How long does it take for stretch marks to lighten after childbirth, and will they go away completely?

Symptoms and causes of red stretch marks on the body. Cosmetological and therapeutic procedures in the field of defect elimination, a selection of special exercises, recipes for folk remedies and advice on the use of ointments, gels and creams.

Red stretch marks are an unnatural phenomenon for humans, which, however unimportant (= unimportant), is quite widespread. More often than not, this defect attacks women, but there are also many “victims” among men. It can be eliminated either in a cosmetology center, simply or at home.

Etiology, where do striae come from?

Let's find out why stretch marks appear on the body. The skin of any healthy person has an elastic structure; if you stretch it, it returns to its normal shape. The substance cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal cortex, takes part in the synthesis of collagen. If the adrenal glands do not work as they should, the elasticity coefficient of the skin decreases, tears and microtraumas appear. Such a metabolic failure usually occurs in women:

1. after 45 years, with a decrease in the level of production of sex hormones;
2. immediately after pregnancy;
3. for diabetes;
4. with pathologies in the functioning of the endocrine system, with hypothyroidism;
5. with chronic overdose of ultraviolet radiation, with abuse of solariums or self-tanning;
6. for skin dyshidrosis, for skin diseases with dry peeling.

In all these cases, there is an increased likelihood of stretch marks. In addition, scientists have found that those at risk for stretch marks are:

• Patients with skin diseases who have been taking hormonal drugs (Prednisolone and analogues) for a long time.
• Athletes who abuse steroids dramatically gain muscle mass.
• Overweight people prone to rapid weight gain or loss.
• Those who are actively growing, children and teenagers.

If the stretch marks are deep, strong and cover more than 30% of the body, we are talking about a hormonal disorder, and not just a local cosmetic defect.

Advice! A dermatologist and endocrinologist will help determine why the skin looks this way. There is no need to ignore these signs of adrenal hypersecretion; you should urgently visit a doctor.

How to remove red stretch marks on the body

To solve the problem, you can use (both) traditional methods and official medical methods. These can be various cosmetic and physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, medicinal creams and ointments. At home, it is recommended to use body wraps and apply self-prepared creams to the body. In the most extreme case, when none of the methods proposed above helps, a surgical operation is prescribed.

How to get rid of red stretch marks with cosmetic procedures

After this, the effect of laser or heat, the introduction of medicinal drugs under the skin, or the use of ultrasound will be effective.
The purpose of this is to normalize the production of collagen and elastin, fill voids in the tissues, and also tighten them. Typically, the course consists of 5-10 sessions, and usually takes about 20 minutes. Let us describe in more detail all possible methods:

1. Plasmolifting
   . In the fortunate event of this procedure, the patient is injected with his own plasma subcutaneously into the desired areas. Beloved is completely painless and requires a maximum of 5 minutes. For the benefit of success, 2-3 sessions are enough. There is nothing to think about this method during pregnancy and menstruation.
2. Laser resurfacing
   . This is a hardware procedure that involves penetration of the beam into tissue at a depth of 3-5 mm. It launches cell regeneration processes and accelerates skin rolling. For this cosmetologist you need to visit 5-6 times with a break of 3-4 days. This technique is in no way suitable for skin inflammation, exacerbation of any chronic diseases, or the presence of a pacemaker. This option is also barely breathing for patients with diabetes and those suffering from dermatological pathologies.
3. Fractional thermolysis
   . Its essence is to remove dead cells by heat. For this purpose, microbeams with a thickness of 0.1 mm penetrate to a depth of up to 0.5 cm. Before this, the skin is cleansed through peeling and then soothed with a moisturizing cream. A Wotan session lasts about 20 minutes; it will take from 3 to 5 minutes to roll, depending on the size of the striae. The optimal interval between procedures is 1 week.
4. Laser nanoperforation
   . This new technique is necessary for the restoration of the skin, it is minimally invasive and requires (as a result, only 3-4 sessions lasting no more than 20 minutes with a break in between a week. At the appointment, the cosmetologist applies a narrow beam to the problem areas from above, which allows you to restore damaged tissue. Minimal The age for this is 25. Contraindications to laser nanoperforation are diabetes, menstruation, neoplasms, dermatological diseases, hemophilia and the lactation stage.
5. Mesotherapy
   . The technique of its implementation requires the introduction of collagen, amino acids, vitamins and plant extracts into the skin. This is done using electric current, ultrasound or injections. For a session you need to come once a week for a period of 3-4 months. For people with a low pain threshold, injections are given under local anesthesia.

To successfully restore tissue and eliminate redness, you may need to undergo a course of phono- or iontophoresis of 5-7 visits.

Folk condition from red stretch marks

Various wraps with regenerating components are considered the most effective.
It could be capuchin, capsicum, chocolate or something else. No less useful are homemade creams and ointments based on natural ingredients of plant or animal origin - braxun, wax, red pepper, etc. Here are some recipes for effective remedies:

• Entanglement
  . Prepare a mixture of black ground coffee (2 tbsp) and capsicam (1 tbsp). Mix these ingredients and rub the mixture with your fingers into clean, dry areas. From above, wrap them in plastic wrap and leave for 20 minutes. Otherwise, the skin will begin to burn, do not wait for this time. At the end of the procedure, rinse off the freight train, dry off and lubricate your body with moisturizer. Similarly, you can use sea mud and various essential oils, especially citrus fruits. In order to correct the situation, you will need to do about 20 wraps at intervals of 2-3 times a week. This option is not suitable if there is a rash or open wounds on the body.
• Cream
  . Crumble 10 mummy tablets into heliotrope, mix it with warm swimming (2 tsp) and any baby cream (1 tbsp). Whisk the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the desired areas with a brush, leaving it on for 5-7 minutes. After that, simply rinse off the tool and wipe dry. Perform these manipulations every day until the stretch marks go away.
• Perugene
  . Add orange and neroli oil (2 drops each) to peach oil (30 ml). Pour liquid, uncandied honey (1 tbsp) into it, heat the vinaigrette and use it every time you take the mood. It is enough to leave the product on the body for 1-2 minutes. The specified ingredients, to top off the entire beekeeping product, can be replaced in the proportions given through. Ant. below, avocado, wheat germ and olive oil.

Creams, ointments and oils for red stretch marks on the body

If you don’t have time or simply don’t want to make ointments and creams at home, you can buy ready-made products.
A fairly good option here is “Mama Comfort”, which improves the softness of the dermis, maintains optimal water balance in the tissues and nourishes them. This complex operation is due to the composition, which contains the Regy-Stretch complex, horse chestnut, chamomile extract and many other natural ingredients. Mommy Care Anti-Striae cream, made in Israel, based on vitamin E, phytohormone and shea butter, will also be incredibly useful in the fight against red stretch marks.

Features of using creams, gels and ointments for stretch marks:

1. First, the skin is cleaned of impurities and wiped dry.
2. The product is applied to the palm, not to the skin, and distributed in a thin layer.
3. The ensemble is rubbed in with your fingers using gentle massaging movements.
4. All manipulations are performed in a circle, in a clockwise direction.
5. To obtain the desired effect, leave the cream on the body until absorbed, unless the instructions indicate other requirements.
6. Before applying a large amount of the product, you need to test your wrist or elbow to rule out allergies.

Special oils help to multiply the effect, which can not be combined with anything, simply rubbed into the skin every bachelorette party.

Quite popular on the market is the Weleda Schwangerschafts-Pflegeol product, designed specifically to combat stretch marks. It is made in Switzerland and comes in 100 ml packaging. All in all, this is an excellent option for pregnant women and women who have already given birth. After applying the oil, you must wait 5-7 minutes, and then you will need to wash it off using soap products.

It is worth paying attention to pure oils in addition to all kinds of additives - olive, almond, rosemary, lavender, orange.

Rubbing to eliminate red stretch marks on the body

The problem can be solved either by vacuum or roller, without any reason or by manual self-massage.
At home, the latter option is much more relevant. All you need to do it is this special oil, preferably essential oil, for example, orange, or maybe honey. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the bathroom to avoid contamination of the furniture in the room. Its minimum length is 15 minutes, and the number is 3-4 sessions per week.

The skill of performing manual massage involves the following actions:

• Take a shower with soap and dry your body.
• Lie on your back or stomach, looking at where the stretch marks are located.
• Knead the skin with stroking movements, moving from a height downward and adhering to the clockwise direction; it is enough to devote 2-3 minutes to this stage.
• Apply pre-selected oil or honeydew to the body, carefully distributing it with your fingers and rubbing it into the surface.
• Lightly pinch the problem areas with your index and thumb, grabbing after 1-2 cm of skin.
• Press the tissues, moving through the faces, and then, trying to collect them from, knead the skin.
• Rub the body with your palms, without pressing hard on the skin.
• Complete the massage by taking a contrasting massage without soap and lubricating the skin with a moisturizing cream. As a result of kneading the body, lymph flow improves, the production of collagen and elastin is activated, and cellular metabolism is restored.

You can also massage problem areas with special massage oil. Among them, Hillary Massage Oil Body Grapefruit or Massage Oil Body Grapefruit has proven itself very well.

Exercises for red stretch marks on the body

It is recommended to exercise every day for at least 20-30 minutes.
To obtain the desired effect, you need (both) active and passive physical activity. You can improve your results by using a jump rope, a fitball, or special hoops that quickly remove landolin. Wrapping it in film helps a lot, so you can crush the fat right during exercise. When choosing exercises, pay careful attention to the following:

1. For legs
   . Place the fitball on the floor and lie on it sideways, leaving your right side on the floor. Stretch your right leg forward and move it in a circle 10 times, first in one direction, and later in the other. Then repeat the same on your left limb, turning over to the other side. Try not to strain your abdominal muscles at this time.
2. For the belly
   . Lie on the floor facing the ceiling and bend your knees, resting your feet on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, crossing them. Lift your ramen, relax and sharply tighten your abdominal muscles. Do these movements 10 times. Make sure that your knees are as close to your forehead as possible during this period of time.
3. Breast interests
   . Bend your elbows, cross your fingers as tightly as possible and lower yourself onto the floor. Then lean on them and lift your body, lining up the scraps with your fingers tucked in, your arms, your stomach, etc. in one straight line. You won’t wake up with a gun, breathe through your nose, don’t strain your abdominal muscles and stay in this position 1 stand. After this, relax and repeat this exercise 5 times.
4. For thighs and buttocks
   . Place a chair with a back, sit in it, aligning your spine, and lower your arms to the left and right, grabbing the seat. After this, slowly retract the fishing rods, first to the sides, and then forward. Alternate such movements, performing the work 14 times in one approach. After that, lie on the floor with your back to the ceiling and lift your bast shoes one at a time as high as possible. Then turn over on your side and repeat in this case the same for each side for 10 sittings.

With red stretch marks, it is very useful to do all sorts of future planks, “scissors” and “bicycle” exercises, and pump up the abs. Attachments no less effective are swimming, running and riding a bicycle. Practicing yoga or Pilates also has a positive effect on skin elasticity. Also, if possible, it is worth walking more on foot.

Nutrition for red stretch marks on the body

On the table of every nonidi there should be foods rich in protein, both animal, commercial and plant origin - fish, milk, legumes, cereals.
It is extremely valuable that approximately 60% of the daily diet consists of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries. Particularly welcome among them are those that contain large amounts of vitamin A, C and E, as well as macro- and microelements - calcium, potassium, silicon, iron.

Carrots, seaweed, white grapes, apples, and pears will help improve the situation. Any greens, bell peppers, citrus fruits, ass and bananas are incredibly healthy. The oils you need are olive and corn. Don't forget about nuts - walnuts, almonds, and even peanuts.

Special attention should be paid to the amount of liquid consumed, which should not be lower. Ant. above 1.2-1.5 liters per day. We are talking only about clean water; juices, teas and remaining drinks are not taken into account here. It is worth reconsidering your ratio to chicory, infusion of lemon balm, linden and mint, which have tonic properties and help moisturize tissues.

As well as how to get rid of red stretch marks on the body - wait for the video:

In the absence of positive dynamics in the fight against stretch marks using non-invasive methods, the doctor may recommend abdomenoplasty. Caste surgery is an intervention of medium complexity and is relevant to no one except when there are serious injuries and sprains in the tissues. Efficiency. Ant. the ineffectiveness of this method is 100% guaranteed if the removal of red stretch marks is performed by an impeccable plastic surgeon. In any case, no matter how serious the malfunction, you can always find ways to solve the problem that suit you.

Variations in color and depth depending on time

The epidermis consists of 3 layers, and the depth of the skin break can vary. According to depth they are distinguished:

• Thread-like, superficial striae. All fresh stretch marks first look like very thin stripes (less than 1 mm in width, and some of them never expand. A distinctive feature of filamentous stretch marks is their smooth surface, they do not sink in or rise above the average level of the skin. This type can be easily eliminated .
• Atrophic, shallow. With such damage, the rupture reaches only the upper layers of the epidermis, the depth of the injury is no more than 1-1.5 mm. Stretch marks of this type can be located in a horizontal or vertical direction and can intersect each other at any angle. Relative to the skin level, they fall 1 mm, while the width of the striae can be any, from narrow (1-3 mm) to very wide (5 cm or more).
• Atrophic, deep. The deep layers of the epidermis and even subcutaneous fatty tissue are subject to trauma. At their core, such striae are atrophic scars with a characteristic uneven surface. The depression relative to the skin level ranges from 3 mm to 0.8 cm. Typically, deep stretch marks are located where there is a thick layer of subcutaneous fat, on the lower abdomen, on the sides of the thighs, on the buttocks.

Dermatologists have found that stretch marks and cellulite are most often symptoms of elevated cortisone levels, and when hormonal levels are normalized, these defects can be quickly eliminated. How stretch marks form:

• If a person gets fat, the skin tension coefficient increases. Cells do not have time to divide at such a speed, and an area with thinned epidermis is formed. In this place, the production of fibrin, a substance that is part of connective tissue, increases. A strip forms, which gradually becomes more uneven and wider. Fresh stretch marks are identical in color to cuts or bruises; they are scarlet, rich and bright. In this case, patients complain of obsessive itching at the site of injury.
• Over time, fibrin replaces the normal epidermis and a scar forms. Just like all other atrophic scars, the striae begins to darken, the red tint is replaced by purple. Typically, red stretch marks last no more than 3-6 months, then their color changes to crimson, blue and purple. However, widening or deepening of the defect does not always occur.
• Old stretch marks are areas of the skin where the process of fibrin production has stabilized; they no longer change, grow or itch. The purple color fades and becomes bluish and then white.

It is known that white stretch marks react poorly to ultraviolet radiation and practically do not tan. This is due to the fact that connective tissue cells do not produce the pigment needed for tanning.

Interesting! Using self-tanning against stretch marks brings virtually no results.

White stretch marks are an unwanted and difficult to eliminate defect, but red and purple ones can be easily dealt with using folk and home methods.

Easier to prevent...

It is not difficult to predict the appearance of stretch marks. So in most cases we have the opportunity to prevent them using very simple methods:

• daily massage the areas most prone to the appearance of stretch marks using a massage brush with natural or synthetic bristles of medium hardness, a special massage mitten: massage improves blood circulation and stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin and skin renewal;
• after a shower, be sure to apply moisturizers to the skin of the body - cream, cosmetic cream or milk;
• Every day, lightly massage problem areas with olive oil, to which add a few drops of tocopherol (vitamin E) for 10–15 minutes: this will significantly increase skin elasticity;
• try to eat foods rich in vitamins E and C, as well as zinc and silicon. These substances will help maintain healthy skin.

Location and direction of striae

Regardless of what part of the body is affected, stretch marks are not a normal skin condition. As a rule, there is a relationship between the cause and location of stretch marks:

1. In patients who gain weight rapidly, atrophic scars affect the areas that increase in volume most quickly. These are the abdomen, buttocks, forearms and thighs.
2. In athletes, especially those who enjoy strength training, scars are located on the chest, forearms and thighs.
3. In pregnant women, naturally, the breasts are the first to suffer. Striae can be seen in this area already in the 1st trimester. From the 2-3 trimester, red stretch marks cover the abdomen; in 80% of cases, due to weight gain, they appear on the buttocks and on the front of the thigh.
4. In children and adolescents, any area can be affected, but most often stretch marks are located on the back and abdomen, and in rare cases on the legs. Dermatologists cannot always understand why, with normal hormonal levels, teenagers face such a problem. There are suggestions that a hereditary predisposition is to blame.
5. In patients with skin diseases, striae are always located near areas with dyshidrosis, edematous plaques or foci of dermatitis.

It is worth noting that with rapid weight gain, stretch marks are located vertically, and with hormonal disorders, they are usually either horizontal or crossing each other.

By understanding why the skin gets torn, you can significantly simplify the treatment process and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Without eliminating the cause, stretch marks will appear again and again, and no folk remedies or medications will help stop the pathological process.

Stretch marks do not pose a direct threat to health, but if they are a symptom of adrenal hyperfunction, the patient needs the help of an endocrinologist. In all other cases, this is nothing more than a minor cosmetic defect, which is considered repulsive by about 80% of respondents.

Typical locations of stretch marks

The most typical locations for stretch marks are:

• abdomen, especially during pregnancy and with abdominal fat gain, against the background of Cushing’s disease;
• mammary glands - stretch marks mainly occur during pregnancy and lactation;
• hips - stretch marks occur in pregnant women, against the background of sudden weight gain, during childbirth;
• back - stretch marks in the lower back occur during active growth, weight gain, or playing sports.

On all other parts of the body, stretch marks are extremely rare, only against the background of severe obesity and serious health problems.

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Causes

In addition to the age of the expectant mother, the number and condition of ruptures is influenced by a number of factors, among which the main ones during pregnancy are:

• heredity;
• the presence of excess weight and its sharp increase;
• amount of vitamins and microelements;
• level of physical activity;
• bad habits;
• metabolic disorder;
• disruptions in the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, obesity);
• weak abdominal muscles;
• swelling of the mammary glands.

In women in labor, ruptures in the breasts appear due to a sudden influx of milk. The glands swell greatly and become heavier, so it is necessary to wear supportive underwear and moisturize the cover with special creams.

If there is stagnation of milk in the breast, use a breast pump to express the excess milk. You should not knead the seals manually - this will lead to stretching and subsequent “sagging” of the breast.

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Prevention of stretch marks. 4 ways to prevent stretch marks

Unfortunately, to date, science does not know any reliable means to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and weight gain. Some studies have shown that products such as centella, hyaluronic acid and massage of the skin with bitter almond oil may be effective in preventing stretch marks, although the evidence for this is insufficient. Cocoa butter and olive oil have not been shown to be more effective than other skin moisturizers (source 1).

A series of trials involving 800 women failed to confirm that the use of any topical product with active ingredients could be recommended for the prevention of stretch marks (). If you think that you are at risk, then you can only try to fight the very cause of the tears in the skin:

1. Avoid increasing cortisone levels: protect yourself from stress, be less nervous, take a sedative if necessary.
2. Avoid dry skin. Dehydrated skin is less elastic and more susceptible to tearing. Every time after a shower, do not be lazy to moisturize and massage your skin a little using products containing the same hyaluronic acid, bitter almond oil, vitamins A and E, collagen, elastin, aloe vera, rosehip oil and other proven skin moisturizing products.
3. Improve blood and lymph flow in the skin with peelings, scrub or massage brush. This can prevent not only stretch marks, but also swelling, cellulite, and also cleanse the body of toxins. Use these procedures 3 times a week, massage your skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and be sure to apply moisturizer.
4. Maintain your healthy weight. Avoid frequent overeating and fasting, which can lead to a sharp jump in weight or, conversely, to weight loss. If you become pregnant or want to change your body parameters, try to do it slowly and gradually. Do not sacrifice your health and beauty for these purposes. Make sure to consume enough water, protein, and healthy vitamins and minerals (more on this below).

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Cosmetological treatment

After finding this manifestation on your body, you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible. At first, stretch marks are easily hidden due to the fact that the skin has not yet stretched that much, and it can be quickly restored. This procedure can be done within the first month after the appearance of stretch marks.

Stretch marks on a teenager’s back may appear if they are of a thin build. At first there may be small, barely noticeable red or white horizontal lines along the spine. As you grow, the size of the stripes will increase and stretch. At the first stage, if you visit a cosmetologist, he will examine the patient and may prescribe the following procedures:

• laser therapy;
• mesotherapy;
• grinding and peeling;
• the use of additional ointments and oils through massages, water or mud baths.

Each of the procedures will help hide a skin defect. The duration of treatment depends on the chosen method and the characteristics of the body. If problems appear in the chest area, treatment is carried out very carefully so as not to damage the organ.

If the defect appears due to changes in a person’s hormonal background, then you should contact a dermatologist: he will examine the patient and prescribe the required medications and procedures. In some cases, this will be enough to deal with stretch marks.