Stretch marks - what are they? How do they look?
Stretch marks are narrow stripes on the skin that are pink, red, or even slightly bluish in color. Sometimes white stretch marks also appear. The color of the defect depends on the depth and duration of formation.
Stretch marks usually appear on the legs, abdomen and buttocks. After pregnancy, some women even develop stretch marks on their breasts.
Stretch marks
At first, the stretch marks are very bright. Especially those that arose after childbirth. When you touch them, you can feel a small groove, as if the skin in this place has torn.
Strengthen the skin and prevent stretch marks on the stomach at home
The skin on the abdomen is very vulnerable during pregnancy because as the uterus grows, it stretches. Unfortunately, this often entails certain consequences - stretch marks on the abdomen. Pink or red lines, which are the visible result of the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers.
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How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
Several factors influence their appearance. The main one is heredity. If your mother had stretch marks, then you are prone to them, and they may appear during pregnancy.
Excess weight also contributes to stretch marks. To prevent them, it is worth rubbing olive oil or a special cream into the skin in the early stages of pregnancy.
Manufacturers of most of these creams and oils recommend starting to use them from the third month. However, this does not mean that they cannot be taken earlier.
Not one of the components contained in drugs of this type penetrates into the systemic circulation and does not have any effect on the fetus. It is advisable to apply the products to the skin twice a day, gently massaging in a circular motion.
Dermal massage is also an effective prevention of stretch marks. You can do it yourself, for example, with a hard sponge in the shower, using circular movements. Gently massage the abdomen and breasts, avoiding the nipples, more intensely the thighs and buttocks. You can apply a little olive oil to the sponge, which nourishes and moisturizes well. It is useful to complete such a massage with a contrast shower. Alternately stream cool and warm water, but not hot or cold.
Attention!
In the middle of pregnancy, a dark line appears on the abdomen, running from the navel to the pubic area. In science it is called the “white line of the abdomen.” Before pregnancy the line is really white. During the period of expectation of a child, in most women it turns dark. This happens under the influence of hormones. Soon after birth, its bright color disappears and becomes the same, barely visible.
Why do stretch marks occur?
Stretch marks can occur for various reasons:
- Pregnancy
. Stretch marks usually occur during pregnancy and after childbirth - changing hormonal levels and body volume are to blame. During pregnancy, your belly and breasts grow, your legs swell, and your weight increases. - Excess weight
. The skin stretches greatly with a sharp increase in weight and does not have time to regenerate in thinned areas. - Significant increase in muscle volume
. Stretch marks appear even from playing sports.
So what happens in the body? The main reason for the appearance of stretch marks is hormonal changes, decreased production of collagen and elastin, weakening of elastic fibers in the deep layers of the skin.
During pregnancy or simply with a sharp increase in weight, the skin stretches. For this reason, in places where the skin is most stretched, it seems to crack and tear. In these places, blue and pink stripes first appear. After some time, their color lightens a little. These stripes are called stretch marks.
Stretch marks cause significant aesthetic discomfort. Women are especially sensitive to such changes in appearance after childbirth. After all, before pregnancy, the skin was smooth and even.
Postpartum belly with stretch marks
Of course, not every pregnant or postpartum woman or large person develops stretch marks. Some people may gain and lose weight multiple times. Also with pregnant women. Some moms can have multiple babies and not have a single stretch mark, while others notice numerous bright lines after their first pregnancy.
The occurrence of stretch marks is partly dependent on genetics. In addition, those who eat healthy foods, exercise, and take care of their skin have fewer or no stretch marks. To prevent stretch marks from appearing or becoming less noticeable, it is very important to properly care for your body and solve the problem immediately after they appear.
Causes of stretch marks
There are many factors that influence the formation of stretch marks during pregnancy. They can be combined: mechanical strain, genetic inheritance, hormonal imbalance, lack of physical activity. But the main reason remains mechanical tension of the skin, due to sudden weight gain in a relatively short period of time.
The abdomen and breasts of pregnant women are most often susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks. The volume of these parts of the body increases so quickly that the skin does not have time to stretch and regenerate. In this case, the upper layer of skin becomes thinner, the subcutaneous tissue is torn, and connective or adipose tissue grows at the site of the microtear. This is how stretch marks occur. Blood vessels that are visible under a thin layer of the epidermis at the sites of stretch marks cause the purple color of the scars. After some time, active blood flow stops, the vessels become empty, and the tears become pale.
During preparation for childbirth, a woman's hormonal imbalance also has a significant impact on the properties of the skin. Indicators such as density, humidity and elasticity decrease. In the body of a pregnant woman, there is a sharp jump in the level of estrogen and progesterone, causing a drop in the production of collagen, which is responsible for the density and elastic properties of the skin. The listed reasons, in turn, directly affect the formation of gaps.
An important role in the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen during pregnancy is played by the hereditary factor. If scars appeared on close relatives of a woman, then it is possible that her body will show a tendency towards this feature.
How to prevent stretch marks from appearing?
Some women believe that if they have inherited a genetic likelihood of stretch marks, then this defect cannot be avoided. Actually this is not true.
For example, if at the beginning of pregnancy you start using creams containing vitamins A, C, E, which perfectly nourish and improve the condition of the skin, you can significantly reduce the number and depth of stretch marks and other defects. Products with aloe vera extract and coconut oil also work very well. These are completely natural products that definitely will not harm the baby.
Unrefined olive, almond or other vegetable oils are also suitable for skin care. They are best used after a shower, when the skin is still a little damp; it absorbs oils, creams, and lotions better.
How to prevent stretch marks
If you notice the first stretch marks, choose products containing peptides. Also look for products with Asian garlic. These ingredients help to intensively moisturize the skin, increase its elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and the skin begins to recover faster. Regular application of this product will make the skin much softer and more elastic.
It is also important to remember to eat a balanced diet. You need to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from food. The skin needs vitamin A the most, as well as vitamins C and E. Also, eat more protein-rich foods. It is advisable to give up coffee, as caffeine reduces the elasticity of the skin.
Massage is also very useful, promoting skin regeneration processes. Thanks to it, blood circulation improves and the lymphatic system is activated. At the same time, the skin tightens and its condition improves. To perform a massage yourself, you can use a special massage glove. Rubbing should start from the feet and move up to the head.
Massage promotes skin regeneration processes
To maintain skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks, it is recommended to exercise and move as much as possible. While expecting your baby, you can choose special exercises for pregnant women.
When a belly appears, pregnant women need to wear a special belt that holds the belly and prevents stretching of the skin.
Prevention
How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? Correcting hormonal problems is very difficult. But, if a girl feels good while carrying a child, then her body will also work like a clock, the production of collagen and elastin will improve, so the skin will be able to adapt to new conditions.
Eat right
Everything is important here, including a balanced diet. If a woman’s menu lacks proteins, minerals, and vitamins, this may be one of the reasons, because... Most of the nutrients will go to the child, the skin will not receive enough of them and will become thin. Diets are not allowed at this time; she must receive vitamins and other substances in the required quantities. The menu should also include protein foods. Therefore, women who do not eat meat may develop these problems.
You can’t give up meat, chicken, and dairy products. Eggs, cheese, greens are healthy, you can prepare salads from them and vegetables, adding vegetable oils, and eat various fruits. It’s good if they contain a lot of vitamin E (the beauty vitamin) and vitamin C. Omega acids are useful for skin elasticity; there are a lot of them in oily fish. But it’s better to give up sugar and sweets, because... it promotes weight gain. A balanced diet is the best prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. But you shouldn’t suddenly change your usual menu.
Physical exercise
Women's excess weight is not only due to the fact that a little person is growing and developing inside them, but also to the fact that they often overeat and move little. Experts say that if you remove extra pounds to an optimal level, the likelihood that stretch marks will appear on the stomach or other places is reduced by 2 times. You can't go on a diet, so you'll have to think about physical activity. It’s good if you have the opportunity to regularly visit the pool or go to the nearest fitness center. But you can just walk every day in the fresh air or do these exercises. But remember that it is important to do exercises for pregnant women; just weight loss exercises can harm the baby, because... pregnant women should not jump, do deep squats, run, etc.
other methods
Preventing stretch marks includes several more points. As soon as the expectant mother's belly begins to grow, she needs to buy a special bra. Choose a model with wide straps. Thanks to it, stretch marks will not appear on the breasts during pregnancy. Also, don't forget to buy a maternity bandage. It partially eliminates the stress that the skin experiences, so stretch marks do not appear after pregnancy.
A contrast shower is useful. Thanks to it, the blood supply to the skin improves, nutrients flow to it, which makes it more elastic. But, before you start, talk to your doctor who is caring for your pregnancy. Even if he has given permission, listen to yourself: if the sensations are unpleasant, it is better to refuse him. Do a massage at the same time, i.e. move your hand over problem areas, making circular movements. Everyone knows how to take a contrast shower. But we will still tell you what and how to do.
- Get into the shower and turn on warm water.
- Turn the tap so that the water becomes hotter, leave it for half a minute.
- Then turn on the cool water and stand under it for no longer than half a minute.
At first, the duration of the procedure should not exceed 2 or 3 minutes, then you can increase this time to 7 minutes. After washing, dry your skin with a hard towel.
Creams and oils
What to apply to the stomach during pregnancy for stretch marks? Nowadays there are many creams and lotions. The best remedy for stretch marks during pregnancy is natural oils. Use regular almond or olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy. Coconut oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin as much as possible. Weleda oil is also effective against stretch marks. It contains several natural oils (almond, wheat germ, jojoba) and arnica extract. The best cream for stretch marks is Bepanthen. It can also be used to prevent stretch marks, because... it saturates the skin with moisture, makes it elastic, nourishes, and activates collagen production. After using it, the feeling of skin tightness disappears.
Chemical (acid peeling) against stretch marks
Acid peeling is a very effective way to solve various skin problems. Eliminating and reducing stretch marks is no exception. It is recommended to combine this procedure with other methods.
Acid peeling is performed using hydroxy acids. Commonly used are glycolic, lactic, salicylic or mandelic acids. This procedure helps restore the beauty of the skin, restores its elasticity, and activates skin renewal processes. Chemical peeling helps reduce skin imperfections and discoloration.
Mesotherapy for stretch marks
Mesotherapy is especially effective in combating stretch marks. The sooner you start using this method, the more effective the results will be.
Mesotherapy is an invasive procedure, since during it biologically active substances necessary to restore damaged skin are injected directly into the skin layers. The injected drugs help restore fibers in deep tissues. As they begin to strengthen, the stretch marks begin to fade.
But you should remember that only fresh stretch marks can be removed using this method. If the damage appeared a long time ago, it will definitely not be completely removed. The skin fibers are already torn and this condition is very similar to a scar. The procedure will only help reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
Photo 1. Mesotherapy for stretch marks before and after
Photo 2. Mesotherapy for stretch marks before and after
Mesotherapy is carried out using a needle system. Microscopic punctures are made in the skin. The skin in the affected area then begins to heal, activating collagen production. The skin becomes more elastic and smooth.
Laser against stretch marks
Laser treatment also helps fight stretch marks. This is a completely painless and simple procedure. The condition of the skin improves after just a few treatments. Laser is most often used to reduce not only stretch marks and scars, but also cellulite.
With the timely use of the correct stretching methods, you can not only eliminate them, but also completely avoid them!
