How to get rid of old stretch marks: effective ways to fight and prevent. How and how to get rid of stretch marks on the body: general information and effective methods of treatment

The female body undergoes a large number of changes throughout life - pregnancy, weight gain and loss. All of these can lead to skin problems. In addition to cellulite, there is another cosmetic problem in women that brings a lot of inconvenience. Stretch marks, or stretch marks, form mainly on the abdomen, chest and thighs, as well as the buttocks. A lot of women suffer from this shortcoming, because they are difficult to hide under open summer clothes or a swimsuit. Usually, stretch marks appear during pregnancy, so the main question of how to remove stretch marks after childbirth torments many women.

How are gaps formed?

Stretch marks, or stretch marks, are scar tissue caused by breaks in the skin. They are formed due to a violation of the integrity of collagen fibers and blood vessels. Due to the rupture of capillary vessels, freshly formed striae look like a bruise, but collagen fibers are also torn, and the process of their regeneration takes a very long time. This is due to excessive stretching of the skin during pregnancy or excessive weight gain. The connective tissue forms faster and fills the gaps, because of this, the stretch marks turn white. The structure of the skin also suffers, at the site of breaks it becomes flabby and loose.

Causes of stretch marks

Not all women face such a problem, because it all depends on the individual elasticity of the skin. Age is also not a barrier to their appearance, they can appear in very young girls, and in adult ladies, and sometimes even in men. The main reasons for the appearance of striae are the following:

• Very rapid weight gain, especially during pregnancy. Basically, stretch marks form on the abdomen after childbirth. How to remove them? This is the most common question among women giving birth.
• Intensive body growth in adolescence.
• The rapid increase in muscle volume is the main cause of stretch marks in men.
• Hormonal failure in the body.
• Genetics is also one of the decisive factors, because skin elasticity is a hereditary factor.

Fighting stretch marks at home

There are many ways to get rid of stretch marks at home. Folk methods will make them less noticeable, especially these gentle methods are recommended for teenagers. How to remove stretch marks at home? Consider the main ways:

• Scrubbing. Abrasive substances that are present in scrubs help to remove the stratum corneum of the skin. This speeds up the regeneration process, and the skin is renewed more intensively. Scrubs can be bought at the store or made by hand. There are a great many recipes, scrubs are made on the basis of sea salt, sugar, ground coffee and other natural ingredients with the addition of essential oils. The skin after such a procedure acquires elasticity and velvety.
• Massage. Everyone can easily do it, the main thing is to follow some rules. Each part of the body needs to be massaged in a specific direction. It is recommended to massage the abdomen in a circle and clockwise, the hips and waist - from the bottom up vertically, the buttocks are massaged horizontally from the center to the edges of the thighs. When using special cosmetics, the effect of the procedure will increase, you can also purchase a massage glove or brush.

• Cold and hot shower. This is a simple and reliable method not only to improve the elasticity of the skin, but also to strengthen the body as a whole. When alternating cold and warm water, blood circulation increases and an increased metabolism starts. This procedure can be combined with massage using a hard washcloth.

This is one of the most effective means to combat stretch marks. There are a lot of ways to help remove stretch marks on the stomach at home. For maximum effectiveness, you can also use them at the same time or alternate.

Cosmetic preparations

Shilajit is a long-known and effective remedy, which is well known for its effectiveness in the fight against stretch marks. Using it is quite simple, you need to dilute the mummy in water and apply the resulting slurry to the skin. The main thing is not to overdo it, because in large quantities this substance can be toxic. In addition, the mummy can be combined with a moisturizing body cream, this will improve its properties.

Various oils are excellent at fighting stretch marks. They contain a huge amount of vitamin E, which improves skin elasticity. The most effective oils are considered to be orange, almond, grapefruit, rosemary and others. They are applied alone during a massage or after a bath, or combined with various ingredients to make scrubs or creams. You can also use olive oil, which is often found in housewives in the kitchen and is very much appreciated for its beneficial properties. Based on it, a huge number of cosmetic products for skin care are also produced.

Effective Recipes

Consider the most popular folk recipes for cosmetics that will help remove stretch marks.

1. Salt scrub. We take salt and sugar in equal proportions (1 cup each), mix with 0.5 cups of any cosmetic oil.
2. Coffee scrub. Pour ground coffee (100 g) with boiling water until gruel forms, then add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of cosmetic and 5-7 drops of essential oil (rosemary, grapefruit or others).
3. Cream with mummy. We dilute one gram of mummy in 1 tbsp. spoon of water and mix with 80 g of baby or any moisturizer.
4. Masks with sour cream and kefir. These fermented milk products are simply rubbed into the skin or applied to stretch marks for 20 minutes.

All recipes consist of natural ingredients, so ready-made cosmetics should be stored in a cold place.

Cosmetic treatments for stretch marks

With deep breaks in the epidermis, home methods are not always effective, creams and other cosmetics also do not help remove stretch marks. After unsuccessful attempts at independent struggle, many women put themselves in the hands of professional cosmetologists. In modern medicine, there are several effective methods of dealing with stretch marks. It is easy to remove stretch marks with a laser, chemical peel, as well as with microdermabrasion or mesotherapy. Many beauty salons offer complex procedures, they will help get rid of fresh, shallow tears. With old stretch marks, the situation is more complicated, it is quite difficult to remove them, but it is quite possible to make them less noticeable.

You can remove stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and other parts of the body with a laser. This procedure is considered the most effective against old stretch marks, because with the help of a cosmetic device, scar tissue is destroyed. The skin on the site of old stretch marks is updated, the course of such procedures makes the gaps hardly noticeable. You can enhance the effect with the help of professional cosmetics.

Chemical peel

During this procedure, acids are applied to problem areas, they give an effect comparable to a chemical burn. Thanks to this radical, but effective method, the old layer of skin dies and exfoliates, and a new one is formed in its place - smooth and beautiful. This method is also very good in the fight against old stretch marks, but only with a course application.

Mechanical peeling or microdermabrasion

This is a standard hardware procedure that exfoliates the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The appearance and elasticity of the skin is significantly improved, it becomes smooth and firm. With a course application and a combination of therapeutic agents against stretch marks, it is quite easy to achieve good results.

Mesotherapy

This gentle treatment is suitable for newly formed stretch marks or used in combination with other methods. During mesotherapy, vitamins, acids and other active ingredients are injected with the help of injections, which improve the regeneration and metabolism in skin cells.

Stretch marks during pregnancy

Basically, skin defects are formed in pregnant women. The uterus increases in size, and the skin on the abdomen and thighs is greatly stretched. With poor elasticity, stretch marks are difficult to avoid, but by following some rules, you can prevent their appearance.

1. Proper nutrition. It is very important for a pregnant woman to maintain a balanced diet. The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, dairy products and meals that are rich in protein and fiber. It is better to abstain from sweets and starchy foods, this will help not to overeat and prevent the appearance of stretch marks from too sudden weight gain.
2. Physical exercise. After consulting with your doctor, you can begin to perform a special set of exercises for pregnant women. And you can visit the pool or just walk more.
3. Properly selected clothing. During pregnancy, it is better to give preference to loose things made from natural fabrics. It is also necessary to wear a bandage and a supportive bra, this will help to avoid sagging skin and stretch marks.
4. Skin care. Be sure to use moisturizers or oils, you can buy them in the store or make your own. It is necessary to apply them after showering and scrubbing.

Of course, the most effective method in the fight against stretch marks is the prevention of their appearance. There are very simple recommendations that any woman can follow. With their observance, the skin will remain beautiful and elastic.

• During intensive sports, it is necessary to adhere to a proper and healthy diet. The diet should include foods rich in protein, as well as sports nutrition with glucosamine, protein, collagen and chondroitin.
• During pregnancy, you need to follow all the rules for the prevention of stretch marks.
• Regular body care improves skin elasticity, do not neglect creams and scrubs. At the first appearance of stretch marks, it is better to use special therapeutic creams.
• Be sure to control your weight, because too much weight gain or weight loss inevitably leads to the appearance of stretch marks.
• It is necessary to regularly massage or self-massage problem areas using oils and creams.
• The diet should contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.

If prevention did not help and ugly scars appeared on the skin, do not be upset. Modern cosmetology is able to solve most of the problems associated with the skin. Cosmetic companies produce various therapeutic products that help remove stretch marks. With timely use, they will return the skin to its former elasticity and velvety.

Many women become ashamed of their bodies as they age. One of the main reasons for this, often after the birth of a child, are ugly stretch marks on the body. Today, the online magazine Korolevnam.ru will tell you how to remove stretch marks at home using inexpensive folk recipes.

Radical measures to get rid of stretch marks

Stretch marks on the body, they are also called striae, appear due to microtrauma of the skin and have a genetic predisposition. The abundance of stretch marks on the body is a completely unaesthetic sight, so let's see what ways you can get rid of them.

The most effective way to remove stretch marks once and for all is laser or plastic surgery. Contacting a good clinic guarantees getting rid of stretch marks, but not every woman can afford it.

In addition to the high price, there are many contraindications to clinical intervention: various diseases of the skin, heart, immune system, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

How to quickly remove stretch marks at home?

If you are unhappy with your body but cannot afford to go to an expensive clinic, then it is worth joining the fight. with stretch marks by using natural remedies.

These methods will not help you completely remove stretch marks, but they can make them much less noticeable. In order to achieve a visible result, you need to take all your willpower into a fist, and carry out procedures constantly for a fairly long period of time. Only perseverance and stability of the ongoing procedures will help in this difficult matter.

What folk remedies will help from stretch marks?

The first group of helpers is natural vegetable or essential oils.

Olive oil

The most affordable option is olive oil. Everyone knows its beneficial qualities, but few people know that it can help improve skin condition and make stretch marks less noticeable on the body.

Olive oil should be used after water procedures. The skin will steam out a little, become soft. Apply warm oil to problem areas of the skin and do a light massage. For a more effective result, you can leave the oil for 15-20 minutes so that all effective substances are better absorbed. This procedure must be carried out stably, at least three times a week.

coconut oil

The next active assistant in the fight against stretch marks can be called coconut oil. It absorbs well and gives good results. But it is important that the coconut oil is of good quality. It is recommended to use cold pressed oil.

When checking the quality of the product, please note that real oil at temperatures below 25 degrees takes on a solid form - it freezes.

Castor oil for stretch marks

Castor oil proved to be an excellent fighter with stretch marks. It is also used for skin problems and acne. Apply it in a small amount to the damaged areas, then gently massage for fifteen minutes.

After that, wrap it with a “breathable” cloth (for example, cotton) and put a heating pad on for half an hour. If you carry out this procedure every day in a month, you will notice excellent results.

The benefits of essential oils

Essential oils can help fight stretch marks. The most effective are lavender, rose and orange oils. They should be used in combination with other methods - baths, body wraps and massage. Remember that it is much easier to remove fresh striae than perennial ones.

Potato and lemon juice

They will help correct skin defects and natural juices - potatoes and lemons.

Potato juice has excellent regenerating properties. For the procedure, simply cut the potatoes into large slices and rub the problem area in a circular motion. Leave for a few minutes to allow the necessary elements to be absorbed into the skin, and rinse with water.

Lemon juice can be used neat or mixed with cucumber juice. Simply apply fresh juice to your skin, give it a little massage and let the juice absorb. Wash off after ten minutes.

Coffee scrub for stretch marks

Love to drink coffee in the morning? Well, in this case, do not throw away the thick left after the drink. It will help you deal with stretch marks. You can mix this coffee with sour cream or honey, you get a very gentle scrub.

It should be applied after water procedures, when the skin is warm. Make a small massage of problem areas, leave for a while, then rinse. Such a scrub will help not only in the fight against stretch marks, but also with cellulite.

The most effective home scrubs

Great help to hide stretch marks sugar and sea salt. Take a glass of sugar and the same amount of sea salt, add any vegetable oil and mix well.

You will get an excellent and effective scrub. Rub it well on the necessary areas of the body, and then rinse. For the best effect, apply a special anti-stretch mark cream afterwards.

Aloe helps get rid of stretch marks

Everyone knows the miraculous properties of aloe. This unique plant will help with stretch marks. You can use the juice of the plant directly by rubbing it on the damaged areas of the body. You can also mix aloe vera juice with olive oil and vitamins A and E.

This remedy should be applied twice daily (for example, in the morning and at night), and should be stored in the refrigerator. The effect will be noticeable in a month.

Healing properties of mummy

Shilajit has a magical property in the fight against stretch marks. It contains a huge amount of useful elements that have a restorative effect on the skin.

You can make mummy cream at home. Take any body cream, add mummy (natural pressed is better than in tablets), stir well.

You can add any essential oil (preferably orange or grape seed), then apply on the body and massage. With a stable repetition of this procedure, the result will exceed all your expectations!

Wraps against stretch marks

Various wraps help to get rid of unpleasant marks on the skin. The secret of this method is that various means are applied to the body that accelerate the regeneration of the skin, and then the problem areas are wrapped with materials that do not allow air to pass through.

Thus, the substances do not evaporate, but heating occurs under the film, which also helps in the fight against stretch marks.

There are many ways in the fight against stretch marks, many recipes and various tips. But remember that it is better to deal with striae immediately, while they are still fresh (purple). And even better - to prevent their appearance, how to do this, read our article:.

Old stretch marks are much harder to hide. It is also better to choose one of all methods and carry out the procedures stably. Then the result will not keep you waiting!

About 70% of the world's population has striae on their bodies. Many people want to get rid of stretch marks. And demand creates supply: a huge number of cosmetics and procedures inspires hope for a speedy recovery of the skin. But how not to get lost in all this diversity?

Stretch marks and their causes

The mechanism of formation of stretch marks, called stretch marks by physicians, has long been known. After the rupture of the skin fibers, the damage sites are “sewn together” by the connective tissue, and wavy stripes with uneven edges of different lengths and widths appear on the body. Why do skin fibers - elastin and collagen - break? Scientists identify two factors:

• stretching of the epidermis;
• hormonal disruptions.

This may happen:

• during pregnancy- when the abdomen and chest increase;
• with fluctuations in weight- a quick set of extra kilos or when losing weight, since the skin does not have time to adapt to changes in volume;
• during periods of intense physical activity- the epidermis stretches more slowly than muscle mass increases;
• in adolescents - an active period of growth involves the transformation of the skeleton and other changes in the body that the skin does not keep up with (adolescent restructuring is called the main cause of stretch marks on the back, and in girls, stretch marks can form on the hips and chest);
• with metabolic disorders- there is a failure in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the skin becomes inelastic and "torn".

Stretch marks appear on different parts of the body:

• on the back - in adolescents and athletes;
• on the stomach - with excess weight and weight loss, in pregnant women;
• on the hands - with body fat, in athletes;
• on the chest - during pregnancy and lactation, with a rapid increase in muscle mass, in teenage girls, with excess weight;
• on thighs and buttocks- with sudden changes in weight, in athletes, in adolescence, less often during pregnancy.

Prevention: 3 treatments in 2 steps

It is easier to prevent the appearance of stretch marks than to deal with them later. Prevention of stretch marks is aimed at solving the following problems:

• skin hydration;
• providing epidermal cells with nutrients and vitamins;
• acceleration of regeneration processes;
• activation of blood microcirculation;
• stimulation of the synthesis of elastin and collagen.

To solve these problems, you can do with just three procedures, which can be done in two steps.

1. Cold and hot shower . The session should start with hot water and end with cold water.
2. Nutrient application + massage. Rub a cosmetic product intended for the prevention of stretch marks between the palms, and massage the areas of the body prone to the formation of stretch marks with pinching and patting movements.

As a prophylactic drug, you can use:

• cosmetics for nourishing and moisturizing the skin of the body;
• cosmetics for the prevention of stretch marks;
• cold-pressed vegetable oil (such as olive oil).

To enhance the effect, once a week it is advisable to work out the areas of the body subject to stretching with a scrub. The product can be bought, or you can make it yourself by mixing two tablespoons of ground coffee beans with an equal volume of olive oil or shower gel.

Skin tone is largely determined by the state of the muscular corset, so rational physical activity is an important step for the prevention of stretch marks. It is necessary to choose feasible exercises for those parts of the body where stretch marks may appear, and perform them regularly.

How to remove old and fresh stretch marks on different parts of the body

Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks on the body if it was not possible to prevent their appearance? Despite the fact that the answer to this question is yes, there are several points to consider when setting out to cure stretch marks.

• Act without delay. Pink, red-bluish, purple striae are considered fresh - they are quite easily eliminated. After about six months, the stripes on the body turn pale due to the natural death of the capillaries. It will not be possible to completely remove old stretch marks on the skin: it is only possible to make them less noticeable.
• Combine different methods. The use of several methods aimed at combating stretch marks at once significantly increases the chances of success.
• Do not stop. Removing stretch marks is a lengthy process, so be patient. It may take several months to see visible results. Procedures should be resorted to regularly, and not from time to time.

Folk and professional cosmetics

Fresh stretch marks on the skin can be treated at home. Stretch marks can be affected by the use of cosmetics. The easiest way is to go to the store and purchase a product specifically designed to combat stretch marks. Judging by the reviews, the following products have proven themselves well:

• creams - Mama (Sanosan), 9 mois (Mustella), Bepantol;
• lotions - Palmer's;
• oils - Weleda, Frei;

Effective in the fight against stretch marks and folk remedies.

Scrub

1. Mix in equal proportions finely ground sea salt and cane sugar.
2. Add enough olive oil so that the resulting mass has the consistency of a paste.
3. Apply to wet skin with stretch marks with massaging movements, rinse with warm water after two to three minutes.
4. Repeat once a week.

massage mixture

1. Melt a tablespoon of shea butter in a steam bath.
2. Mix with a teaspoon of wheat germ oil and a tablespoon of almond oil.
3. Use to massage problem areas.

Cream

1. Dilute 4 g of mummy in a tablespoon of boiled water and combine the mixture with 100 g of baby cream (any body lotion will do).
2. Let it brew for a quarter of an hour and mix.
3. Apply to problem areas every evening after a shower.
4. Wash off after two to three hours.

Wraps

Wraps will help to quickly remove stretch marks on the arms, hips and abdomen. As a therapeutic mixture, you can use:

• any unrefined cold-pressed vegetable oil;
• cream with mummy (see recipe above);
• cosmetic clay diluted with water or oil to the consistency of a paste;
• liquid honey.

To enhance the effectiveness of the mixture for wraps can be enriched with essential oil (one or two drops per two tablespoons of the composition). In the fight against stretch marks, fragrant extracts have proven themselves well:

• neroli;
• tangerine;
• rosemary;
• juniper;
• incense.

Also, the procedure will require a roll of cling film, loose clothing and a warm blanket. The procedure is carried out in eight stages.

1. Take a warm shower or bath.
2. Massage problem areas with a scrub or hard washcloth.
3. Rinse with clean water, pat dry.
4. Lubricate areas of the body with stretch marks with the prepared composition.
5. Wrap treated areas with cling film.
6. Put on loose clothes and lie down for 40-60 minutes under a warm blanket.
7. Take a shower.
8. Lubricate the skin with stretch mark cream or any other nourishing agent.

The full course of wraps includes 12 sessions, which are recommended to be used every other day.

Cosmetic baths

Relaxing treatment will improve skin elasticity and speed up the process of removing stretch marks. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. The most effective courses of cosmetic baths, consisting of 10-12 sessions, which are recommended every other day.

Fragrant

1. In a bath filled with warm water, add five to eight drops of an essential oil suitable for fighting stretch marks.
2. The fragrant product must first be mixed with a tablespoon of sea salt, honey or milk, otherwise the oil will not dissolve in water.

herbal

1. Pour a tablespoon of mint with a liter of boiling water and soak in a steam bath for ten minutes.
2. Filter and pour into a tub filled with warm water.

Salt

1. To prepare a salt bath, you need to mix 500 g of sea salt with 100 ml of any cold-pressed vegetable oil.
2. Brew 200 g of dry kelp with a liter of boiling water, filter after a quarter of an hour.
3. Dissolve the infusion together with the salt mixture in a bath filled with warm water.
4. Wrap the kelp remaining after making the infusion in a small piece of gauze and also lower it into the water.

Pitfalls of home treatment

Although home remedies for stretch marks are considered safe, precautions must be taken.

• Consult a doctor. It is necessary to exclude contraindications to the procedures, especially in the presence of chronic diseases, skin pathologies.
• Conduct an allergy test. Before use, it is necessary to check the reaction of the skin to the cosmetic product, including the composition for body wraps. To do this, apply a little product to the bend of the elbow. If after a day no undesirable reactions (peeling, burning, irritation) are found, you can use it.
• Consider possible contraindications. In some cases, the use of cosmetic procedures is dangerous to health. It can exacerbate the manifestations of existing diseases, lead to exacerbation.

According to the table, you can determine the list of contraindications for the use of certain procedures.

Table - Contraindications for home treatments for stretch marks

When taking a bath for stretch marks, you need to ensure that the chest is located above the water level.

In the specialist's office: radical methods

Chronic stretch marks can be dealt with at home, but in advanced cases, you have to contact a beautician. Modern medicine offers several methods that can make stretch marks as invisible as possible.

• chemical peeling- acids applied to the skin “corrode” the damaged epidermis and start the processes of regeneration and production of elastin and collagen;
• ozone therapy- with the help of an injection, an ozone-oxygen composition is introduced, which stimulates metabolic processes in skin cells, helping it to recover;
• laser resurfacing- the laser beam "burns out" atrophied cells and activates the growth of new ones;
• mesotherapy - biologically active substances are introduced into problem areas of the skin (most often by injection) that start the process of skin renewal;
• microdermabrasion- a kind of mechanical grinding, through which destructive tissues are removed.

Each of these procedures has a number of contraindications, which you need to carefully read. It is also worthwhile to first consult with your doctor about the appropriateness and safety of the chosen method.

Features of treatment during pregnancy and lactation

Already in the first months of pregnancy (and preferably two to three months before conception), you need to start caring for your skin with the help of specially designed products. Well proven:

• MomComfort;
• Indulgent Body Cream (Avent);
• 9 mois (Mustella);
• Mama (Sanosan);
• Destock (Vichy).

Contrast showers and massages, as well as physical activity, should be used only after consulting a doctor. In some cases, even despite the preventive measures taken, stretch marks after childbirth may still appear. You need to start treating them right away. Stretch marks on the abdomen after the birth of a child can be dealt with using the home methods listed above. However, it is necessary:

• consult a doctor;
• refuse to use essential oils;
• do not allow cosmetics to enter the baby's mouth;
• discontinue use of the product if adverse reactions occur.

The methods of aesthetic medicine described above during pregnancy and lactation are contraindicated. If you start working with stretch marks in a timely manner, while they are still fresh, you can prevent the need to contact a cosmetologist.

There is no definite answer to the question of how to get rid of stretch marks on the body as efficiently as possible. The choice of a suitable method depends on the "age" of striae, and on the individual characteristics of the organism, and on financial capabilities. One thing is for sure: when deciding on ways to solve a problem, you should rely on the recommendations of doctors, common sense and study the reviews of women who were able to overcome the problem.

About 70% of the world's population has stretch marks on the body or striae. They are shallow scars on the surface of the skin. Stretch marks are considered a cosmetic problem and can be removed at home or in beauty salons.

What do they come from

Endogenous and exogenous factors can provoke the appearance of stretch marks on the body.:

1. Pregnancy. During this period, stripes on the skin appear on the abdomen and chest. Along with this, hormonal changes occur in the woman's body, which also provokes the appearance of stretch marks. Stretch marks that appear during pregnancy cannot be treated with potent drugs.
2. A sharp decrease or increase in body weight. Scars on the body are formed if a person loses or gains more than 300 g per day. In order not to run into a problem, it is necessary to adhere to the optimal rate of weight loss or weight gain - up to 1.5 kg per week. When losing weight, it is recommended to perform physical exercises that will help protect the skin from stretch marks.
3. Internal pathologies. Among such diseases is Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome. In such a situation, stretch marks may appear in unusual areas, for example, on the back. To get rid of the problem, the patient is prescribed medications that affect the production of hormones.
4. genetic predisposition. A person has a high risk of developing stretch marks if his immediate family has encountered a problem. In this case, it is better to immediately take preventive measures - use special cosmetics to maintain skin tone and follow the rules of nutrition.
5. Puberty. In adolescence, scars on the body occur due to changes in hormonal levels.

In addition to these factors, unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle and bad habits also lead to the formation of stretch marks.

What do they look like

The appearance of the stripes on the skin depends on the structure of the human skin and its tone. It is these indicators that affect the severity of the symptomatic picture of the problem.

The color of the formations varies from light to dark purple. The shade of striae largely depends on the prescription of their appearance, fresh scars have a red-violet color, and old formations have lighter tones.

The connective tissue that makes up the striae is characterized by low production of melanin. For this reason, when sunburned, areas of the skin with stretch marks change their color less intensively than the surrounding tissues.

Scars on the body are formed in the singular and plural, it all depends on the structure of the epidermis and its ability to stretch.

The size of the striae is not the same: the width of the formations varies from 1 to 7 mm, and the length - from 0.5 cm to 10 cm.

The structure of stretch marks is also diverse: the stripes can be located above the surface of the skin, on the same level with it and be retracted. As a rule, the relief of striae changes over time.

Formations on the skin with Cushing's syndrome differ in characteristic features:

• they are localized on the shoulders, back, abdomen and chest
• the skin at the site of stretch marks becomes thinner.

In addition to stripes, age spots appear on the surface of the skin with endocrine disorders, itching and peeling of certain areas of the dermis occur.

Stages of development

There are several stages in the development of striae:

1. Inflammatory, if the duration of the appearance of stretch marks does not exceed 6 months. T Some formations have a bright red or purple hue. Between damaged skin structures, morphological examination reveals cellular structures, blood stasis and a large number of dilated vessels.
2. Atrophic, if the age of striae is older than 6 months. The color of such formations can vary from white to pearlescent. They consist of thickened skin and inner walls of connective tissue. Morphological examination of "old" striae does not reveal cellular elements and signs of microcirculation in tissues.

Where do they appear

Stretch marks are most often formed:

• on the face;
• on the back;
• on the chest;
• on the sides;
• in the buttocks and thighs;
• on foot.

Scars on the face occur due to mechanical damage to the skin or hormonal failure in the body, when there is an increased production of progesterone, which negatively affects the elasticity of the dermis.

Often the cause of the formation of striae on the face is a sharp loss in weight.

The reasons for the appearance of stripes on the back are as follows:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• unbalanced diet;
• hormonal changes;
• sudden weight loss or gain;
• strong physical exertion falling on the lumbar region.

Cross stripes on the back may appear during adolescence during puberty. Getting rid of them in the future is almost impossible.

Stretch marks on the chest are formed due to:

• breastfeeding;
• pregnancy;
• surgical operations in this area;
• weakened immunity;
• inflammatory process of the mammary glands;
• hereditary factor.

When the first scars appear on the mammary glands, it is necessary to take preventive measures that will prevent the appearance of new formations - daily exercises to strengthen the muscles of the chest, a contrast shower, manual massage, body wraps.

Stretch marks on the sides are:

• vertical, with a sharp set or decrease in weight;
• horizontal, due to hormonal imbalance.

Stretch marks on the sides are removed in the same way as scars on other parts of the body. At the same time, it is additionally necessary to visit an endocrinologist and a nutritionist in order to normalize hormonal levels and nutrition.

Stripes on the buttocks occur for the same reasons as on other parts of the body.

There is another factor that provokes the formation of scars on the buttocks - long-term use of hormonal drugs. In men, stretch marks on the pope appear due to excessive physical exertion.

Getting rid of formations on the buttocks is quite simple, especially if they have a bright red color. To do this, special gels and creams are applied to problem areas of the skin.

Stripes on the legs, especially on the calves, appear due to the increased load on them. Pregnant women are at the highest risk of developing stretch marks on their legs.

Video: Laser Removal

How to remove stretch marks on the body

Elimination of scars on the body is a long process that requires an integrated approach to the problem.

The following methods are used to remove formations:

1. Chemical peeling. During the procedure, acids are used that burn the changed skin cover and create conditions for the natural production of collagen.
2. Laser peeling. Under the influence of laser beams, areas of damaged tissue are burned out and the growth of healthy cells is stimulated.
3. Mesotherapy. Special preparations are introduced into problem areas of the body - trace elements, vitamins, enzymes. These funds have a beneficial effect on the process of tissue regeneration and bring them closer in structure to a healthy skin condition.
4. Microdermabrasion or mechanical resurfacing. As a result of the procedure, stretch marks on the skin are removed, in place of which new healthy cells are formed.
5. LPG massage. Manipulations are performed by a device that has a vacuum effect on the skin. Thanks to the massage, the production of collagen and elastin is stimulated, blood circulation and metabolic processes of the epidermis are normalized.
6. Lifting. With the help of special equipment, electromagnetic effects are applied to damaged areas of the skin.
7. Wraps. Active substances, such as spirulina algae, are used as wrapping material. These components increase the tone of the epidermis and activate the production of collagen in it.

To eliminate large and pronounced stretch marks that are difficult to treat conservatively, plastic surgery is prescribed. During the procedure, stretch marks are removed along with neighboring tissues.

This method of removing scars is resorted to only in extremely rare cases due to the possible likelihood of a secondary infection settling into damaged tissues.

At home, it is possible to cope with newly formed scars with the help of creams containing collagen and elastin. On average, the course of using gels from scars is 2 months.

It is important that the stretch mark cream also includes other beneficial ingredients:

• vitamins of groups A and B;
• unsaturated fatty acids;
• components that stimulate cell regeneration;
• blood supply activators;
• antioxidants.

The list of the most effective creams for stretch marks includes:

• Mama Comfort;
• Bepanthen;
• Sanosan;
• Mustela;
• 9 months.

Widely advertised creams and gels for stretch marks are ineffective for chronic formations. Local preparations are not able to affect the change in scar tissue and stimulate the regeneration process in the deep layers of the skin. They only help the faster maturation of striae and their lightening.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for stretch marks on the body are effective only with regular use.

Several recipes will help get rid of the problem:

1. Crushed coffee beans are rubbed daily into damaged areas on the skin. It is advisable to perform the procedure with a hard sponge or mitt. After a few months of using coffee beans, stretch marks will become almost invisible.
2. 150 ml of natural yogurt is mixed with almond oil and lemon zest (1 tablespoon of each ingredient). The resulting mass is applied to stretch marks several times a week. The mixture is stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
3. To prepare a scrub for scars, mix 200 g of medium-sized salt and sugar. To these ingredients add 250 ml of vegetable oil (can be palm oil). With this tool, massage problem areas for 10-15 minutes. To achieve a visible result, the procedure is performed daily for 2 months.
4. Cosmetic green clay is mixed with water until the consistency of the dough. The mixture is applied to the scars for 10-15 minutes until it dries completely. The dried product is washed off with warm water, and after that they take a bath with essential oils (25 drops per bath). The course of the daily procedure is 14 days.
5. The most effective folk remedy for stretch marks is a shilajit-based cream, which is easy to make at home. For this, 1 tsp. warm water is mixed with 1 g of the substance. The solution is mixed with 100 ml of baby cream and rubbed into the formations 1 time per day. Cream based on mummy is stored in the refrigerator.
6. In 1 tsp. almond oil add 8 drops of rosemary oil. The product is rubbed into the area of ​​stretch marks once a day until they become invisible.
7. In the treatment of stripes on the body, a decoction of chamomile is used. To do this, add ½ cup of dried chamomile flowers to 250 ml of milk and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. In the cooled broth, the cloth is moistened and applied to the affected areas. The compress is covered with a polyethylene whip and insulated with a dense cloth. The exposure time of the compress is 15 minutes.

What does the result depend on?

The effectiveness of getting rid of scars largely depends on the prescription of their occurrence. It is possible to completely remove stretch marks only if they appeared no more than 12 months ago. The effectiveness of treatment is also affected by the method used to heal problem areas of the skin.

To eliminate stretch marks, it is not enough to use one method, it is desirable to carry out a whole range of necessary measures. "Old" striae can be made more invisible with the help of cosmetic procedures - laser peeling and a number of other salon techniques. Gels and creams are not able to completely eliminate the problem and turn stretch marks into healthy skin cells.

Stretch marks on the skin do not pose a threat to human health, but their appearance gives a person a lot of inconvenience. Formations can occur due to a number of both external (mechanical damage to the skin) and internal (pregnancy, endocrine pathologies) factors. At the first sign of a problem, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures to eliminate it as soon as possible.

Sometimes, in pursuit of perfect facial skin, women forget that the body also undergoes not the most pleasant changes. And if you can say goodbye to the hated over time, then answering the question of how to get rid of old stretch marks will be much more difficult.

What are stretch marks and how do they form?

Or, as most women used to call them, "stretch marks" are scars on the skin that have appeared as a result of a violation of its integrity. As a rule, they have a strip-like shape, but can have a different length, depth, color and appear in different places. Most often they appear in the abdomen and thighs.

Human skin is made up of fibers that provide its elasticity. This means that it can stretch and shrink, but if the fibers are stretched too much, they may not be able to withstand the load, resulting in breaks. The human body, of course, will ensure the healing of the affected area, but the regenerating process, as a rule, is carried out at the expense of scar tissue, which means that noticeable marks remain on the body in the form of scars and stretch marks. Fresh stretch marks may have a pinkish-burgundy color, but over time it becomes lighter.

Old stretch marks give themselves out in white and deeper outlines.

It is worth remembering that the elasticity of the skin of each person is individual. For this reason, there are people who, even with a large weight gain, maintain smooth skin, and there is also an absolutely opposite phenomenon, when a person has stretch marks on the skin even with a slight change in body weight.

Unfortunately, representatives of the second group are in the majority, so methods that help get rid of old stretch marks are in great demand.

Many go around dozens of stores in search of miracle creams, and someone decides on laser procedures.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks can overtake a person at almost any age. Despite the fact that statistics indicate that women become their owners more often, they also do not always bypass men. Among the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks on the body are:

• Sudden weight gain, including during pregnancy. After pregnancy, the vast majority of women become owners of stretch marks on the abdomen. Many begin to use even before the appearance of a large belly, but this is not always effective;
• A rapid increase in muscle volume. Most often, this reason is typical for men who actively visit the gym;
• Rapid body growth. Unfortunately, teenagers are also not protected from the appearance of stretch marks on the body;
• Hormonal imbalance in the body.

To the above reasons, you can also add a hereditary factor. It can be identified as an indirect cause, and not the main one, because if the skin has a genetically determined low level of elasticity, then the appearance of stretch marks can be expected even with a slight gain in weight, which means that it will be almost impossible to avoid this problem.

How to remove old stretch marks - we will tell in this article.

Cosmetic treatments for old stretch marks

If creams and home methods do not give the desired result, you can seek help from modern cosmetology. Treatments offered at salons and beauty centers can help get rid of those pesky old stretch marks.

If fresh stretch marks are still somehow treated, then it is almost impossible to remove old stretch marks completely. But it is quite possible to make them less noticeable and not conspicuous.

Among the cosmetic measures to combat stretch marks, the following can be distinguished:

• Microdermabrasion. A highly effective type of mechanical peeling that improves the appearance of affected skin by getting rid of dead skin particles of the upper epidermis. This is a standard procedure that can be booked at most beauty centers. The depth of exposure of the device and the number of procedures is determined by the condition of the existing stretch marks. Between courses, special types of creams can be used to achieve the best effect;
• Chemical peeling. A procedure during which mixtures of various acids are applied to problem areas of the skin. They create the effect of burning the upper layer of the skin, due to which the death and exfoliation of the affected skin occurs. This method can help remove even the oldest stretch marks on the abdomen;
• Mesotherapy. During this procedure, stretch marks are removed by injection into the layers of the epidermis. The composition of the preparations includes natural substances, such as acids, vitamins, lipolytics, etc., which cannot harm the body, but, on the contrary, provide it with materials to improve metabolism and regeneration. The procedure is considered sparing and is more suitable for dealing with fresh stretch marks. For old stretch marks, especially in the abdomen, it is better to use mesotherapy in combination with other methods;
• Laser resurfacing. One of the most effective methods that can help remove old stretch marks. The procedure is carried out with the help of a special apparatus, which ensures the destruction of scar tissue at the site of existing old stretch marks and stimulates the renewal of the upper layer of the skin. This method can make old stretch marks almost invisible. To improve the effect, body care creams may be offered by a specialist.

Cosmetic procedures can help get rid of old stretch marks once and for all, but it should be understood that in order to obtain a good effect, it will be necessary to carry out a course of procedures, and sometimes more than one.

The main disadvantage of these procedures is their cost, which may be unaffordable for many women.

How to remove old and noticeable stretch marks at home

How to get rid of striae that have appeared on the body, and especially how to remove old stretch marks on the stomach, if there is no way to contact a beautician? Do not despair if there are stretch marks, but there is no money to remove them. There are a number of different methods in the fight for perfect skin at home:

• Massage. It is quite possible to carry it out on your own, since it does not require any professional knowledge. The only thing worth remembering is the correct direction of movement: the stomach is massaged in circular motions clockwise, the waist and hips are vertically from the bottom up, the buttocks are horizontally from the center to the edges of the thighs. The use of moisturizers and oils will facilitate the process and increase the effectiveness of the procedure. You can also use special massage brushes that provide blood flow;
• . Everyone knows that small particles of substances contained in scrubs allow you to remove dead skin particles, thereby accelerating the appearance of a new healthy layer. There is a huge variety of scrubs in stores, but it is quite possible to make it yourself at home. The simplest recipes are coffee scrub and a mixture of sugar, salt and butter. Scrubs are applied with massage movements on clean skin, after which they are rinsed with water. The effect is usually not long in coming, the skin becomes noticeably smoother and more pleasant to the touch;
• Cold and hot shower. A good home way not only to get rid of old stretch marks, but also to harden the body. Provides blood flow, stimulates the body. Such a shower can be combined with massage movements;
• . They are known for their effectiveness in the fight against old stretch marks due to the content of vitamin E. It is this vitamin that is able to provide skin elasticity. Among the most popular oils used to get rid of existing stretch marks, one can single out orange, almond, based on rosemary, hazelnut, grapefruit and others. But just as effective is a simple olive oil. Oils can be used during a massage at home, as well as simply applied to the skin after bath procedures.
• . It is considered an effective remedy in the fight against even old striae. This is an old but effective solution for those who prefer home care methods. It is only necessary to dilute the tablets in water and rub the resulting mixture into problem areas. Another option: you can mix shilajit, water and moisturizer. Store this mixture in the refrigerator and use daily.