Stretch marks after losing weight: do they go away on their own, how to get rid of them on the skin using cream, how to get rid of them in men, on the stomach, chest

Stretch marks after losing weight are formed only if the process of restoring slimness proceeds too actively and quickly. With gradual weight loss, when it is possible to lose a maximum of 4 kg per month and a person constantly plays sports (at least performs standard exercises from the morning exercises), the likelihood of stretch marks forming is reduced to almost zero.

Read more in our article about stretch marks after losing weight and methods of getting rid of them.

Causes of stretch marks on the abdomen, chest and their appearance

Doctors say that the most common reason for the appearance of stretch marks in different parts of the body is too much weight loss.

The mechanism of formation of striae (the second name of the phenomenon) is quite simple: fibroclasts, cells that destroy collagens and elastins, begin to actively produce and “work” in the body . The latter, against the background of various factors, are already produced in limited quantities - they are not enough to maintain the required level of firmness/elasticity of the upper layer of the dermis, which leads to small tears in its fibers.

The onset of dystrophic and degenerative processes also negatively affects the condition of blood vessels - their walls become fragile and simply rupture when stretch marks form. This explains the purple-red hue of the newly formed stretch marks (then they fade significantly).

Losing weight is the root cause of the appearance of stretch marks on the chest, abdomen, thighs and arms, but this process is provoked by:

lack of physical activity;
lack of fatty acids and protein in diet;
ignoring regular cosmetic body care procedures - massage, body wraps, use of creams and masks.

In addition to sudden weight loss, stretch marks can be caused by certain factors:

period of puberty - teenagers are just at this time looking for their ideal image and can begin to actively lose weight for no apparent reason;
deficiency of minerals, vitamins and lack of essential nutrients - this happens with a strict diet, so experts do not recommend adhering to dietary restrictions for a long time;
age 35 years and older – the body’s production of collagen and elastin decreases for natural reasons (aging, fading of regeneration function);
physical inactivity – lack of activity leads to stagnation in tissues, and this makes it impossible to fully supply vitamins and minerals to the cells;
a sharp gain in muscle mass - the skin simply stretches.

We recommend reading the article on how to tighten your skin after losing weight. From it you will learn about the benefits of massage, proper diet, water procedures, doing exercises at home, the effect of creams and wraps. And here is more information about cellulite after losing weight.

How does nutrition affect the appearance of stretch marks?

If you have genetic problems with connective tissue, you should take care of a sufficient amount of “building material” in your diet for its normal synthesis, that is, protein. This is especially true for proteins rich in collagen-forming amino acids. And this is far from cottage cheese and chicken breasts, which are most often used for losing weight or gaining muscle mass. I call such proteins “refined”: they are deficient in collagen-forming amino acids (lysine, proline, arginine, methionine and its derivatives). The latter are contained in veins, cartilage, skin, strong bone broths - in everything that for some reason is not considered proper nutrition by many.

Photo: istockphoto.com

You also need to provide yourself with macro- and microcollagen-specific bioelements (silicon, selenium, potassium, calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron) and cofactors for collagen synthesis (vitamins D, C, E, group B). All of them take an active part in the synthesis and maturation of collagen. These substances are especially important, given that recently iron deficiency has become increasingly common even with normal hemoglobin levels.

Do stretch marks go away on their own?

Stretch marks that have already formed on their own do not disappear, because for this to happen, the skin cells must have a high level of elastin and collagen . In general, several factors should work at once:

physical activity on muscles;
constant and complete supply of nutrients to the dermal tissue;
influence of plant extracts on skin cells;
development of the skin to improve its tone.

Stretch marks after losing weight are essentially tears in the skin, and therefore getting rid of them, like standard scars, is problematic. After losing weight, it is unlikely that anything will change in their appearance; stretch marks may only become less pronounced and paler. That’s why doctors recommend starting to take care of your own body at the beginning of losing weight, although you can help “after the fact.”

What products are effective against stretch marks?

The use of special creams, lotions, scrubs and ointments can, of course, improve the condition of the skin. But alas, studies have not found statistically significant evidence to support their use for the treatment and prevention of stretch marks.

Why anti-cellulite massage will not help get rid of the “orange peel”

How to get rid of stretch marks after losing weight using simple methods

If you have to lose weight, then the best option is to carry it out under the supervision of a nutritionist. He will create a menu that will contain foods rich in minerals and vitamins, suggest a diet and give recommendations on physical activity. In this case, it will be possible to minimize the risk of severe stretch marks. If such defects on the body are already noticeable, then it is worth resorting to the simplest methods of getting rid of them.

On the stomach

It is believed that stretch marks in this part of the body are very difficult to remove, but they form in almost every case . You can solve the problem using the following methods:

take a contrast shower every day - the jets should be strong, the water alternates warm (almost hot) / cool, the procedure time is 2 minutes and then increased;
after steaming the skin on the abdomen, use a scrub made from sugar and salt (1 tablespoon each) and vegetable oil - rub it into problem areas of the abdomen for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with warm water;
massage with citrus oil - performed with palms, circular movements, first stroking, then with some effort - it is worth additionally doing several “sessions” of small but active pinching.

Contrast shower
An excellent method of getting rid of stretch marks on the stomach is considered to be a “dry” massage. For this, a horsehair brush is used, which is soft to the touch, but is quite harsh on the skin. The procedure is performed strictly from bottom to top; the skin of the abdomen must be completely dry.

The duration of the “dry” massage is 2 minutes in the first days, gradually this period increases and reaches a maximum of 15 minutes. It is important to drink 300 ml of clean water immediately after the manipulation.

The result of all of the above methods of combating striae will be:

acceleration/intensification of lymph flow, blood circulation;
getting rid of puffiness;
removal of toxins and waste from skin cells;
increasing the elasticity of the dermis.

Carrying out dry massage

On the chest

Stretch marks on the mammary glands should not be subjected to any aggressive influences, because there is a risk of damage to the milk ducts , glandular tissue and the development of serious complications in the form of the formation of seals.

But the use of coconut oil gives good results - the high content of vitamin E ensures the rapid disappearance of stretch marks, but only if they are “fresh”; with old stretch marks, manipulation with this remedy will be useless.

Another cosmetic oil that maximizes skin elasticity and high levels of elastin and collagen is almond oil. It easily penetrates the cells of the dermis, but does not affect the vital processes in them.

The oils are rubbed in with light circular movements; rubbing, pinching or any other aggressive actions on the skin of the breast are prohibited.

On foot

Most often, stretch marks after losing weight form on the thighs; at first they have a purple-pink tint, then they turn pale, and the skin around them becomes flabby and sagging . This makes it impossible to wear short skirts or tight trousers, although the figure can become almost ideal.

The skin on the legs is not overly sensitive, so a variety of methods can be used in the fight against stretch marks:

cold and hot shower;
massage using essential or cosmetic oils;
wraps;
“dry” massage using a brush.

Massage for stretch marks
All manipulations can be done in aggressive ways, which will speed up the process of solving the problem.

Regardless of where you need to get rid of stretch marks after losing weight, all simple methods will only be effective if the problem has just begun to form. The presence of “old” stretch marks means the need to use more modern, complex manipulations.

Why do stretch marks appear when losing weight?

Normally, special cells or fibroblasts synthesize elastin and collagen. These special substances ensure the preservation of skin texture, as well as the ability to regenerate and elasticity.

For a number of specific reasons, there is an insufficiency in the synthesis of these substances by fibroblasts. Thus, a deficiency of collagen and elastin occurs. Fibroclasts begin to circulate in the blood, which, due to a pathological process, destroy necessary substances. Processes of a degenerative-dystrophic nature are noted.

Minimal exposure to the skin causes ruptures. The hypodermis or lower layer of the skin and blood vessels suffer. Subcutaneous bruising causes purple and red stretch marks.

Stretch marks, which can be removed using various techniques, often appear after losing weight. The most common causes of stretch marks include:

Sharp weight loss. Usually, when dieting, the body experiences a deficiency of essential substances. The skin becomes flabby due to a decrease in the synthesis of elastin and collagen.
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes, in particular high levels of progesterone, block the synthesis of elastin as well as collagen. The appearance of the skin is rapidly deteriorating.
Genetic predisposition. Stretch marks that women want to remove cannot be inherited. However, a woman may be predisposed to developing stretch marks.
Hormonal disorders. For example, with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, there is a high level of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.
Endocrine pathologies. Hypothalamic syndrome can lead to the appearance of stretch marks.

The most common cause of stretch marks is fluctuations in body weight. Not only weight gain, but also weight loss can become a factor in the occurrence of stretch marks. Sometimes wavy lines are the result of a combination of various factors.

How to remove stretch marks after losing weight using cosmetic products

You can remove stretch marks from different parts of the body with cosmetics, but you need to know which ones to use.

Cream

It is highly advisable to choose products that are made on a natural basis, plant extracts . The most effective in this case will be certain brands discussed below.

Body Cream for Stretch Marks from Vichy

Its cost is quite high - around 2000 rubles, reviews about its effectiveness are mixed (there are many more positive ones), but the quality is very high. Among the active ingredients are glycerin, vitamin E, silicon, thermal water, and together they have a complex effect on the skin - making it firm and elastic.

Contractubex

It is sold in pharmacies as an ointment (gel) and is classified as a product with a therapeutic effect. It perfectly helps solve the problem of stretch marks after losing weight, but the manufacturer warns that this process will be lengthy, taking at least 3 months. The cost of one tube does not exceed 1000 rubles; a full course will require at least 4-5 packages.

Retinoic ointment

Cheap (maximum 300 rubles), but effective drug. The ointment is used to treat severe acne and to smooth out wrinkles, but practice shows that it also helps well with stretch marks. The only caveat is that it must be used at the initial stage of their formation. Retinoic ointment relieves itching, a precursor to the formation of stretch marks.

Zeraderm Ultra

An expensive gel (about 4,000 rubles), which is designed to eliminate scars. Since the mechanism of their formation is identical to the one that leads to the formation of stretch marks, you can count on an excellent effect. Positive results will be visible only after a month of regular use of the drug; the full course will require the use of at least 2 packages.

Oils

It is impossible to do without natural oils in the process of getting rid of stretch marks, because damaged skin needs nutrition and moisture. After 7-10 days of using these products, you can see the first positive changes; to enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the natural oil.

The following types of funds will be the most effective:

sea buckthorn – helps even in the fight against “old” stretch marks;
olive – activates regeneration processes at the cellular level;
coconut - effectively affects only new stretch marks.

Folk recipes

Any folk remedies against stretch marks should not be perceived as a panacea; they have an auxiliary effect and will simply speed up the process of solving the problem .

Scrubs

They can be made according to any recipe, applied to pre-steamed skin, the procedure is performed at least 2 times a week.

Mumiyo

1 tablet must be crushed to a powder and added to any baby cream or natural oil; it can cause allergies, so use begins with a simple allergy test.

Scrub for stretch marks

Severe stretch marks on the body after losing weight. What to do?

Stretch marks appear not with sudden weight loss, but with sudden weight gain. Weight is gained, the epidermis stretches and tears. For girls, encountering stretch marks is inevitable, especially during pregnancy.

Today we will look at all the working remedies and procedures that will either prevent the appearance of stretch marks or rid us of existing ones.

Creams, lotions and other external remedies for stretch marks

Skin care products help get rid of those stretch marks that are still pinkish, purple or red. They are fresh until they become scarred, and with proper care you can get rid of them ( more precisely, prevent further scarring

) is quite real.

If stretch marks are white (which have healed), no cream or lotion will help, heavy artillery is required from cosmetologists.

Cosmetics containing cocoa butter and shea butter are good for getting rid of fresh stretch marks. Checked personally! I used Palmer's cosmetics - a fairly well-known American brand that produces products for pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies. I trust such brands because the composition of their products is thoroughly tested.

Palmer's uses natural cocoa butter. I used their Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion Stretch Marks.

The lotion is not greasy, quite thick, absorbed instantly, I used it daily. The only negative is that this chocolate flavor gets boring (but these are minor things). In addition to cocoa butter, the lotion contains shea butter, vitamin E and a special anti-stretch mark complex (argan oil, sweet almond oil, centella asiatica and collagen). But the key player here is cocoa butter.

Palmer's also has a mix of oils (cocoa and rosehip) against stretch marks; according to the manufacturer, it is even more effective than lotion. However, I didn’t have a chance to meet him because the lotion was enough.

I do not advertise this brand! I just want you to pay attention to the composition and remember what exactly helps in getting rid of fresh stretch marks.

Ampoules with a high concentration of allantoin with urea and amino acids also relieve initial stretch marks. Allantoin soothes the skin and forms healthy tissue, urea moisturizes well, and amino acids tone the skin and increase its elasticity.

Cosmetology procedures

Ideally, of course, to lose weight together with a cosmetologist: a complete medical history is collected, all the necessary tests, biopedansometry, etc. You work out in the gym, take mesotherapy courses, lose weight, and all this without consequences for the skin in the form of white stretch marks. The course of mesotherapy is quite long: first - the vascular stage, then the doctor prepares the body to launch the lymphatic drainage system, transfers fat from a dense state to a soft and loose one, then - massages and hydrobaths.

As you understand, the process is quite expensive, and in theory everything sounds easy. In practice, we can simply ignore the advice of a cosmetologist, spit on mesotherapy and focus only on the gym and proper nutrition. This is also not bad, but this will not get rid of white stretch marks on the hips, stomach or buttocks, especially if there was excess weight that was quickly lost on exercise machines.

If any of you are concerned about this aesthetic problem, and a doctor you know or a supposed cosmetologist on social networks tells you that nothing will help, don’t listen to them. At a minimum, they did not work and did not see the results of the CO2 laser.

Fractional resurfacing with a CO2 laser in combination with collost perfectly removes atrophic scars on the skin. Remember this, surf through Google and Instagram of cosmetologists and just look at the before and after results. I myself personally know how girls removed stretch marks on their stomachs with a CO2 laser; after just one procedure, the scars were invisible after a couple of months. Visually, the belly does not look loose and is slightly toned, at least people are not embarrassed to expose it on the beach.

Professional remedies for getting rid of stretch marks for men and women

Stretch marks will disappear much faster if you use professional products for this.

Laser

Laser resurfacing is the fastest and most effective method of getting rid of stretch marks after losing weight . Additionally, after the procedure, the skin texture is evened out, its color becomes even and natural. The manipulation is carried out only in a clinical setting in compliance with all sterility rules, the patient is given general anesthesia, the duration of the session is 60 minutes. Over the next 14 days, the treated skin remains red and swollen.

It will not be possible to solve the problem in one session; you will need to complete a course of at least 5 procedures (depending on the “age” of the stretch marks).

Peeling

Performed in a beauty salon or beauty salons, it can be superficial or deep, and does not require anesthesia/anesthesia or hospitalization. Peeling is a deep cleansing of the skin; it removes the “old” epidermis and activates regeneration processes.

In some cases, peeling procedures can be performed at home, but cosmetologists do not recommend using acidic products (based on fruit acids).

Wraps

A standard procedure that involves the use of any cosmetics - seaweed, clay, chocolate and others . The wrap is performed on previously steamed skin; cling film is used, which must be wrapped around the problem area so that it is not too tight.

The use of cosmetics coupled with heat can cause a severe allergic reaction, so the first sessions are performed after an allergy test and for no longer than 5 minutes; subsequently, the exposure time increases to 20 minutes.

Surgery

It is used in extreme cases, when a lot of “extra” skin has formed against the background of a sharp weight loss of several tens of kilograms at once. The manipulation is called abdominoplasty, it is most often used on the stomach and allows you to immediately get rid of stretch marks.

The surgical operation has many contraindications, is performed under general anesthesia and requires a long rehabilitation period.

Abdominoplasty to eliminate stretch marks

How to get rid of it at home

To remove stretch marks after losing weight, you don’t have to spend money on a beauty salon or plastic surgery clinic. Home cosmetic procedures are not able to deal with them 100%, especially with deep and old ones. But you can try to smooth them out and make them less noticeable.

Stretch marks can come in different sizes and shades

Daily care plays a huge role: not only the face needs nutrition and hydration. The body also requires care, especially during diets, when the supply of necessary substances is limited. Losing excess weight should be taken seriously: it is better to lose weight gradually, avoiding strict diets, while at the same time strengthening the replenishment of the dermis with high-quality care. Otherwise, strict prohibitions in the usual menu will quickly deprive the skin of internal sources of nutrition and will only worsen the situation.

The secret of Japanese beauty. Camellia oil is a good source of moisture for the entire body. Japanese women use it for their hair, face and body all their lives. They believe that even oily skin needs constant hydration. Thanks to this secret, most Japanese girls have never seen stretch marks and recover quickly even after childbirth.

Proper care

The main task is to improve the elasticity of the skin, nourish it with useful substances, moisturize and tone it as much as possible. A contrast shower will do a good job of this. It also improves immunity, energizes you before a difficult day and reduces orange peel.

Before a shower, cosmetologists advise doing a dry massage with a special brush of medium hardness. All problem areas are massaged with energetic, circular movements. The brush does not need to be moisturized; dry massage literally awakens the skin. Such irritation of the epidermis before a shower or bath allows the cells to be more actively saturated with moisture.

It is useful to do a full self-massage twice a week. The procedure increases blood flow, helps the skin renew itself more actively, increases firmness and elasticity. It will help get rid of stretch marks and reduce the appearance of cellulite and fat deposits. It is advisable to do this procedure using oils and immediately after a shower, when the layers of the epidermis are saturated with moisture and it needs to be kept inside.

You can prepare massage oil yourself by combining:

olive or baby oil (it is better to take as natural as possible, do not skimp);
2-3 drops of wheat germ oil;
2-3 drops of orange and almond oil;
a drop of tea tree or mint oil.

Instead of oils, you can also use special creams, which you can read about below. The movements should be harsh enough to cause slight redness, like after a bath. Do not pull the skin so as not to aggravate the problem.

Massage movements should follow the blood flow. This is the main rule. For example, the skin on the abdomen can be massaged in circles, and the legs should be kneaded from the bottom up (following the blood flow to the heart), avoiding the inner thighs and the area under the knee.

Areas with stretch marks are massaged more forcefully and rhythmically. Various massage brushes, jars, and rollers give a good effect. You can buy them in almost any shopping center, as well as in pharmacies and beauty salons.

The secret of model Bar Refaeli (27 years old). “To keep my body in good shape, I walk every day for 45 minutes and take Omega acids and oils in capsules every day. For each of us, excess weight is prohibited.”

Home treatments

Today, any cosmetic product can be bought at a cosmetics store or ordered online. But, only homemade recipes are 100% natural and do not contain any harmful impurities, fragrances, or allergens. In addition, daily procedures are quite a tedious task, and preparing homemade creams allows you to be creative in your everyday routine, as well as adjust the composition to suit the needs of your skin type and seasonal conditions.

Scrub

To improve the appearance of stretch marks after losing weight, the skin must be regularly rid of impurities and particles of dead cells. A scrub will do a great job with this. It is used after a bath, when the body is steamed. To make a good scrub at home, you need to mix:

base (regular or special gel for stretch marks, sour cream or vegetable oils);
large, massaging particles (ground coffee, coarse and fine salt, sugar);
additional ingredients (honey, mumiyo, chocolate, royal jelly);
essential oils (tea tree, grape seed oil).

It is better to take coffee from the grounds, that is, the coffee that is usually thrown out of the Turk or coffee maker. And if you mix coffee grounds with fresh ground coffee grounds, the massage effect will increase several times.

Oils should be selected according to skin type and individual tolerance. Each of them has its own effect and beneficial properties. For example, lavender oil is calming and useful to use before bed.

Wraps

This procedure helps with stretch marks and cellulite, and is also often used for weight loss. The general condition of the skin improves. But you need to be careful with wraps: the epidermis does not breathe during the procedure, so you should not get carried away and leave the “compresses” overnight. Sufficient time is 30-60 minutes, 1-2 times a week.

The recipe is simple. Mix honey, olive oil, coconut oil, and grape seed oil in equal proportions. You can add a few drops of mint, lemon balm or tea tree oil. The mixture is warmed up a little and set aside. In the meantime, apply a little honey to the palm and actively slap the problem area. Not strongly, but rhythmically. Soon the honey will be absorbed, and the skin will begin to turn red and the palm will begin to stick. It's time to apply the prepared mixture and wrap the area with cling film. To prevent anything from leaking out from under it, you can tie unnecessary fabric on top.

The secret of model Lineisy Montero. “I just mix some cane sugar and flower honey and apply it to my body. When it hardens, I begin to roll it with my hands. This is the best scrub I have ever come across. After that, run to the shower, and then apply a thick layer of cream or oil. It’s better to remove the excess with a napkin, this is the only way the skin will take as much as it needs.”

How to prevent stretch marks after losing weight

The process of losing weight should proceed slowly and smoothly in order to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin . And for this you need:

Correctly adjust your diet and do not give up proteins, fats and vitamins and minerals;
maintain a drinking regime - moisture in the cells of the dermis must be present at all times, dehydration is not allowed;
Give moderate physical activity to the body.

We recommend reading the article on how to remove fat from the inner thighs. From it you will learn about the reasons for gaining volume on the hips, how to remove them, the benefits of diets, exercises, body wraps, and anti-cellulite massage. And here is more information about the figure correction gel.

Stretch marks after losing weight do not disappear on their own, but with some effort you can achieve the desired effect . If the formation of stretch marks is “caught” at the beginning of the process, then you can get by with folk or cosmetic remedies. “Old” stretch marks can be removed only with professional means and specific procedures.

Why they appear and what they may look like

The main reason for the occurrence of this cosmetic defect lies in the low elasticity of the skin, and, as a result, poor ability to regenerate. In places where the smallest fibers are stretched and torn, connective tissue begins to form, which is noticeable in the form of stripes of different sizes and shades (from white and pink to blue).

What can reduce the elasticity of the dermis:

hereditary predisposition;
diseases of the endocrine system (Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, adrenal tumors, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism);
taking certain medications (hormonal medications, steroids);
constant weight fluctuations;
poor nutrition, lack of microelements and vitamins.

Many experts believe that longitudinal stretch marks may appear due to problems with excess weight. While transverse ones are most often an external manifestation of hormonal problems. Others argue that no one can predict in advance what they will be like or whether they will be there at all. After all, too many factors influence this: personal care, habits, nutrition, genetics, whether there was a pregnancy, whether hormonal medications are taken, and so on.

Interesting fact: Striae do not tan and are very noticeable on dark skin. This is due to the lack of melanin in connective tissue (there are a few exceptions).

They can look different even between twins. Appearance depends on:

amount of weight lost;
individual skin characteristics;
hormonal levels;
age of the cosmetic defect;
depth of change in the layers of the dermis.

Interestingly, fresh stretch marks are usually pink and their color will gradually change and eventually turn beige or even white. But this may take years. The relief and size also vary: some find only small white stripes on the body, while others are forced to hide deep furrows under clothing.

Useful video

Watch the video about fighting stretch marks after losing weight:

Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy

This is not quite the same as removing stretch marks after losing weight. Up to 90% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This is not only because the body grows rapidly at a rate that the skin cannot keep up with, but also because during pregnancy it becomes more susceptible due to hormonal changes. It is believed that hormonal changes cause the bonds between collagen fibers to relax, stimulating the flow of water. As you can see, there are a number of different methods that will help you get rid of unwanted stretch marks. The bottom line is that prevention is much easier than cure, and the sooner you start treating stretch marks, the greater the chance of success. The main thing is to confidently move forward and not be afraid to completely change your lifestyle.

EMS-Trainer myostimulator belt and all the truthful information about it

Is it possible to drink dry wine while losing weight?

How to take insulin

Diet for atherosclerosis

How to lose weight correctly - advice for those who have decided to say goodbye to excess weight ONCE and FOR ALL

Test check yourself:

fact or fiction?

Eating more fruit can improve bone density.

Correct! Wrong!

Consuming foods with plenty of bioavailable calcium improves bone density. Fruits generally do not contain much calcium.

Excess protein accumulates in the muscles, causing them to increase.

Correct! Wrong!

Once the need for protein and energy has been met, excess amino acids are converted to acetyl-CoA, from which they are converted into fatty acids and stored in adipocytes. Therefore, excess protein will not be converted into muscle.

Preventive measures

It is easier to prevent than to neutralize. We already know about the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks on the body after losing weight. Let's look at what needs to be done to prevent this from happening below.

Regular massage. It can be done independently or in salons. Massage movements will improve blood flow and skin elasticity.
Gradual weight loss. Monitor the maximum permissible monthly weight loss norm and adhere to it.
Sport. Aerobics, fitness, running, swimming are the main enemies of stretch marks. Regular exercise is an excellent prevention of scars.
Proper nutrition and water balance.

An integrated approach to the elimination and prevention of stretch marks will lead to brilliant results. We hope that our tips will help you never know what stretch marks are, by your own example.

Video: Expert recommendations

Folk remedies

Most of the recipes replicated on the Internet are simply ineffective.

A few words should be said about effective means:

mixture based on essential oils. For preparation you need almond oil (50 ml) and rosemary essential oil (5-7 drops). The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area in a circular motion. Over time, the stretch marks will decrease until they disappear altogether.
scrub for stretch marks. Ingredients include 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. salts and vegetable oil (80 ml). Any natural oil will do. Mix these ingredients and apply with massage movements to areas with stretch marks.
Oil mixture. To make the product you will need: avocado oil, jojoba oil (40 ml each), 7 drops of orange essential oil, 10 drops of rosemary oil, 12 drops of jasmine and 1 tsp. lavender. Mix all ingredients and leave to infuse in a cool, dark place. Apply externally up to 5 times a day.
Shilajit cream. Ingredients include Shilajit (1 tablet) and one-fourth cup of warm water. Dilute the tablet and mix the product thoroughly. The ointment is applied to the problem area and left for 1-3 hours, after which it should be washed off.

If a cosmetologist cannot be afforded or there is simply no desire to go to the salon, the patient has every chance to help himself.

See how to use Orbitrek for cellulite at home.

What should be the composition of a cream for stretch marks during pregnancy 9 months? Find out here.

What is the price of injections for cellulite? Click go.

Removing stretch marks with laser

An effective, but very expensive procedure, will help you get rid of defects forever. The essence of laser removal: layer-by-layer treatment of the skin, evening out color and relief. The effect of the laser is similar to a slight tingling needle, so no anesthesia is provided.

To completely get rid of stretch marks, 5-6 procedures will be required. They should be carried out at intervals of about a month. After the first exposure, the striae becomes red and swollen. The inflammation goes away after the second week, and with it the scar begins to turn pale and tighten.

What to do if stretch marks appear after losing weight, how to remove unsightly stretch marks? There is an answer: laser resurfacing! The best way to date. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

Contraindications

It is strictly forbidden to do the following procedure:

pregnant and lactating women;
people suffering from cancer, diabetes, connective tissue diseases, epilepsy;
with ARVI, influenza, taking antibiotics;
with a tendency to develop keloid scars.

The cost of such a procedure in a Moscow clinic varies from 6 to 10 thousand rubles.

How to remove stretch marks on the stomach in the salon

In comparison with traditional methods of eliminating stretch marks, salon methods are more effective (they are surpassed only by abdominoplasty - an operation to remove excess areas of skin), but only if all the recommendations of the cosmetologist are followed and a full course is carried out with regular visits to the salon. The advantages of such procedures are:

high performance (but not absolute);
quick effect (compared to that obtained from home care);
long-term result.

The main disadvantages are the pain of most techniques, high cost, and long recovery after some manipulations. Complications cannot be excluded if the specialist made a mistake or due to the individual characteristics of the client’s body. There are also many contraindications to salon cosmetology: pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with:

oncology;
tuberculosis;
epilepsy;
mental illness, nervous disorders;
inflammatory processes in the abdomen;
dermatological diseases;
acute infectious processes;
hormonal imbalances;
relapses of chronic diseases.

Mesotherapy

Manual or machine injections of vitamin cocktails into the dermis (middle skin layer) help stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, regeneration processes, improve cell nutrition, and soften connective tissue. The injections are almost painless, so they are often given without anesthesia. During mesotherapy the following is introduced:

antioxidants;
amino acids;
enzymes;
hyaluronic acid;
collagen;
elastin;
vitamins.

Removal of stretch marks on the abdomen, if they are not deep and fresh, occurs quickly - after completing the full course, which consists of 5-15 procedures (the number is determined individually). Old and large ones are more difficult to remove using mesotherapy; they require combination with other salon techniques. After the main course, preventive/maintenance sessions are desirable. The price of 1 visit to a cosmetologist for mesotherapy is 3000–5000 rubles.

Laser exposure using fractional photothermolysis

Skin resurfacing using a laser is low-traumatic, but is carried out only in winter, since it requires long-term avoidance of contact with the sun after it. Fractional photothermolysis has a selective effect on different areas, so the beam affects only scars and scars, leaving healthy skin undamaged. Only a specialist can tell you how many sessions it will take to remove cosmetic defects. The procedure is carried out like this:

The skin is cleaned, and lidocaine (or another anesthetic) is applied topically.
A special ointment is distributed on top to improve the glide of the nozzle.
The selected area is treated with even vertical and horizontal movements. The beam heats tissues, stimulates collagen synthesis, which leads to prolonged cell division throughout the month.
After 30–40 minutes, the laser treatment is completed. A soothing cream is applied to the affected area. The specialist schedules the next session in 4–5 weeks. A full course consists of approximately 6–8 procedures. Price for 1 session – 6,000–10,000 rubles.

Peeling

In order to renew the skin, smooth out problem areas and prevent the formation of new stretch marks, you can resort to salon peeling. There are 2 main methods:

Mechanical (superficial or microdermabrasion) - helps to remove fresh, shallow stretch marks, carried out by exposing the skin to an air jet with sand. Soreness is present, but mild. The recovery period is not long.
Deep (chemical) - used to remove old stretch marks, performed with special acid preparations that burn the epidermis and stimulate collagen production. Peeling is painful, performed under anesthesia, and requires recovery over several months.

Ozone therapy

Activation of collagen production, normalization of lymph flow, removal of toxic substances are the main effects of saturating the body with a mixture of oxygen and ozone. It is administered subcutaneously with a special device - an ozonizer. The technique helps remove fresh stretch marks, but only in combination with other cosmetic procedures. The full course consists of 8–15 sessions, which are carried out every 3–4 days. The cost of 1 ozone therapy on the stomach is 500–3000 rubles.