What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks or stretch marks are skin imperfections in the form of lines or stripes that are localized in areas of greatest stretching of the skin.
Favorite places for stretch marks are the legs, breast skin, buttocks, abdomen and thighs. With accompanying hormonal changes, stretch marks may appear on the face. Fresh damage to the dermis has a red-violet or pink color; over time, the stretch marks lighten or become discolored. In an advanced stage, stretch marks externally become like scars, which cause internal discomfort and uncertainty.
Before you get rid of stretch marks, learn more about them
Striae appear in areas where the most fat accumulates: abdomen, thighs, buttocks, chest. The cause of stretch marks is a disruption in the production of collagen and elastin fibers. They are responsible for the flexibility, plasticity of the skin, its adaptation to new forms.
Stretch marks on the body appear with sudden weight gain. The skin does not have time to create fibers, and some areas “burst.” In their place, purple, bluish spots form. Over time they fade to white stripes. Striae vary in size and texture. For some they are almost invisible, and for others they look like scars.
It is a fact that many women and men suffer from them. This is a purely cosmetic defect and does not cause any health problems.
Myths about striae:
- They may go away on their own. No, the reddened area of the skin may turn pale so that it becomes invisible or have a microscopic size and be almost invisible. But the structure of the site itself has already been damaged. The properties of stretch marks are similar to scars.
- Appears only on dry skin. And if you moisturize your skin, for example, during pregnancy, then stretch marks on your stomach will not appear. This is wrong. People with any type are susceptible to stretch marks.
- Stretch marks on the chest and abdomen only occur in women. It is true that one of the reasons is hormonal imbalance, but it also happens to men. In addition, stretch marks are common among athletes and bodybuilders who build muscle mass too quickly.
- There are special cosmetics that will help get rid of stretch marks on the skin. No, it's a myth. Whitened stretch marks can be removed without a trace only with medical help.
Causes of stretch marks
The mechanism of stretch marks is caused by hypersecretion of cortisol, leading to thinning and rupture of collagen fibers. Internal microtraumas contribute to the proliferation of connective tissue, which is why scars form.
The reasons for the formation of stretch marks can be different:
- hereditary factor;
- low elasticity of the dermis;
- poor nutrition;
- insufficient amount of water consumed;
- puberty;
- pregnancy period;
- sudden weight loss or gain;
- intense sports activities;
- diseases of the endocrine system and pancreas;
- long-term use of steroid hormones.
Also, stretch marks can appear throughout the body in patients with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.
Contraindications
Not all types of fight against striae may be suitable for you. For example, you should not use massage if you have the following problems:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- oncological diseases;
- arterial hypertension;
- varicose veins;
- dermatological diseases;
- rosacea
It is forbidden to use iodine if:
- you are pregnant and want to get rid of stretch marks on your stomach;
- you are allergic to the product;
- your skin is very sensitive.
How to remove stretch marks?
Treatment of stretch marks is a difficult and lengthy process that requires a professional approach to the problem, followed by a comprehensive course of manipulation.
By contacting Dr. Korchagina’s clinic, dermatocosmetologists will conduct the necessary diagnostics and select procedures:
- dermabrasion - a technique consisting of mechanical grinding with removal of skin layers; manipulation not only reduces the visibility of stretch marks, but also restores the structure of epidermal tissues;
- microneedle RF lifting INFINI - an innovative rejuvenating technology that causes tissue coagulation and collagenogenesis through the use of a fractional microneedle system;
- chemical peeling is a manipulation based on the application of strong organic acids to the stretch marks, which burn the epidermis and promote the synthesis of its own collagen fibers;
- PRP plasma therapy Regenlab - cellular rejuvenation of the skin through microinjection of its own purified and enriched plasma; plasma lifting stimulates the work of fibroblasts, and also promotes the production of elastin and collagen;
- facial mesotherapy – injection of meso-cocktails provides deep hydration and restoration, accelerating metabolism and nutrition of damaged skin;
- thermolifting – a hardware technique using the Palomar StarLux 500 laser machine improves blood circulation, metabolism and lymph flow; due to which the skin is regenerated and straightened.
Home care after stretch mark treatment
Due to the long and complex treatment process, prevention and proper skin care are very important.
Home care after stretch mark treatment
The most important recommendations:
- Avoid large and rapid weight fluctuations - BMI should be below 25.
- Physical activity – elastic and firm skin is less prone to stretching.
- Moisturizing, nourishing the skin from the inside using oral products.
- Systematic body massage and exfoliation – especially if weight fluctuations occur frequently, areas prone to stretch marks should be massaged every day for about 5 minutes. This also applies to women during pregnancy.
- The most important thing in the fight against stretch marks at home is proper nutrition and physical activity. Our menu cannot contain vitamin K (the ingredient is found in tomatoes, liver, green leafy vegetables); zinc (nuts, pumpkin seeds, seafood); and the right amount of water. In addition, exercise will help strengthen the skin, making them less noticeable. In addition, we can massage ourselves with a suitable glove, dry or in a bath, using alternating cold and warm water on the skin. Exfoliating and applying cream to the stretch marks will also work. This home spa will improve blood circulation, leading to better tissue oxygenation and an even skin tone. However, it should be remembered that this is only prevention and improvement of the appearance of the epidermis.
Prevention of stretch marks
To reduce the risk of stretch marks, you must follow several preventive recommendations:
- Include foods rich in omega-3 acids in your diet (fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds).
- Get enough vitamin D.
- Limit the amount of sugar and sweets you consume.
- Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of clean drinking water a day.
- Monitor weight gain during pregnancy.
- Use moisturizing creams and body lotions.
- Do not abuse the use of corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Visit a nutritionist and cosmetologist in a timely manner.
make an appointment with a dermatocosmetologist at the Korchagina Clinic in Moscow from the consulting manager on the website or by phone.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Physiotherapeutic procedures include various types of massage, wraps, baths, contrast compresses and ice rubbing. These also include physical exercise.
Contrast shower and bath
We take a shower or bath every day. That is why water procedures to combat stretch marks are easiest to add to your schedule.
Contrast shower helps make stretch marks less noticeable
A contrast shower is an excellent way to harden, which also improves metabolism and blood circulation and helps get rid of stretch marks.
How to take a contrast shower correctly:
- Pour over warm water, gradually increasing the temperature to hot.
- Turn on the cold water quickly for 1 minute.
- Alternate temperature changes five to nine times.
- Finish the procedure with cold water.
A contrast shower is a method that should only be used together with others, only then will it bring the desired effect.
To eliminate stretch marks, it is also recommended to take baths with various additives. A standard procedure of this type is performed using starch. For this:
- Dissolve a glass of starch in two liters of warm water.
- Pour the resulting solution into a warm bath prepared in advance.
- Take it no longer than fifteen minutes.
In addition, using a bath with essential oils will be effective. For this:
- Mix ethers with bath foam or salt (add 1-2 drops of concentrate per 20 liters of water).
- Take this bath for no longer than 20 minutes and no more than three times a week.
To minimize the appearance of stretch marks, esters of frankincense, lavender, neroli and rosemary are usually used.
Self-massage
Massage is the most effective part of a set of procedures for eliminating stretch marks. It activates blood circulation, which helps to quickly smooth out stretch marks. Cupping massage works best.
Method of preparation and use:
- Prepare vacuum jars and massage oils (you can also use homemade products such as natural scrubs, peels and creams).
- Select a location for your session.
- Take a bath or shower.
- Warm up the skin with strokes (you can also do 20-30 squats to achieve this goal).
- Apply cream, oil or other product of your choice.
- Squeeze the jar tightly with your fingers and place it on the affected area.
- Work the desired surface using circular and zigzag movements.
- Remove the jar by pressing it with your fingers again.
- Moisturize your skin after the procedure.
The session lasts about fifteen minutes. Perform this massage once every two days. Complete 20 procedures to complete the full course. It is recommended to repeat it no more than 3 times a year.
Self-massage is a rather painstaking process, the results of which will not be immediately noticeable.
Some interesting facts and myths about stretch marks
Does genetics have an effect?
Yes, genetic background plays an important role. The tendency to develop stretch marks is inherited. A study was conducted in 2013 that confirmed this. If you know that there were such problems in the family, take preventive measures.
Do stretch marks only affect women?
No, men are also at risk of developing stretch marks, but this problem happens to them less often. As a rule, this occurs due to hormonal imbalances that occur due to excess weight. In addition, the functioning of the pancreas and the production of cortisol are affected.
Can stretch marks disappear?
No, they just fade and become less noticeable. Thanks to various procedures, they can be smoothed and made more uniform, but not completely removed.
Athletes don't get stretch marks?
Many people think that sport is a panacea for everything, including skin problems, but excessive loads and rapid gain of muscle mass also provoke the appearance of stretch marks (this applies mainly to bodybuilders). The golden rule is that the load should be moderate.
In pursuit of perfection, do not forget that having stretch marks is normal. There is nothing bad or unnatural about this. Many global brands have stopped retouching photos in the lingerie and swimwear sections, focusing on the naturalness of the models. This once again reminds us that our body is our business, and its characteristics should be treated more simply.
Models with stretch marks on the Asos website
