Stretch marks (another name for stretch marks) most often appear in women during pregnancy or after childbirth. These are breaks in the subcutaneous tissue filled with connective tissue. The reason is not only that the skin of the abdomen and chest stretches too quickly and too much. It happens that a woman who has noticeably gained weight after pregnancy notices fewer stretch marks than one who has gained only a few kilograms. Skin elasticity can reduce hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy.
Types of stretch marks
Stretch marks - a special type of atrophic scars - can be located both vertically and horizontally. The location of stretch marks indicates the cause of their occurrence:
- horizontal ones appear due to hormonal imbalances;
- vertical – due to pregnancy or rapid weight gain
Old stretch marks are more difficult to correct, so the sooner you start taking measures to eliminate them, the more pronounced the result will be. Don’t let the formation of stretch marks take its course: even though they fade over time, they cannot disappear completely without additional cosmetic care. Stages of striae formation:
- the first stage - a purple or reddish “vein” appears at the site of skin stretching;
- the second stage (atrophic) is the replacement of connective tissue. Scar formation, thinning of the dermis and epidermis. It is expressed by lightening stretch marks at the site of skin breaks.
Mechanical peeling
The procedure is carried out using a special device, through the tip of which microcrystals produced by aluminum oxide are transferred. Thanks to the influence of these microcrystals, skin cells are exfoliated, and at the same time, they are aligned and smoothed. After one procedure, the removal of stretch marks as such is not observed, but they become less visible. The course of procedures is prescribed individually depending on the condition and “age” of the stretch marks. For “old” stretch marks, a course of up to 20 or more sessions can be prescribed!
Cosmetologists like to call this procedure “completely safe and completely painless.” And if we agree with the first point, then not quite with the second. Of course, we are not talking about general anesthesia and local anesthesia, but you will have to grit your teeth, close your eyes and be patient.
Causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks (striae) are the result of skin stretching during pregnancy. This happens due to the rapid increase in a woman’s body weight. Numerous tears occur in the skin and subcutaneous fat, which externally appear as burgundy scars. During pregnancy, a woman’s body quickly increases in size, and numerous tears occur in the layers of skin and subcutaneous tissue. They fill with connective tissue and form scars. Stretch marks can appear in different places:
- on the stomach;
- on the sides;
- on the hips;
- on the buttocks;
- on the chest
The main causes of stretch marks
- Sudden weight gain or rapid growth of the abdomen in a pregnant woman.
- Genetic predisposition. Stretch marks are mostly genetic. If your mother/grandmother/sister/aunt had stretch marks, then the likelihood that you will develop them increases rapidly.
- Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, cortisol production increases. This hormone softens the joints of the pubic bones to make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. At the same time, cortisol reduces the production of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to become less elastic.
Prevention of stretch marks
Taking care of your skin while pregnant and keeping it toned will minimize the risk of stretch marks. How to take care of your skin to prevent stretch marks:
Balanced diet
To prevent the skin from losing its elasticity, a protein diet is necessary; it promotes the production of collagen and elastin. If there are no contraindications, it is recommended to include in the diet:
- cottage cheese;
- nuts;
- whole wheat bread
- fatty fish
- porridge
Adequate physical activity
A set of exercises approved by a doctor, swimming, or regular walking stimulate blood circulation and keep muscles and skin toned. Working out your abs, jumping rope and doing pull-ups on the horizontal bar during pregnancy is contraindicated.
Massage
Massage using special creams or natural oils stimulates blood circulation and moisturizes the upper layers of the skin. Movements should be light and smooth so as not to provoke uterine contractions.
Compression underwear
From the second trimester of pregnancy, the bandage helps a woman support her stomach, correctly distribute the load on the spine and prevents overstretching of the skin. Properly selected compression hosiery does not have a negative effect on the child.
Find out which method of correcting scars and stretch marks is optimal for you!
doctor Svetlana Viktorovna Ogorodnikova.
doctor
Remedies to combat stretch marks
It was already said above that without professional intervention we can talk about reducing the severity of stretch marks, and not completely getting rid of them, but even this, if everything is done correctly, is enough to make the skin look smooth and toned. Main. combine time-tested techniques.
Another important point is regularity, but all activities are quite simple to perform, they do not require any special knowledge, skills, or manipulations. You just need to set a goal and tune in to a successful end result, realizing that it will take more than one month to fight stretch marks.
Health. Goodbye stretch marks! (06/29/2014)
Massage treatments
An effective and effective way against sprains in the abdominal area. The only limitation is the fact that massage helps against new, that is, recently appeared stretch marks.
Massage is practically powerless against old stretch marks. This does not mean that it should be abandoned. The procedure is simply included as an auxiliary procedure, because it perfectly eliminates sagging and sagging.
Massage the skin dry or with special oils and creams. Among the former, the most popular are rosemary, almond, and citrus. There are no special instructions regarding movement technique. The main thing is to avoid overexposure. The skin needs to be pulled, pinched, patted so that the movements are noticeable, but do not cause pain.
You need to massage every day. If possible, it is best to carry out as many as two procedures daily, which will allow you to get visible results faster. The duration of the session should be at least half an hour. The minimum course must include at least 25-30 full procedures.
The massage can be combined with a shower, which is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Turn on warm water and with a washcloth made from natural fibers, begin to massage problem areas, making circular movements. Rinse with cool water.
- At a time, perform from 2 to 4 contrast showers, accompanied by a massage. When the water procedure is completed, the stretch marks are treated with cream. It is necessary to take either regenerating or moisturizing.
Cosmetic preparations and procedures
There is a whole range of measures to reduce the severity and number of stretch marks, but only if performed regularly:
- Baths. A mixture prepared from a glass of starch and two liters of water is poured into a filled bath. You need to take the procedure every other day for no more than a quarter of an hour.
- Wrap. Many women prefer to do this. Apply 10-12 drops of jasmine, rosemary, lavender, lemon and neroli oils to the body, as well as 2 tbsp. l. mixture of avocado and jojoba. Next, carry out a light and quick massage, and then wrap the problem area with cling film.
Do not allow strong tugging of the skin. If the film is tightened too much, the blood flow will be disrupted, which means there will be no effect.
Wrapped in film, they lie down, wrap themselves in a warm blanket or blanket, and remain in a horizontal position for about 30 minutes. This therapy brings results within a month.
- Ice wraps. Ideal for daily use. You should not limit yourself solely to ice obtained by freezing water. It is better to add aromatic and herbal oils to the liquid.
- Compress. Excellent for both old and new stretch marks. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and salt per liter of hot water. It is permissible to use both sea and table fish, but large ones.
Dip a clean towel into the resulting solution and apply it to the area with stretch marks for about 30 seconds, and then change the compress to a cold one, obtained by wetting the fabric in cold water, which can be obtained by adding ice cubes.
The number of sessions should be 10-12. Compresses are done daily.
The described manipulations must be combined with diet and a variety of physical exercises, which will reduce the appearance of stretched skin when stretch marks become almost invisible.
‼️ MY BELLY a year after giving birth | Diastasis, stretch marks, umbilical hernia
