Stretch marks: is it really possible to do something about them? We ask the experts

Find out more
( 2 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Recently, many drugs and clinical procedures for the removal of stretch marks have appeared on the market, including both affordable and very expensive. Before considering various remedies for stretch marks, let’s first try to figure out what stretch marks are and why they appear on the body?

What are stretch marks?

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Elena Sibrina, chief physician of the Vitaura clinic : “Stretch marks or stretch marks are, in fact, a rupture of the skin to its entire depth.”

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Marina Miusova, Lazerjazz clinic: “There are two forms of stretch marks: red (initial inflammatory phase) and white (atrophic scars - the final phase, when a defect is formed in all layers of the skin due to pathological collagen).”

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Tatyana Al Sabunchi, chief physician of the Tori clinic: “At first, stretch marks are red because they are filled with blood vessels. While stretch marks are forming, this is not scar tissue yet, but fiber disintegration, thinning of the skin. It becomes looser in this place. Then the vessels become empty, collagen production increases, a scar forms - and the stretch marks turn white and become less noticeable.”

Model with stretch marks in the Boohoo store catalog

Camouflage tattoo ↑

The most innovative technique for combating stretch marks, which helps disguise imperfections and make them the same tone as normal skin.
The best results will be achieved with light-colored stretch marks - in this case it is easier to select the exact pigment. Tattooing of stretch marks can be done on any area of ​​the body, even on such a sensitive area as the chest. In its technique, the procedure is closer to permanent makeup than to classic tattooing, and therefore is not so painful. Pros:

Minuses:

Why do they even appear?

Elena Sibrina : “The main reason is the imbalance of hormones and its effect on connective tissue. This imbalance occurs during adolescence and pregnancy. Plus excessive stretching of the skin (with rapid growth, sudden weight gain).

"Stretch marks can also be a side effect of taking steroid hormones - those used to quickly gain muscle mass."

Stretch marks are also accompanied by some diseases, for example:

• hypercortisolism (including juvenile) - when the adrenal cortex synthesizes too many hormones - Cushing's disease and syndrome,
• Marfan syndrome is a hereditary disease associated with connective tissue pathology,
• Adrenal hyperplasia is a genetically determined disorder in which cortisol production is reduced.

Causes and contributing factors

The mechanism of occurrence of striae is well known. Human skin has its own limits of strength and elasticity. When it cannot withstand the load, the epidermis begins to tear. To prevent bleeding and wounds, the skin initiates a regeneration mechanism by “stitching” the edges of tears with soft connective tissue. As a result, unsightly scars and stripes appear on the body. In order for the epidermis to begin to tear, one of the trigger mechanisms must work: either hormonal imbalances or stretching of the skin. In the case of pregnancy, both factors work: a lot of changes occur in a woman’s body, and the belly grows, stretching the skin. Approximately the same mechanisms work in the body during puberty: in adolescents, hormonal levels change, and the skin simply does not keep up with muscle growth. In the case of physical activity, the appearance of stretch marks is caused precisely by the stretching of the epidermis.

How are stretch marks formed?

Dermatologist-cosmetologist Elena Selivanova, Petrovka-Beauty clinic : “Stretch marks occur at the level of the dermis. The synthesis of collagen and elastin is reduced, and enzymes that destroy collagen are produced as usual. As a result, the integrity of the epidermis is maintained, but gaps occur in depth.”

Elena Sibrina : “The adhesion between collagen fibers decreases, elastin fibers break, capillaries are destroyed. The skin becomes vulnerable, a “failure” is formed. Healing of such microtraumas occurs through scarring. That’s why we say that stretch marks form like a scar and, like a scar, can become hypotrophic (minus tissue), hypertrophic (plus tissue) or turn into a keloid.”

Model with stretch marks in the Boohoo store catalog

Laser stretch mark removal methods

Laser stretch mark and scar removal involves two different skin resurfacing methods:

1. Full (classical) grinding is carried out with an erbium laser. With its help, cells are evaporated at the required depth and area, as a result of which fibroblasts are activated and the body’s work aimed at tissue restoration is activated. The depth of laser exposure is set individually for each client, so this type of resurfacing can be carried out both on the superficial and deeper layers of the skin.

Laser removal of stretch marks in this way is painful, so when treating small areas, local anesthesia is given, and for a large area of ​​stretch marks, general anesthesia is used.

1. Removal of stretch marks using fractional laser thermolysis - this method of laser removal of stretch marks differs from the previous one in that during the procedure the affected areas are affected fractionally, i.e. selectively, and healthy skin is not affected by the laser. This method gives a more noticeable remodeling result and is less painful and dangerous.

For the above laser stretch mark removal techniques, special lasers are used.

Recommended articles on the topic:

• Painless lip modeling: techniques and recommendations
• Plasmolifting of the face is a breakthrough in domestic cosmetology
• Eyelash restoration at home and in a beauty salon

Is it possible to predict the appearance of stretch marks?

Four genetic markers have recently been discovered that may indicate a susceptibility to stretch marks. In the presence of these markers, the skin produces less protein proteins (in particular, fibronectin), responsible for elasticity and regeneration.

Elena Sibrina : “Heredity and other genetic factors play a role. Knowing that the patient has genetic polymorphisms of the corresponding genes, we will not prescribe procedures with dosed tissue damage (ablative laser and the like).”

Marina Miusova : “There are genetic tests that indicate possible connective tissue pathologies. These are indirect indicators that can be used to predict the likelihood of stretch marks.”

In any case, it is important to maintain a stable weight and take preventative measures during pregnancy. “These are not only creams, but also soft massages, contrast showers, and supportive underwear,” says Elena Sibrina. “It’s good to use products with centella, with algae, including algae wraps (for pregnant women - without heating). They saturate the skin with microelements,” adds Elena Selivanova.

• 
  Models with stretch marks in the Asos store catalog

• 
  Models with stretch marks in the Asos store catalog

Cosmetic procedures and products ↑

Chemical peels

Superficial peels are ineffective against stretch marks, so cosmetologists use medium and deep peels in such cases. The principle of operation here is almost the same as with laser resurfacing (controlled tissue trauma to stimulate skin renewal), with the only difference being that the effect is carried out using chemical compounds.

After the procedure, the skin becomes red and swollen; after a few days, the process of intensive exfoliation begins, which usually lasts about a week.
After healing, stretch marks become less noticeable. Remember that the treatment area should not be tanned for two months after the procedure (this can lead to severe pigmentation). Pros
:

Minuses:

Scrubbing

The scrub is an affordable and easy-to-use product that can be used at home. It can not only cleanse the skin, but also stimulate cell renewal. With regular scrubbing (1-2 times a week), stretch marks gradually become less noticeable.

The effectiveness largely depends on the composition of the scrub. It is important that it contains sufficiently hard exfoliating particles (soft ones against stretch marks are simply ineffective): crushed nut shells or fruit seeds, salt, granulated sugar. Ideally, in addition to scrubbing components, the product contains ingredients for toning, lifting, and nourishing the skin.

Pros:

Minuses:

Self-massage with a dry brush

The second name of this method is “drybrushing”. This is another option for mechanical exfoliation. A huge plus is the lack of consumables and the ability to perform a massage anywhere and anytime - even in your own bedroom, while watching your favorite TV series.

With regular use of the brush, the skin is cleansed of keratinized particles, renews itself faster, becomes smooth, cellulite and stretch marks become less pronounced. The main rule of dry massage is that movements should be in the direction of the lymph: from the feet to the heart.

For a massage to be effective, it is important not only to do it correctly, but also to choose a quality brush. Dry massage brushes ARAVIA

made of beech wood and natural bristles. Natural materials will make the procedure tactilely pleasant, and the long handle will allow you to work on hard-to-reach areas.

>> How to do drybrushing correctly, we tell you in the article “Massage with a dry brush: technique, tips and contraindications”

Pros:

Minuses:

If stretch marks are tears at the level of the dermis, is it possible in principle to get rid of them?

Elena Sibrina : “With the help of hardware and injection techniques, oral and external agents, you can reduce the severity of stretch marks. But the formed deep stretch mark will not recover to healthy skin. It's important to accept this fact."

Marina Miusova : “Like scars, stretch marks cannot be completely removed. You can adjust their thickness, color, and improve the density of the fabric. Then they will look like highlighted thin stripes.”

Tatyana Al Sabunchi: “Every girl who goes for procedures should understand: the skin will become better. In some cases - much better. But this is not one procedure, and traces will still remain.”

View this post on Instagram

Reposted from @whenbabycomes Visualization is a powerful mind exercise. Used by elite athletes and performers it's a technique to manifest desired outcomes. Many of us visualize everyday but to create the life we ​​DON'T want. Often we imagine the worst outcome or become hyper-focused on imperfections. I constructed my first vision board just this past week, and instead of putting things I want (material), I focused on what I wanted to feel. And more than anything else I want to feel deserving. Deserving of my own affection. I want to admire this body. I want to celebrate this body. I want this to be MY body and not just a transitional body until I work hard for the hotter better one. Instead of visualizing a body without the marks of change, I want to forever see these stretch marks as beautiful as they were this day. #glitterstretchmarks inspired by original artist @glitterstretchmarks Outfit gifted by @trueandco ✨ #motherhoodunplugged #discoverunder5k #discoverunder10k #bodypositive #loveeverybody #mombod #honestlymothering #motherhoodthroughig #ohheymama #momentsinmotherhood #ig_motherhood #parenthoodunveiled #teammotherly #momtogs #uniteinmotherhood #this_is_postpartum #power inpostpartum #stopcensoringmotherhood #trueandco #truebody — #regrann Reposted from @kimcheepie — #regrann

A post shared by Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku (@naa_ashorkor_) on Jul 6, 2022 at 10:03pm PDT

Advice from cosmetologists on how to improve the results of procedures

When figuring out how to remove stretch marks on the body, do not forget that in addition to salon procedures, you will still have to take some steps on your own. Professionals advise not to rely entirely on cosmetology, but to take independent steps to significantly improve the result.

• Maintain proper drinking regime. Lack of moisture can negatively affect skin elasticity.
• It is also better to adjust your diet, add more vitamins A and E, omega fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid.
• To avoid capillary fragility, which directly affects the color of stretch marks, turning them brown, consume more foods rich in zinc and ascorbic acid.
• Do homemade masks and massages regularly to enhance the effect of hardware cosmetology.
• A good mood and relief of any symptoms of stress will help the body devote all its resources to fighting stretch marks.

Moderate physical activity helps you stay in shape. By regularly performing any set of exercises, you also train your skin, it becomes more elastic and stretches better. Therapeutic gymnastics has a good effect on the body and the condition of the epidermis. However, you need to choose such an activity for yourself individually, preferably with the participation of your doctor and sports coach.

Truth and myths about stretch marks on the body

There are several common misconceptions that still prevent us from effectively dealing with this problem. Therefore, it is better not to listen to idle conversations in the kitchen and advice from those who do not understand anything about the issue, but to turn to medical knowledge.

Stretch marks – a visual and superficial defect

This is the most common myth. In fact, this effect is far from just visual; the epidermis is actually seriously injured and torn. This happens when a malfunction occurs in the functioning of fibroblasts, where collagen and elastin are produced.

In this case, the fibers begin to tear deep inside the skin. Only over time does the stretch mark appear. Therefore, stretch marks cannot be called superficial.

Pregnancy is the only cause of stretch marks

This misconception is not even worth discussing separately. Anyone interested can return to the subsection about the causes of defects, as well as their most common locations.

Healthy lifestyle is a guarantee against the occurrence of stretch marks

Many people think that maintaining an optimal weight, healthy eating, and constant physical activity can somehow protect you from unsightly skin blemishes. However, this is not entirely true. Of course, the risk of their occurrence is noticeably reduced, but there are no guarantees that they may occur in the future. It is worth noting that stretch marks occur not only in overweight people, but also in thin people, which fully proves our conclusions.

Light stretch marks are good, and dark stretch marks are evil.

In fact, it doesn’t matter at all what color the stretch marks haunt you. Usually their color depends on the degree of oldness of the scar, as well as the activity of the blood supply to the problem area. Since the mechanism of their occurrence is absolutely the same in all cases, without exception, the fight against them will be absolutely identical.

There is no way to completely get rid of stretch marks at home.

As sad as it may be, this is the true truth. No homemade or purchased products, water or other procedures, proper food and exercises can completely rid you of stretch marks, although they will noticeably soften their appearance. You can make them almost invisible, but they will still remain with us, as a silent reminder of the not-so-good skin condition. Injured tissues lie very deep and cannot completely “dissolve.”

It is extremely important to accept and love your stretch marks, along with your entire imperfect body, so that life does not turn into a continuous struggle with stretch marks. The most desperate ones turn to plastic surgeons who can help, but for most, such pleasure is not available. And for medical reasons, not everyone can undergo such operations. Therefore, you need to realize that there is a problem and stop delving too deeply into it. Your body is unique, so it doesn't hurt to love it the way it is.

Basics of preventing stretch marks

Having finally figured out what stretch marks are and why fighting them may be ineffective, it’s worth thinking about another question. It is important to understand what to do before you have this problem. Prevention does not provide a 100% guarantee that you will not have any skin damage, but it significantly increases the elasticity of the skin, which reduces the risk of stretch marks to a minimum. There are three main postulates that will have to be followed.

• Watch your diet . This is a very important rule of prevention, since by organizing the right regimen and choosing healthy foods, you can easily avoid sudden weight gain or loss, which will prevent skin damage. Lean fish and meat, more vegetables and fruits, less baked goods and sweets will help maintain not only the beauty of the body, but also health for many years.
• Practice contrast showers . If you take it as a habit, you will see that it is quite capable of preventing the occurrence of stretch marks, and in addition, even making existing ones less noticeable and pale. The correct alternation of cold and hot water significantly stimulates metabolic processes in the skin, and the jets from the shower also perform massage functions.
• Play sports . Of course, we are talking about regular, feasible loads, and not about exhausting training “for wear and tear”. Moderate body culture has never harmed anyone. You don’t have to chase fashion or ignore someone’s advice, but choose classes that suit you: cycling, fitness, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, kettlebell lifting, swimming, bungee and much more. This will not only reduce the appearance of unsightly stripes on the body, but will also improve your general condition and improve your health.

Based on all of the above, it can be argued that only persistent, daily work on yourself will help you get rid of stretch marks on the skin, if you do not take into account surgical intervention. But even if prevention is unsuccessful, and stretch marks appear on the body, then you can really find many methods that will help, if not completely remove them, then make them invisible, barely visible.

Can stretch mark creams help?

Elena Sibrina : “Creams against stretch marks are not a panacea, but I wouldn’t call them complete profanation either. In moisturized skin with a good lipid balance, regeneration processes are better.”

Marina Miusova : “With formed white atrophic stripes, creams do not help. But they can be used as adjuvant therapy in addition to procedures.

There are also retinol preparations that are used in the treatment of various collagenoses, including stretch marks. They are effective at the first – “red” – stage of formation. But these drugs have many limitations and must be prescribed by a doctor.”

Tatyana Al Sabunchi: “If you smear your stretch marks with anything, even sour cream, they will still eventually turn white. And we can say that the sour cream helped. But I haven’t seen a single cream that could prevent or remove them. But if the skin is thick, elastic and elastic (the cream can contribute to this), the stretch will be narrow and not very noticeable.”

View this post on Instagram

God! I love making art out of anything and everything, specially when it comes to #stretchmarks, I recently made #glitterstretchmarks artwork for my #dirtytalk interview @frank_bod team with my lovely stretch marks QUEEN @naimitaj! . The second picture is an edited artwork of mine photographer : @guyhoubenphoto model : @sick.lilninja with my new series called “ Every stretchmark has a story” this came to me especially after meeting and interacting with lots and lots of people with different stories regarding stretchmarks! I didn't even know body Builders have stretchmarks too! This was a beautiful thing I did this year! And I hope many are more to come!