Why stretch marks appear on the body and how to deal with them at home

What causes stretch marks on the body

Striae are scar-like tissue that forms due to insufficient elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks can form either due to physiological changes in the body or be a consequence of various disorders or diseases. People suffering from hormonal imbalance and problems with the thyroid gland are predisposed to the appearance of stretch marks. The hereditary factor is also of great importance.

The most common causes of stretch marks include:

• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• sudden weight gain or loss;
• intense exercise and rapid increase in muscle mass;
• growth spurts during adolescence;
• hormonal imbalance;
• regular use of drugs containing corticosteroids.

During pregnancy, stretch marks appear on the stomach and chest. When you gain weight, they are localized in places where fat accumulates - thighs, buttocks. Athletes often experience stretch marks in the shoulder girdle.

>> Maintain your figure correctly during pregnancy - read expert advice

The formation of stretch marks is caused by insufficient production of collagen and elastin - substances responsible for the elasticity of the epidermis. Therefore, when the skin is overstretched, the reticular layer of the dermis is torn along with the vessels, collagen and elastin fibers, and narrow stripes are formed on the body.

Cosmetic procedures

Cosmetologists also successfully combat the problem of stretch marks on the body. Modern professional treatment methods can significantly reduce even old stretch marks [ ], and they can help get rid of fresh ones almost 100%.

Laser resurfacing

This cosmetic procedure allows you to completely remove fresh stretch marks, scars and cicatrices, and make the already white ones almost invisible. The doctor determines the number of procedures in a course, usually from 6 to 12 sessions, depending on the area of ​​the damaged area and the degree of stretch marks.

Figure 9. Laser resurfacing of stretch marks

The laser beam polishes scars from stretch marks, penetrating to different depths of the epidermis layer. The procedure is quite painful and requires additional anesthesia. It also has a number of contraindications, which should definitely be discussed with a cosmetologist. After laser peeling, redness, like after a burn, and swelling are possible.

Each subsequent session is carried out after these manifestations have passed. Typically, the rehabilitation process takes up to 3 months, during which it is necessary to take antibiotics and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations. The result is definitely worth it (see before and after photos in Figure 9).

Chemical peeling

Unlike laser resurfacing, chemical peeling or exfoliation does not involve mechanical impact on the skin. In this case, the renewal process is triggered by a chemical acid burn. Activation of metabolic processes in the skin with acids stimulates the production of collagen and has a positive effect on fibroblasts.

The removed layers of dead cells make way for the growth of new connective tissue. The body is involved in the process of restoring the skin, which becomes smoother in both texture and tone. Skin defects become less noticeable.

A large selection of acids allows you to choose the optimal remedy for eliminating various scars and stretch marks. Depending on the age of the stretch marks, the doctor can apply peels of different depths: from superficial to deep.

Superficial peeling, suitable for caring for newly appeared stretch marks, can be done even at home; neither the purchase of the product nor the procedure itself will cause difficulties. Deep peeling is performed only by a professional.

Mesotherapy

Often, to enhance the effect, exfoliation is performed in a single course with mesotherapy.

Chemical peeling and mesotherapy for stretch marks

A course of mesotherapy involves subcutaneous administration of medicinal and vitamin injections. The preparations saturate the skin with vitamins, stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, and normalize metabolic processes. As a result, skin tone is evened out, marks and pigmentation are eliminated, and stretch marks fade. After 5 procedures, the result is impressive, although mesotherapy cannot radically correct the problem of old stretch marks.

Microcurrent therapy

The effect of currents on the skin leads to increased blood microcirculation, as if the cells receive a signal to regenerate and activate internal rejuvenation processes. The microcurrent lymphatic drainage procedure for treating stretch marks on the body is similar to the technology of microcurrent therapy on the face. The doctor controls the depth of penetration of the electric wave depending on the problem in the treated area.

Myostimulation in a cosmetology office allows a specialist to work on a large area of ​​the body injured by stretch marks. This option is suitable for those with sensitive skin who are not ready for surgery.

Microresurfacing or microdermabrasion

These procedures are essentially mechanical peeling and are suitable for reducing and lightening fresh stretch marks. A cosmetologist uses a special device to polish the damaged areas of the skin for half an hour, removing layer by layer. Scars are smoothed out, and new skin of an even shade is formed at the site of treatment.

If the area of ​​stretch marks is large, it is advisable to divide the procedure into several stages, since it is very traumatic to treat such a large area at once. The doctor analyzes the situation and individually prescribes the number of sessions. Unlike other peelings, these options do not cause allergic reactions and do not require long-term rehabilitation.

Surgical removal

After dramatic weight loss, doctors suggest patients turn to surgical excision of sagging and stretched skin. This method will not only get rid of unaesthetic stretch marks, but will also allow you to correct your figure, returning it to a toned appearance.

Abdominoplasty is performed on the abdomen, removing excess fatty tissue and skin. During a full operation under general anesthesia, the navel is raised; during a mini tummy tuck, the navel is not moved; the latter option is suitable for those who have stretch marks and fat deposits located below the navel.

Of course, surgical intervention is a last resort if stretch marks and scars do not respond to other techniques and cause severe discomfort. Rehabilitation takes quite a long period.

How stretch marks appear

The formation of striae goes through several stages. At each stage, stretching has its own characteristics.

• After the elastic cover ruptures, connective tissue is formed, penetrated by blood vessels. Striae have a purple or red tint.
• Over time, stretch marks lighten and turn pink.
• Old scars completely lose their pigment and the color of the stretch marks becomes white.

Of course, it is easier to deal with “young” stretch marks and you need to take action immediately after they appear. If stretch marks have formed for a long time, it is quite difficult to completely get rid of them.

It is impossible to get rid of stretch marks forever and restore ideal smoothness to the skin even with the help of hardware cosmetic procedures. But you can make stretch marks less noticeable at home. To do this, you need to choose the right tools and effective procedures.

Prevention

Just like getting rid of stretch marks, preventing their appearance requires an integrated approach. It is important to understand that a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the body, plays a huge role. It is worth removing sweets and starchy foods from the menu, which have an adverse effect on the condition of the skin.

Greens, vegetables and fruits, beef, fish should become regular elements of the diet - they accelerate protein synthesis. Foods containing vitamin E, such as nuts, vegetable oil, tomatoes, will help skin cells regenerate and form elastic tissue. Don't forget to drink regularly to maintain natural hydration.

Prevention of stretch marks

You can add vitamin and mineral complexes for skin, hair and nails to your diet.

Regular physical activity has a good effect on skin condition. This can be home workouts, weight training exercises in the gym under the supervision of a trainer, or swimming in the pool. Try to use all muscle groups; functional training improves blood circulation.

In fact, all the home care methods described in the article are also suitable for preventing stretch marks: moisturizing the skin with creams, massage, scrubbing, wraps, contrast showers. All this improves the overall condition of the skin, increasing its resistance to stretch marks.

If you wish, you can contact cosmetologists and do, for example, biorevitalization or mesotherapy. That is, introduce hyaluronic acid under the dermis, which actively moisturizes cells and improves skin elasticity.

Only regular body care will provide you with smooth and beautiful skin.

Ways to eliminate stretch marks

The fight against stretch marks must be carried out comprehensively. Here are the basic skin care steps that will help correct existing stretch marks and prevent new ones from appearing.

• Exfoliation.
• Massage.
• Moisturizing and strengthening.

We have collected all the necessary tools for you in one set.
The complex for correcting stretch marks includes a dry massage brush, stretch mark oil, raspberry cream scrub and lifting cream.
Let’s take a closer look at effective procedures and products that will help you make stretch marks almost invisible on your own.

Exfoliation

A simple way to eliminate stretch marks is to regularly exfoliate the skin. This procedure will help remove dead particles of the epidermis and activate cell renewal. Deep cleanse your skin 1-2 times a week using effective yet gentle exfoliants from the ARAVIA Laboratories line.

• Raspberry Cream Scrub qualitatively renews the skin, making it soft and radiant. Pine nut shells in the scrub have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Pink clay is rich in microelements (silicon, iron, calcium and magnesium) and effectively relieves dryness and flaking of the skin. Raspberries refresh and lighten pigmentation. Vitamins E, PP, A and B2 tone the skin and prolong its youth.

Massage

Dry massage with special brushes - drybrushing - gives an excellent result in the fight against stretch marks. With regular use of such brushes, the skin is cleansed of dead particles, becomes smooth and soft, cellulite and stretch marks become less pronounced. The main rule of dry massage is that movements should be in the direction of the lymph: from the feet to the heart.

Dry massage is easy to perform yourself at home - the whole process will take no more than 15 minutes. Brushes make the skin elastic and well-groomed, and also relieve stress, relax muscles and activate recovery processes.

For a massage to be effective, it is important not only to do it correctly, but also to choose a quality brush. ARAVIA accessories are made of beech wood and natural bristles. Natural materials will make the procedure tactilely pleasant, and the long handle will allow you to work on hard-to-reach areas.

Brushes vary in degree of hardness:

• soft, suitable for beginners and those with sensitive skin;
• The medium one will appeal to those who have already tried drybrushing and want a more intense effect on the skin.

Remember: any massage technique requires prior consultation with a specialist.

>> We tell you how to do drybrushing correctly in the article “Massage with a dry brush: technique, tips and contraindications”

ADVANTAGES OF STRETCH MARK REMOVAL IN OUR CLINIC

• Safety. Our doctor precisely affects areas of the skin, clearly regulates the intensity of the beam and the depth of laser exposure. The ability to carry out the procedure on any area: face, neck, décolleté, back, arms, body.
• Quality. The high level of knowledge and extensive practice of doctors allow us to carry out procedures with minimal trauma, no complications and a short recovery period. Can be used on skin of any color.
• Comfort. The most painless analogue among other laser procedures. We use anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
• Result guarantee. A powerful effect, our doctors use their own methods of combined procedures to achieve 100% results.
• Escort. We take care of you throughout the entire period of rehabilitation, monitor and answer all questions.
• Rehabilitation. Fast recovery period, our clients undergo rehabilitation procedures with a discount of up to 50%.
• Effect. The result is noticeable after 3-4 sessions. Due to the correctly selected method of influence, a sustainable effect is achieved.

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