Stretch marks appear no less often in men than in women. The stronger sex takes such skin changes calmly. Women try to remove them at an early stage. There are many reasons for the appearance of stretch marks on the body. The presence of scars should not be ignored. A strong change in the skin affects the collagen composition of the entire body. You need to know where they come from and how they are treated.
What are stretch marks
What stretch marks on the stomach look like during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a wonderful period of birth of a new life. However, joy and trepidation at this time are often overshadowed by anxiety about the loss of one’s own attractiveness.
A woman's body changes a lot during the 9 months of waiting for a baby. Towards the end of the term, the weight increases. Normally, its gain ranges from 9 to 14 kg, but sometimes the expectant mother gains significantly more. These changes are reflected in the appearance of the skin. It’s no wonder that one of the common concerns of pregnant women is the appearance of stretch marks or stretch marks.
They represent a defect in the skin that begins to thin in areas of strong tension. The fibers of the epidermis are greatly stretched and torn, and the gaps are filled with connective tissue. As a result, long, narrow, wavy furrows appear, most often located on the abdomen, mammary glands and thighs of expectant mothers.
At first, the stretch marks are quite bright and can be colored red-violet. Then they lighten, become pale, looking like faded scars.
What are striae
Stretch marks do not appear on their own. The process of change occurs in the deep layers of the dermis. Fibroblast cells and fibroclasts are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin. For various reasons, fibroblastic cells stop synthesizing collagen and are replaced by fibroclasts. These cells produce substances that have a detrimental effect on the metal protease. Metalprotease synthesizes two types of enzymes:
- Collagenase;
- Elastase.
The destruction of these enzymes leads to the appearance of deep cracks in the dermis. The epidermis remains untouched. Long, uneven stripes appear on the skin, which have different colors. After a certain period of time, the scars acquire a white or bluish color.
Why stretch marks appear during pregnancy
Stretch marks in one form or another form on the skin of about 75% of pregnant women. However, how to assess the risk of their occurrence? After all, for some expectant mothers they are completely invisible, while for others they remain in the form of a network of pale scars, reminiscent of the past pregnancy.
It's all about the individual characteristics of the body, but there are factors that influence the appearance of stretch marks:
- Genetic predisposition. If the skin of a woman’s closest relatives remains marked after pregnancy, then her chances of encountering stretch marks increase.
- Dry skin. Those with dehydrated skin that is prone to flaking will most likely find narrow stripes of stretch marks on the abdomen or mammary glands. This is due to a violation of the elasticity and firmness of the skin, in the cells of which collagen production is reduced.
- Fast weight gain. Pregnant women who do not monitor their diet risk exceeding the norm for weight gain. Extra pounds that appear in a short time reduce the chances of the skin also quickly stretching without leaving marks.
- Hormonal disorders. Women with endocrine system problems are more susceptible to stretch marks.
- Light pale skin. According to statistics, dark-skinned girls are less likely to develop stretch marks.
Classification
Striae that appear on the body of men can be very different. There are several classifications, so depending on the color, stretch marks are distinguished:
- White. These are older defects, those that appeared earlier than six months ago.
- Reds. They are new, fresh, and often even very painful. It is much easier to remove such defects.
Depending on the direction, there are stretch marks:
- Vertical. Most often they appear not in men, but on the stomach and arms of women, in particular pregnant women. In males, longitudinal striae may appear due to obesity or frequent muscle overload.
- Horizontal. This type is usually a manifestation of diseases of the endocrine system.
The location of stretch marks can be very different: on the shoulders, on the forearm, on the stomach, in the groin, on the buttocks and thighs.
Prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. Specific means
Regardless of your predisposition to stretch marks, all pregnant women are advised to pay attention to nutrition and hydration of parts of the body that are at particular risk.
Crema
Using creams for stretch marks
One of the signals indicating the imminent formation of stretch marks is the appearance of characteristic itching on the skin. Most dermatologists recommend applying nourishing stretch mark creams to these areas.
Currently, there are several manufacturers of specialized cosmetics that have proven themselves on the market: Avent, Mustela, Bepanten, Vichu, La Roche-Posay, Baby teva.
The active components of most of these products are aimed at:
- hydration (aloe vera, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, collagen, pantothenic acid, grape seed extract);
- increasing elasticity (elastin, grapefruit seed extract, vitamins A E);
- acceleration of metabolic processes and improvement of regeneration (retinyl palmitate, Shea butter, glycolic acid, multivitamins)
For best results, lubricate warm skin after a bath or shower. At this moment, the blood flow in it increases, it is freed from dead fibers of the epidermis. This allows you to increase the effectiveness of the cream components and retain the water remaining after a shower on the surface.
Oils
Oils for stretch marks during pregnancy
Another effective way to combat stretch marks is the use of oils. Unlike creams, they do not moisturize the skin, but only retain their own moisture. But they contain more components that provide nutrition and regeneration. They do an excellent job of increasing skin elasticity, making it soft and elastic.
The advantage of oils is considered to be their naturalness, which is so valued during pregnancy. In addition, in most cases they do not cause allergies.
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, natural oils are most often used:
- coconut;
- almond;
- olive;
- peach;
- linen;
- cocoa beans
- wheat germ
- grape seed.
There are also cosmetic oils, which are a complex combining several natural and essential oils.
The most common include products from manufacturers Weleda, La Roche-Posay, Mama Comfort, Sanosan and others.
Oils are applied with massage movements to the most problematic areas of the skin. It should be remembered that regular use is important to achieve results.
Nonspecific means of preventing stretch marks during pregnancy
In addition to directly applying cosmetics to the surface of the skin, there are other methods for preventing stretch marks.
They do not act directly, but work to normalize metabolic processes in the body. This allows them to successfully combat the causes of skin loss of firmness and elasticity.
Maternity underwear
In order to remove excess stress from the expectant mother’s body and protect her from the appearance of stretch marks, special underwear is widely used.
This includes: bras and supportive panties for pregnant women, bandages. Their main function is to provide additional support to a woman’s expanding breasts and abdomen, and to protect against excessive tissue stretching.
Such underwear does not compress the skin and does not interfere with blood flow. This allows epidermal cells to promptly receive water and collagen necessary to maintain elasticity.
Light physical activity
Sport - as a prevention against stretch marks during pregnancy
The basic principle of physical activity for pregnant women is its low intensity.
Expectant mothers are recommended to take walks in the fresh air and swim. These simple methods help maintain skin tone, prevent sudden weight gain, and therefore protect tissue from overstretching.
Special fitness
In the modern world, an expectant mother can afford to play sports.
There are yoga, water aerobics, Pilates and gymnastics courses for pregnant women.
Specially selected exercises that take into account the structural features of the female body during this period allow you to maintain metabolic processes in tissues.
Prevention
The main point is that you must eat right in order not to contribute to the gain of extra pounds. Eat protein, a huge amount of which is found in dairy products and grains. Doctors recommend taking vitamins so that the general condition of the body is normal.
You need to resort to creams and scrubs. They will make the problem area elastic, therefore, it will not tear as the mass increases.
It would be good to get into the habit of regular exercise. They are beneficial for the body as a whole. Do not forget about exercises in the morning, otherwise the condition will only worsen, which can lead to the appearance of new stretch marks.
Another good way to prevent the defect is a contrast shower and dousing with cold water.
So, stretch marks are not just a women's problem. Men are no less susceptible to it. Sprains in guys most often occur due to problems with hormones, sudden weight loss or weight gain. The problem is not so critical; today there are a considerable number of remedies that can relieve you of stretch marks. These include cosmetic products and surgery. To prevent things from coming to plastic surgery, you need to treat the defect in a timely manner and not wait for the moment when it becomes much more difficult to cope with it.
Massage
Self-massage is an effective way to increase blood flow in the skin. During pregnancy, movements should be smooth and careful.
You can use a waffle towel or washcloth to rub to warm up the skin. After such a massage, it will acquire a pinkish color, which indicates increased capillary function. Gentle massage movements are combined with the application of creams or oils for stretch marks.
It is important to remember that those areas in which itching is already felt should not be rubbed. It is also not recommended to actively stimulate the mammary glands.
Cold and hot shower
Prevention of stretch marks with a contrast shower
To strengthen the skin, increase its tone and elasticity during pregnancy, use a contrast shower.
The procedure consists of periodically changing cool and warm jets of water. It is quite effective in improving blood flow, but is only indicated for women with a normal pregnancy.
You must first consult with a gynecologist. He will determine the possible duration and safe temperatures.
Kinds
Pink - occur initially when the skin fibers rupture. Located close to the surface of the skin.
They acquire a purple color because the stretched skin tissue is no longer fresh. However, it is still possible to easily get rid of them.
The defect turns blue four or five months after its appearance. Here you can no longer get by with just using moisturizing creams and scrubs.
White sprains are old scars. They become like this after eight months or more. At a minimum, laser polishing is required.
How to remove stretch marks if they have already appeared
If stretch marks do appear, you can only cope with them without the help of a cosmetologist at the very beginning.
The moment the furrows on the skin begin to discolor, you will no longer be able to solve the problem on your own. Therefore, you need to deal with stretch marks almost as soon as they are discovered.
Cream to combat stretch marks at home
Using self-made creams can be effective for eliminating only fresh, small stretch marks.
Among the remedies for these skin defects, creams based on mumiyo and aloe are most widely used.
Despite the fact that they speed up skin regeneration, there is no guarantee that such homemade creams will cope with stretch marks.
However, before using expensive procedures from a cosmetologist, you should try using these products regularly.
Cosmetic procedures for stretch marks
Old, discolored or large scars can be removed in the office of a cosmetologist. This can be done only after the birth of the child and completion of breastfeeding.
Procedures that help in the fight against stretch marks include:
- Mesotherapy . It consists of introducing a drug into the dermis that stimulates the production of elastane and collagen. The effect of mesotherapy will not be visible immediately, but over time, the stretch marks will begin to decrease and become almost invisible.
- Chemical peeling . It is based on the application of chemicals to the skin, as a result of which the surface layers of the dermis are peeled off. A burn forms at the site of exposure to the drug, which recovers over time. Stretch marks are reduced.
- Laser stretch mark removal . It is carried out by penetrating the laser under the skin and polishing it. The effect of the procedure is noticeable within a week.
- Abdominoplasty . It is a surgical procedure in which damaged areas of skin are removed.
Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks completely?
Unfortunately, the only way to completely get rid of stretch marks is through surgery.
Most cosmetic procedures make them less noticeable, but do not guarantee complete disappearance.
Solving this problem on your own is even more difficult. That is why it is important to remember about preventative measures to maintain healthy skin even during pregnancy.
Proper self-care, a balanced diet and physical activity can maintain female attractiveness.
conclusions
While expecting a baby, you should pay serious attention to the condition of your skin. However, it is difficult to guarantee protection from the appearance of stretch marks. You need to try not to get upset, but look at it from the other side.
It is quite possible to make stretch marks less noticeable, and let some residual effects be a reminder of a woman’s high purpose - to become a mother.
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