusion follows from all of the above? We cannot protect ourselves from stretch marks on the skin. Sad but true ...

How to deal with skin stretch marks?

Experts recommend eating more protein. It is the main "building material" of the skin, is responsible for the regeneration (renewal) of the skin, their healthy state and elasticity. However, the decisive word in the prevention (not treatment!) Of stretch marks of the skin remains with numerous cosmetics. Their maximum task is to moisturize the skin and stimulate collagen formation. Well, the more in the skin of both, the higher the margin of its strength.

In fact, plain olive oil is an old and reliable remedy for stretch marks prevention. However, today a whole arsenal of cosmetic preparations has been added to olive oil. As a rule, they contain natural elastin and collagen, silicone, various nutrients, as well as hyaluronic acid - a powerful moisturizer that "retains" moisture in the upper layers of the skin. To be honest, none of these components can penetrate deep into the skin. However, the good news is that they create the thinnest "sealing" film on the skin surface, which prevents moisture evaporation.

Relatively recently, drugs have appeared that prevent the appearance of stretch marks of the skin with the help of herbal extracts. Essential oils of rosewood, lemon, mint and vegetable oils of wheat germ and walnut actively fight against sagging skin, and biosaccharides, soy raffermine, carrot protein hydrolyzate and tiger grass extract prevent stretching, reduce existing scars, strengthen the structure of the supporting fibers of the skin and prevent sagging due to due to prolonged hydration. At least that's what they say in advertising. Can all this be believed? Yes and no. Each of the components has been proven effective in sterile laboratory conditions. But when it comes to specific production, too much depends on the quality of the raw materials, dosage, storage conditions and sale.

One of the latest contenders for the role of our savior from stretch marks is retinol, that is, vitamin A. Retinol is known for its powerful effect on skin cells: they more actively synthesize protein, divide, produce collagen in the dermis. Another strengthening ingredient, demytyl aminoethanol, or simply DMAE, is also a substance of natural origin, which the human body can produce on its own, but in insufficient volume. DMAE has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces redness in the area of \u200b\u200bstretch marks and smoothes old scars. Unfortunately, the effect of this substance is short-lived (no longer than a day), and you have to use DMAE products every day.

Get rid of stretch marks

Finally, you can simply cover up stretch marks with decorative makeup. For example, use a self-tanner to camouflage fresh, not yet pale stretch marks. Due to the fact that the skin around the scars acquires a rich brown tint, the stretch marks themselves will no longer be so conspicuous.

and yet the best way to avoid skin stretch marks is to prevent sudden weight fluctuations, lose weight and gain weight gradually, without being tempted by the chance to lose the hated five kilograms in a week. If, despite your precaution, stretch marks still appear, do not rush to run to beauty salons. First of all, ask your friends in misfortune and conduct market research: which procedure really helped them, in which salon, were there any complications or side effects after it. Well, if nothing helps you at all, shrug your shoulders and move on. After all, no one has died from stretch marks!

The overwhelming majority of the fair sex is familiar with the problem of the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. Almost 2/3 of all women report their occurrence in the abdomen, hips and breasts, as a result of sudden weight loss or after breastfeeding. The stretch marks themselves are nothing more than cicatricial changes in the skin caused by microtraumas of its individual fibers.

Exists stretch marks 3 types: small pinkish-pale scars, whitish shallow filamentous stripes and cicatricial longitudinal defects of a burgundy-blue color, which brighten over time.

Stretch marks are usually localized on the skin of the abdomen, chest and thighs, and if there are concomitant hormonal disorders, then on the face. Stretch marks that appear due to sudden weight loss are usually located vertically on the trunk, and those that appear due to endocrine disorders are horizontal.

Under the influence of significant stretching of the skin or a violation of hormonal regulation, its elastin and collagen fibers begin to lengthen and become thinner, which ultimately leads to their internal tears. In those places where the fibers are injured, the connective tissue grows. Stretch marks initially have a purple-pinkish tint, then fade over time and become pearlescent white. If you do not take any measures in time, then after a while they will look like scars. On tanned or dark skin, stretch marks are even more noticeable because there is no pigment in the connective tissue and it does not tan.

Stretch marks - reasons

Stretch marks are not only caused by overstretching of the skin. This is the result of the healing of elastin and collagen fibers after microtrauma (scarring).

Their appearance is usually due to the increased secretion of cortisol, that is, the hormone of the adrenal cortex. Its hypersecretion leads to stretching, thinning, and then to rupture of skin fibers with the appearance of stretch marks.

Also, the reasons for the rupture of fibers and their subsequent scarring can be poor regenerative capacity of the skin or its lack of elasticity. When internal microtrauma of the fibers occurs, scar (connective) tissue grows in the places of their tears.

Stretch marks on the buttocks, breasts, thighs, or abdomen can be caused by pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or puberty. Athletes, pregnant women and adolescents are also susceptible to their occurrence, that is, everyone whose body weight quickly begins to increase. Heredity also plays an important role if older women have stretch marks in the family. Another reason for their appearance is endocrine system diseases or hormone replacement therapy.

People who take steroid hormones for a long time (prednisone, hydrocortisone, or other adrenal hormones) or suffer from Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome may develop stretch marks all over their body and even on their face. They are more pronounced in width, length and occupied area on the body surface.

Stretch marks - symptoms

In young people, bluish-reddish stripes appear on the chest, thighs and buttocks, which in most cases are located either radially (on the abdomen and mammary glands) or parallel. Stretch marks are multiple and single. Their width usually ranges from 1 to 6 mm, and their length from 1 to 10 mm. The clinical picture depends on the morphological properties of the skin, the degree of stretching, concomitant pathology and hormonal levels. Over the course of several months, the color of striae changes from bright bluish-pink to pearl-whitish. Until six months they are called "young", and after - "old".

Stretch marks - diagnostics

Stretch marks themselves are not dangerous, but you still need to figure out why they appeared. If the reason is not pregnancy, then it may be an increase in blood pressure, changes in body weight, or the appearance of hair on the face, back, and chest. In any case, you need to seek advice from an endocrinologist. For example, to identify at an early stage the same Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.

Stretch marks - treatment and prevention

Be sure to contact a beautician. Treatment is carried out depending on the condition of the skin, the size and location of damage, and the condition of the skin.

It is impossible to completely get rid of stretch marks, but it is really possible to make them almost invisible. Nowadays, resurfacing is often used for these purposes, in which the surface layers are removed and the impression of smoothing the skin is created. Therefore, the contrast between stretch marks and other areas of the skin is not so noticeable. For those who have little noticeable stretch marks, you can use special creams, and absorbable substances are also suitable. Sometimes a beautician offers mesotherapy.

Sparing treatment takes a rather long period, which can range from 6 months to a year, so this disease is much easier to prevent than to cure.

To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, you can use creams with essential oils, plant extracts, elastin and collagen. From the home medicine cabinet, olive oil has worked well.

A contrast shower, as well as massage with a special brush and the use of special creams are well suited for pregnant women for the prevention of stretch marks.