The elasticity of our skin is one of the main factors that determine its youth and beauty. Stretch marks look like small scars, but you can reduce them. Usually, they are lighter than skin, do not tan, have a specific, pronounced «relief».
In most cases, the skin retains its elasticity for a long time. However, sometimes the loads are too strong, and the skin stretches, but does not return to its original state. In the inner layers of the skin the tissue is torn and in the process of healing the connective tissue appears in this place. That is how stretch marks appear.
Why They Appear
In most cases, stretch marks appear during weight gain and subsequent weight loss. The most common are the following situations:
- Rapid growth in adolescence. The skin does not have time to «grow» and marks appear mainly on the hips and breasts.
- Pregnancy and childbirth. The main risk areas are the abdomen and breasts. However, it is also possible of the appearance of marks on the legs, buttocks – it depends on how big was the weight gain, as well as on how quickly this weight went away after childbirth.
- With a sudden weight gain. This can be due to hormonal disorders, lifestyle changes, health problems. Rapid and significant weight gain always leads to the appearance of marks, and suffer not only the hips, abdomen and chest, but also the back, legs, arms.
Prevention
According to studies, stretch marks occur in 70-90% of women after pregnancy. They can be prevented by wearing a special bandage and a supporting bra during pregnancy.
The surest and fastest way to prevent stretch marks is to use creams and oils to strengthen the skin at risk areas. Especially effective products with caffeine and jojoba oil, vitamins C and E. The most important thing when using anti-stretch marks creams is to massage the skin. Light circular movements of the hands stimulate blood circulation. And of course, regular sports and healthy lifestyle – good prevention of stretch marks.
How to Reduce Stretch Marks
Unfortunately, if they have already appeared, it will not be easy to get rid of them. Scars that have formed only recently, you can still remove. But if stretch marks are white and have existed for a long time – they are unlikely to disappear.
A more realistic goal is to make them less visible. There are many cosmetic procedures and products that give a good result.
Cosmetic Procedures at Home
For example, at home, you can use a stretch marks reduction cream and massage problem areas. Massage with dry brush or peeling. The use of light peeling in the fight against stretch marks becomes quite effective if you hold regular sessions. The idea of peeling in this case is not to exfoliate the dead cells of the epithelium, but to give the skin elasticity and restore its normal blood flow. Here more information about peeling.
Cosmetic Procedures in Beauty Clinics
If stretch marks are more than 2-3 years old, then at home it will be almost impossible to remove them. In this case, can help cosmetic procedures in clinics, including specialized massage with ultrasound equipment. In clinics, doctors use a fractional laser. Light flares penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen formation and cell renewal, thereby reducing stretch marks.
We’re all beautiful and stretch marks are normal and almost everyone has them. You need to take care of yourself and your body. To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, use creams and strengthen your skin.
More information about Stretch Marks you can see on the website of Wiley’s Online Library.
Products
Brand “CSM” offers a Dry Body Brush. This exfoliating body brush is ideal for both wet and dry brushing, giving you a deep yet gentle clean that opens up pores and gives your skin that all-important youthful softness. Use it anywhere on the body to renew your cells, stimulate circulation, encourage collagen growth and purify your skin of toxins.
Brand “TriLASTIN” offers a Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream. This Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream is a pregnancy lotion every mom must add to their skincare routine. It’s formulated to reduce visible scars during and after pregnancy. Hypoallergenic and Paraben-Free.
Brand “Bio-Oil” offers a Skincare Body Oil. Clinically proven to help repair skin damage and scars from pregnancy, surgery, injury, acne, C-section, aging, and more. Works naturally to improve the appearance of uneven skin tones, for light and dark skin tones. Mineral oil, one of Bio-Oil’s base oils, works both as an emollient, which keeps the skin soft and smooth, and as a moisturizer.
