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How do people get stretch marks


Why they appear and how to get rid of them

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Causes, Treatment Options & Prevention

Overview

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks (striae) are discolored, slightly sunken (depressed), scar-like lines in your skin. They appear when your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks.

Stretch marks generally appear on your:

  • Abdominal area (stomach).
  • Thighs.
  • Hips.
  • Breasts (boobs).
  • Upper arms.
  • Lower back.
  • Buttocks (butt).

Who do stretch marks affect?

Anyone can get stretch marks. But you’re more likely to develop stretch marks if:

  • You’re pregnant, especially if you’re Black, Hispanic, East Asian or South Asian.
  • You suddenly gain or lose a lot of weight.
  • Your muscles get bigger quickly through bodybuilding or weightlifting.
  • You’re experiencing a growth spurt during adolescence.
  • You have a family history of stretch marks (genetics).
  • You have Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
  • You’ve been on prednisone long term.

How common are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are common. Between 50% and 90% of all people who are pregnant develop stretch marks.

How do stretch marks affect my body?

Stretch marks don’t hurt, but they can affect your mental health. They can make you worry about how others look at you. They can also affect how you think about yourself and your behavior. You may experience stress, anxiety and depression.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of stretch marks?

Stretch mark symptoms may include:

  • Sunken lines in your skin.
  • Discoloration (red, pink, blue, black, purple or brown).
  • Skin gradually becomes glossy and appears streaked in silver or white.
  • Itchiness.
  • Irritation.

What causes stretch marks?

When your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks, it causes the elastin and collagen in your skin to break. Elastin’s main role is to allow your skin to stretch. Collagen’s main role is to provide structure, strength and support to your skin. As your skin heals, stretch marks appear in areas where elastin breaks.

Are stretch marks contagious?

No, stretch marks aren’t contagious. You can’t spread stretch marks through skin-to-skin contact.

Diagnosis and Tests

How are stretch marks diagnosed?

Stretch marks are easy to diagnose. You don’t necessarily need your healthcare provider to diagnose them.

If you see your healthcare provider, they’ll conduct a physical examination and look over your medical history. If they suspect that your stretch marks are a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome, they may order additional tests.

Management and Treatment

How are stretch marks treated?

In general, treating stretch marks is difficult. Treatment improves the appearance of stretch marks, but they may not go away completely. Addressing your stretch marks when they first appear yields the best results. Older, deep stretch marks may be more challenging to treat.

Treatment options include:

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a type of surgery. Your healthcare provider directs short, concentrated, pulsating beams of light on your stretch marks. The laser removes layers of your skin very precisely, which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers to create smoother skin.

You should see an immediate difference after treatment. Your skin may continue to improve for up to a year, and the improvement may last for several years.

Side effects may include the appearance of small white bumps on your skin (milia), swelling, dark areas of skin (hyperpigmentation) and light areas of skin (hypopigmentation).

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a type of surgery. Your healthcare provider uses a specialized instrument to scrape away your stretch marks. The process improves your skin contour and results in smooth new skin.

It will likely take at least two weeks for your skin to heal. You should see full, complete results several weeks or months after the procedure.

Side effects may include milia, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, swelling and enlarged pores.

Microneedling

During microneedling, your healthcare provider pokes your skin with thin needles. The tiny punctures stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers to create firmer skin. Most people require between three and six treatments to see results.

Some people see full, complete results within four to six months. But it may take longer.

Side effects may include irritation, discoloration, swelling and flaky skin.

Retinol

Retinol comes from vitamin A. It’s an ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) anti-aging skin care creams because of its ability to improve wrinkles, skin texture and your skin’s hydration levels.

Retinol creams may require at least six months of regular use before you see noticeable results.

Side effects may include dry skin, irritation, discoloration and light sensitivity.

Are there any home remedies for stretch marks?

Research suggests that some home remedies may help treat or prevent stretch marks, including:

  • Aloe vera gel.
  • Hyaluronic acid.
  • Centella asiatica herb.

Gently massage the product into your stretch marks every day for the best results. It may take several weeks before you start seeing results.

If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Does cocoa butter get rid of stretch marks?

Many people believe that cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil help improve stretch marks. However, studies show that they don’t effectively treat or prevent stretch marks.

Do stretch marks go away?

Stretch marks will eventually go away or become less noticeable on their own. You don’t necessarily need to treat your stretch marks.

How long do stretch marks take to fade?

In general, stretch marks take between six and 12 months to fade. With treatment, they often fade faster.

Prevention

How can I reduce my risk of developing stretch marks?

You can’t do anything that guarantees that you won’t develop stretch marks. But a combination of hydration, diet and exercise can help reduce your risk.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water. Water helps keep your skin stay soft, so you’re less likely to develop stretch marks.

Drinking caffeine can also increase your risk of developing stretch marks. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or soda pop, it’s a good idea to drink as much — or more — water.

Diet

It’s also a good idea to eat foods that promote healthy skin, including foods:

  • Rich in zinc, such as nuts or fish.
  • High in vitamins A, C and D, such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk.
  • Rich in protein, such as lentils, beans, broccoli, lean beef and chicken.
Exercise

Exercise increases circulation and helps your body produce collagen. Increased circulation and collagen help your skin stay strong and stretchy.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have stretch marks?

Stretch marks may be difficult to treat, but they aren’t harmful to your physical health. They’ll also become less noticeable over time, even without treatment.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

It isn’t necessary to see your healthcare provider about stretch marks. But it’s a good idea if your stretch marks cover a large area of your skin or you’d like to explore treatment options. Certain stretch mark creams or medications may cause bad skin reactions.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

  • What’s causing my stretch marks?
  • Could anything else cause my stretch marks?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What’s the complete list of side effects for each treatment option?
  • Should I make any changes to my diet?
  • When can I expect to see results?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Stretch marks are a common condition that can affect anyone. Despite how common they are, you may not like how stretch marks look on your body. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Together, you can decide what treatment is best for you.

Stretch marks - the whole truth - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Clinic "Mother and Child" Togliatti

What is it

Stretch marks are also called striae. They appear in any area of ​​the body, but more often occur in those places where there is a large amount of fat. The most common locations are chest, abdomen, underarms, shoulders, hips, back and buttocks.

Stretch marks look like stripes on the skin, and over time their color changes. "Fresh" stretch marks are pinkish-red in color, the skin on them is slightly convex. Gradually, the striae increase in length and width, become bluish-violet, and eventually become discolored. This happens because at first there are still blood vessels inside the striae, which is why initially the stretch marks have such a bright color. Then the blood supply at the site of the stretch marks stops, the vessels become empty, the resulting skin defect is filled with connective tissue and the stretch marks become white. Since there is no pigment in the connective tissue, even under the influence of sunlight, the stretch marks remain white. Moreover, against the background of tanned skin, they become more noticeable.

Why they occur

It seems that the reason for the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy is clear at first glance: the expectant mother's belly grows, the skin stretches, and stretch marks form. Why, then, do they not occur in all expectant mothers? And is their appearance associated with weight gain? After all, it has been noticed, for example, that the likelihood of stretch marks does not depend on the size of the abdomen during pregnancy.

Stretch marks may appear in a woman with a small tummy, while a woman expecting twins will bypass this problem.

Why is this happening? Several factors come into play here. Yes, indeed, one of the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks is weight gain, but it is not so much the number of kilograms gained that is important, but how quickly a woman gained them: the faster the expectant mother gains weight, the higher the risk of stretch marks. That is why even with a small increase in weight, stretch marks can appear. The second reason for stretch marks is hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen and cortisol decreases, resulting in a violation of the synthesis of skin and connective tissue proteins - collagen and elastin. Namely, with the help of these proteins, our skin can stretch well and restore its elasticity.

If there is not enough collagen and elastin, then the skin becomes brittle and thins faster, eventually, it breaks in some areas, and then scar connective tissue is formed in the places of tears .

And here is how the body of the expectant mother will behave during pregnancy: whether there will be sharp jumps in weight and hormonal imbalance (which means that stretch marks will appear or not, it is impossible to predict).

What to do?

Let's just say that There is no 100% effective treatment for and prevention of stretch marks. For example, most creams, lotions, gels for the prevention of stretch marks simply contain moisturizing ingredients and help soften the skin, but do not affect the balance of hormones. Therefore, these remedies cannot prevent the appearance of stretch marks if hormonal disorders have occurred. Yes, and after childbirth, various laser procedures, peelings and resurfacing will not get rid of stretch marks at all, they will simply make them more invisible.

But this does not mean that we should give up and do nothing. You can do just a lot of things: even if you do not achieve a 100% effect, there will still be benefits.

– Monitor the nutrition of the and avoid sudden weight fluctuations. Do not forget to eat protein foods - protein, together with zinc and vitamin C, stimulates the production of collagen, which gives the skin elasticity. If you don’t feel like meat yet, include fish, dairy products and legumes in your diet - these are also sources of healthy protein.

– Avoid sweets – sugar slows down collagen renewal, the skin loses elasticity and water, becomes dry, sluggish, its elasticity decreases.

- From the first days of pregnancy constantly nourish and moisturize the skin . To do this, use creams, gels, lotions with collagen, elastin, as well as vitamins C and E . The main thing is that these drugs must be approved for use during pregnancy. Before you buy this or that product, carefully read the instructions and the composition of the drug. Find out the mechanism of action of biologically active substances of a cosmetic product from a sales assistant. If you still have doubts, consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Look into your wallet and make a choice.

– If finances allow, do salon procedures for body moisturizing that are allowed during pregnancy (seaweed wraps, for example), if not, limit yourself to ordinary skin moisturizing, it is also effective.

- Regularly take a contrast shower : it tones and firms the skin, and the problem areas receive the blood flow they need. You can massage individual parts of the body alternately with cold and warm jets. Just don't aim the jet directly at your stomach.

– After showering, don't dry your body, just pat it dry with a towel. You can do light pinching self-massage using moisturizing creams or natural vegetable oils (such as olive or linseed). Massage promotes the removal of excess fluid and activates the work of blood vessels - they quickly carry nutrients throughout the body. Important: when massaging the abdomen and chest, massage only the sides, thighs and legs.

– Swim : the contrast of water and air temperature, active physical activity also contribute to the prevention of stretch marks.

- During pregnancy , wear special bras, they will support the enlarged breasts and will not allow the skin to overstretch.

Even if stretch marks appear, don't get upset. It has been noticed that if you immediately start a set of preventive measures (moisturizing the skin, proper nutrition, water procedures), then often stretch marks do not spread further. And if you start prevention from the first days of pregnancy, they may not appear at all.

REMINDER for moms

Start attacking stretch marks as early as possible: the younger they are, the less money and time it will take to eliminate them.

  1. Watch your diet, try not to gain weight suddenly.
  2. Daily moisturize and nourish the skin, not only the abdomen and chest, but also the thighs, buttocks, legs.
  3. Lead an active lifestyle: walk in the fresh air, play sports, swim.
  4. Take a contrast shower, do self-massage.
  5. Wear the right underwear: a maternity bra is especially necessary for expectant mothers with large breasts

Note:

Stretch marks cannot be predicted. Even if during the last pregnancy there were no or, on the contrary, there were stretch marks, then there is no guarantee that the situation will repeat itself in the next pregnancy

You can make a composition for stretch marks yourself.

Here are the oils that will suit you:

  • Jojoba oil is the most effective remedy: it is used for the prevention and elimination of skin stretch marks during and after pregnancy, as well as for weight gain and sudden weight loss.
  • Essential oil of rosewood - helps to increase skin elasticity, also helps to dissolve small scars.
  • Almond oil - especially effective for the care of areas of the body where skin elasticity is reduced.
  • Grape seed oil - has a strong regenerating effect, improves skin elasticity.
  • Peach oil - has a regenerating, softening effect on the skin, restores elasticity, rejuvenates sagging skin.

You can use any combination of these oils, such as jojoba + almond oil, or jojoba + grape seed oil.

Before using any oil, read the instructions, pay attention to contraindications. Try the oil or formulation on a small area of ​​your skin and see how it reacts throughout the day. If you experience discomfort or allergies, discard this remedy.

Make an appointment

to the doctor - Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Clinic "Mother and Child" Tolyatti

PregnancyManagement of pregnancyGynecologyChildren's hospitalPregnancy diaryOperative childbirthPregnancy planningPreparation for operative childbirthPreparation for partner childbirthBaby care programMom's school programsSchedule of childbirthPhysiological pregnancyFitness for pregnant women

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How to get rid of stretch marks - Lifehacker

March 28, 2019LikbezZdorovye

These home and professional methods will surely work.

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What are stretch marks and where do they come from? They are not striking, but create an uneven tone. Because of this, the skin, even on the most taut tummy or thighs brought to perfection, looks loose and flabby.

Stretch marks appear when one or another part of the body quickly increases in volume. For whatever reason. Here are the most common Stretch marks: Why they appear and how to get rid of them:

  • pregnancy and accompanying belly growth;
  • breastfeeding - it is not uncommon for the bust to become larger by 1-3 sizes;
  • rapid weight gain;
  • excessive bodybuilding, due to which the muscles rapidly increase in size;
  • rapid growth spurts that occur in some adolescents during puberty;
  • regular use of drugs containing corticosteroids (they are used, for example, in Itsenko-Cushing's disease or Marfan's syndrome).

Normally, collagen and elastin are responsible for the ability of the skin to stretch and contract. But if for some reason (hormonal, genetic, and so on) these proteins are not enough, problems begin.

The middle layer of the skin - the dermis - simply rips apart like a paper bag that is being pulled over a larger item. The breaks are covered with connective tissue. As a result, atrophic scars are formed. They are called stretch marks.

Like any scar, getting rid of stretch marks is almost impossible. Affected skin, permeated with areas of connective tissue, will never return to its original state. But properly selected care and some procedures can make striae almost invisible.

How to remove stretch marks

In theory, stretch marks can be overcome at home. True, this applies only to the so-called fresh stretch marks. You can recognize them by color - pink, purple, sometimes red-violet. For these shades, the blood vessels are responsible, which permeate only the resulting scar tissue.

But gradually the vessels become empty, the scars lighten and eventually, usually after 6-12 months, they turn into old stretch marks.

Old striae do not produce melanin pigment, so they do not change their whitish color even when sunburned.

No home lotions work on old stretch marks. The scar tissue has finally formed, and now it can be removed only by professional methods. Let's deal with all the available methods in more detail.

How to get rid of stretch marks at home

Pharmacies sell a variety of ointments, creams, gels that promise to get rid of stretch marks. However, there is no strong evidence that these cosmetics help.

However, in some cases, home care can be effective, so it makes sense to start the fight against stretch marks with it. In order not to be disappointed in cosmetic procedures, keep in mind a few important points:

  • Use the product of your choice on early stretch marks. Mature, he certainly will not help.
  • It is not enough to apply an ointment or cream on the skin - they must be massaged in properly. Massage enhances the effect of medical cosmetics.
  • Use your chosen product every day for at least a few weeks. It may take 2-3 months before the result appears.

Here are a few things What Are Stretch Marks? scientists say might help.

1. Creams and ointments with retinoids

Retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) are active substances that increase collagen production and accelerate skin regeneration. In one study Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) improves early stretch marks people applied tretinoin to their skin every night for 24 weeks. After this period, it turned out that the stretch marks became much less noticeable than among the participants in the control group who did not use any means.

Attention! If you are pregnant, be sure to consult your doctor. Retinoid preparations can harm the unborn child.

2. Hyaluronic acid products

Hyaluronic acid is also believed to be able to stimulate collagen production. Sometimes Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae creams and ointments based on it can really make stretch marks more inconspicuous, give the skin a more uniform shade.

3. Centella asiatica products

Centella oil is one of the base oils in Ayurveda. And he really has useful properties. In particular, centella also causes the skin to produce more collagen. There is some evidence that products based on centella oil or extract visually smooth out stretch marks.

4. Almond oil products

Bitter almond oil has been shown to prevent new stretch marks. So, one study showed Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae: women who massaged their stomach with almond oil during pregnancy ended up with significantly less stretch marks than their counterparts in position who did not use oil or applied it without massage.

But scientists are not sure about the ability of almond oil to cope with already existing stretch marks: more or less convincing evidence of this has not yet been found. However, they were not particularly sought after. So it makes sense to try: you might be lucky.

5. Cocoa, Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Other Oils

Popular for stretch marks, these products have a powerful moisturizing effect. They soften the skin, make it more full and dense. The epidermis saturated with moisture can partially mask the areas of connective tissue under it.

However, there are no studies that would prove an unambiguous anti-inflammatory effect of cocoa butter, shea butter and others.

How to get rid of stretch marks with professional methods

If home remedies don't help or if we are talking about old stretch marks that massages and rubbing creams can no longer cope with, you will have to go to a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Most likely, you will be asked to perform one of the following procedures.

1. Laser therapy

The laser vaporizes part of the scar tissue cells, and at the same time causes the skin to increase collagen synthesis. As a result, new young and healthy skin is formed over deep stretch marks, which can hide stretch marks underneath.

2. Chemical Peel

A product containing one or another concentrated acid will be applied to the skin. Peeling, like a laser, will dissolve some of the scar tissue and stimulate the growth of healthy skin.

3. Microdermabrasion

This is a mechanical resurfacing of the damaged area of ​​the skin with a special device with a rotating round nozzle. The effect is about the same as that of laser therapy and chemical peels.

4. Various Injection Methods

The physician will inject drugs under the skin that increase collagen synthesis and increase the level of moisture in the skin, which will make it denser and stretch marks under it less noticeable.

5. Minor surgery

This is the most expensive and radical, but also the most reliable way. The area of ​​skin with stretch marks is simply removed. If it was small, the surgeon will apply a cosmetic suture, which will dissolve almost without a trace after a while. If the stretch marks occupied a large area, the doctor will transplant a skin flap here from another part of the body.

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