Stretch marks are cosmetic skin defects in the form ofsunken wavy stripes. The average length of stretch marks is 2-4 cm, width - about 1 cm. Stretch marks can be shallow, thin, white, similar to light pink scars, and wide, red-blue scars. In other words, stretch marks are areas of skin with damaged collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for the turgor and elasticity of the skin. In such areas, the nutrition of the skin is disrupted, and the skin itself is thin and weak. The color of striae depends on how much time has passed since their appearance. When stretch marks on the body first appear, they have a purple tint due to the large accumulation of blood vessels in them. This is how the skin tries to restore damaged fibers. Over time, connective tissue forms at the site of the micro-rupture, and the stretch marks turn white. White stretch marks are absolutely resistant to tanning, since they do not have the pigment melanin. Usually, stretch marks appear in those areas that suffer the most from sudden changes in weight. As a rule, these are the hips, buttocks, chest, sides. Less often, stretch marks appear on the lower back, arms, armpits, and calves. In the rarest cases, stretch marks can even appear on the face. Stretch marks can appear for several reasons:

Pregnancy. The growing tummy greatly stretches the skin, the fibers can not stand and tear. Appear wide strips of purple color, which eventually turn pale and become smaller.

Sharp weight gain. In this case, the skin simply does not have time to stretch, and the rapidly growing fat layer simply tears the collagen fibers.

Hormonal restructuring. Hormonal alterations are accompanied by many processes: puberty, the period of menopause, pregnancy, and diseases of the endocrine system. In addition, the appearance of stretch marks on the body affects the intake of hormonal drugs, for example, birth control pills or drugs based on them. Excess hormones in the body cause loss of collagen, the skin becomes thinner, tears, and stretch marks appear.

Heredity. This factor also has to do with the appearance of stretch marks on the skin, so if your mom has stretch marks, it's likely that they will be with you. It would be more accurate to say that by inheritance, not the extensions themselves are transmitted, but the total skin turgor.

Home remedies for stretch marks on the body

Experts assure that it will be possible to significantly reduceand make stretch marks almost invisible is a task that is feasible for any woman who has set a goal to make her skin beautiful and elastic. The sooner you start fighting stretch marks, the better the result awaits you. Ideally, it is better to treat stretch marks when they have not yet turned white and have a lot of blood vessels. There is a high probability of restoring skin nutrition at the site of the micro-rupture. The process of getting rid of stretch marks is quite long and routine, so be patient. Here are the most effective ways to fight striae at home:

Massage is an effective way to combatstretch marks Massage will not only increase the elasticity of the skin and make it smooth and silky, but will also help to avoid the appearance of new stretch marks. It is better to do massage daily. Massage problem areas with light pinching. Never pull or rub the skin hard, as this can further injure the already weak collagen fibers. During pregnancy, it is quite sufficient to massage the abdominal area clockwise, the thighs - with movements from the bottom up, and the buttocks - with movements towards the waist. Massage will be effective in combination with various oils. Almond is considered the most useful. It contains a lot of vitamin E, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film. If desired, essential oils can be used during the massage, which are excellent at dealing with the problem of stretch marks. But essential oils are very allergenic, so before use, do an allergy test by applying a drop of oil to the skin behind the ear. Geranium, neroli, mint, clove and citrus oils are preferable against stretch marks. Add a few drops to vegetable oil (at the rate of four drops of essential oil per two tablespoons of vegetable oil) or to your body cream. However, you will have to prepare a portion of cream with oil against stretch marks every time before a massage, since essential oil can greatly reduce the shelf life of your lotion or body cream. In addition, essential oil gives an effect immediately after adding; even after a short time, the beneficial ether evaporates from the oil. After a shower or bath, it is also useful to rub the skin until slightly reddened with a massage glove or washcloth. By the way, it is advisable to take a contrast shower.

Peeling is an excellent remedy for stretch marks If itIf you do this every day for about a month, the results will be amazing. Your skin will become soft and smooth. Homemade scrubs are not only effective in combating stretch marks, they are very easy to prepare and contain only natural ingredients. A scrub can be made from coarse salt or fine coffee grounds, which are mixed with vegetable oil, cream or shower product.

Wraps Various compositions for wrapping youcan be easily found in any drugstore. Paraffin wraps are very useful for the skin, and the essential oils included in the paraffin help reduce stretch marks, make the skin smooth and increase elasticity. Algae, mud wraps, and clay wraps are very effective. This procedure makes the skin soft, smooth, and also removes excess fluid and toxins. For the best effect, wrap yourself in cling film and lie under a warm blanket for 2-3 hours.

Shilajit and creams for stretch marks Shilajit, which can bebuy at any drugstore for next to nothing, can significantly reduce stretch marks. The main thing is regularity. The simplest recipe for a remedy for stretch marks with mumiyo is to add a crushed and dissolved in a teaspoon of water mumiyo tablet to your body cream. Or better yet, to baby cream - it does not contain fragrances or dyes. You need to prepare a portion of cream with mumiyo every time before applying. You can also add mumiyo to any remedy for stretch marks.

By the way, about anti-stretch mark creams.Today, there are a great many different creams, gels, lotions and emulsions against stretch marks. Choose the one that is most comfortable for you to apply to your skin. In addition, be sure to pay attention to the composition. If retinol, collagen, vitamins (especially A and E), as well as oils (shea, jojoba or almond) are listed there, then you have a truly effective cream against stretch marks.

Salon procedures and surgery

Compared to home remedies for fightingwith stretch marks, salon procedures are very effective and can completely remove even long-term stretch marks. However, they also have disadvantages - high cost and pain.

Mesotherapy is the most popular procedurestretch marks It involves injecting a preparation under the skin. The preparation contains active substances and even stem cells that remove toxins and improve microcirculation, and also promote the restoration of skin cells. This procedure is very painful, but very effective. There is also non-injection mesotherapy. The same active substances are literally driven into the skin by a stream of oxygen under pressure. The non-injection mesotherapy procedure is, of course, less painful than classical mesotherapy, but it is not as effective.

Myostimulation is a procedure during whichElectric current affects the muscles and skin, increasing blood circulation. As a result, the skin becomes elastic. Unfortunately, this procedure cannot be performed on women during breastfeeding.

Ozone-oxygen therapy is very painful,but a very effective procedure Oxygen-ozone mixture affects the skin, causing active metabolism in it, thereby accelerating skin regeneration. The result is a reduction in stretch marks.

Chemical peeling is an effective methodcombating old stretch marks The procedure involves removing the top dead layer of skin with trichloroacetic or glycolic acid. The procedure not only helps remove rough scars and stretch marks, but also activates the production of collagen and elastin, that is, it makes the skin heal stretch marks itself. After chemical peeling, dermatologists recommend limiting exposure to direct sunlight, as there is a risk of pigment spots appearing.

Radio lifting is one of the newest salon proceduresstretch mark removal procedures During radio lifting, the cosmetologist introduces electrical impulses of a certain frequency under the skin. The current causes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and the skin becomes elastic and toned.

Laser resurfacing When resurfacing with a laser beamthe cosmetologist removes the upper layers of skin (and stretch marks along with it) and simultaneously tightens them. This happens instantly and bloodlessly. However, the procedure is very painful (therefore it is performed under local anesthesia), but the result – young elastic skin without stretch marks – is worth it.

Reinforcement During this procedure, the cosmetologistintroduces thin gold threads under the skin through special punctures. These threads create a kind of framework that supports the skin. In addition, gold ions help restore skin cells. Reinforcement can be done for any problem area (chest, thighs, buttocks, etc.).

The most radical remedy for stretch marks on the body isabdominoplasty This is the surgical removal of stretch marks. It is carried out only when all the above methods of getting rid of stretch marks have no effect. This is a surgical operation that affects not only all layers of the skin, but even the muscles, and it is carried out under general anesthesia. During abdominoplasty, excess skin with stretch marks is excised, and the muscles are sutured. Later, to remove the remaining stretch marks, doctors recommend additionally carrying out a mesotherapy procedure or laser resurfacing.

In the fight against stretch marks, the main thing is a comprehensive approach, that is, a combination of salon procedures and regular home care. And, of course, love for yourself and your body! We recommend reading:

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