Sometimes you can hear: striae have formed on the skin. What it is? And what are the reasons for such formations? We are talking about unsightly skin defects that can occur in women after childbirth. Often they appear in adolescents, athletes. And also in people who change weight dramatically. So, let's figure it out: stria - what is it? Why do they appear? And how to deal with them?
Striae - what is it?
People call them "stretch marks." Scientifically called "striae". They are formed due to the fact that the skin undergoes stretching in a relatively short time. This violates the structure of the integument. It breaks its fibers (collagen and elastin). Scars appear in such places. They are called "stretch marks."
This cosmetic defect is very difficult to fix. Previously, this was not possible. But currently, there are procedures that help remove striae on the skin. Or make them invisible, if it is impossible to completely eliminate such a drawback.
The risk of stretch marks in women is greater than in men. This is due to the fact that the structure of the skin in different sexes is not the same.
Causes of the appearance of stretch marks in women
Why do striae appear on the skin? The causes of this defect in the fair sex are most often found in the following:
- The rapid growth of the body. First of all, this is adolescent development, during which bone mass increases faster than muscle mass. In this case, the skin in places where there is the largest growth (usually the hips and chest), begin to stretch very much.
- A sharp change in weight. With an increase in body weight, fat cells rapidly form, forming directly under the skin. The epidermis does not grow so fast. As a result of this, it begins to stretch, and its fibers are torn in some places. Striae can occur with sudden weight loss. Fat deposits go away, the skin sags. Creases and folds are formed, due to which the fibers of the skin can also break.
- Pregnancy. In the most beautiful and responsible period in a woman, the components of the skin change. As a result, the epidermis loses elasticity. In places of greatest stretching (chest, abdomen), striae may appear.
- Heredity. Genetically, the composition and structure of the skin can be transmitted. Therefore, if the older generation has striae on their skin in the family, the likelihood of stretch marks in their children is very high. In this case, it is recommended to carry out preventive procedures to prevent the occurrence of such defects.
- Wrong diet. The lack of protein, which is responsible for the formation of elastin and collagen in the body, leads to a loss of skin elasticity. The integument is poorly stretched. In this case, stretch marks may form in the places where the skin fibers are torn.
- Lack of water in the body. When dehydrated, the skin becomes dry. Using various moisturizers will not fix the situation until the epidermis receives moisture from the inside. Remember: if the skin is not filled with water from the inside, external hydration does not make sense.
Striae in men
Stretch marks in men are less common than in women. However, they can appear in men. What is the reason for such formations?
Striae on the skin in men can occur as a result of the following factors:
- The use of corticosteroids. If the dose is exceeded, striae can form.
- With a rapid increase in body weight, a strong stretching of the skin occurs, resulting in tears. This process of striae formation occurs in men engaged in bodybuilding. Such a defect can be dictated by the lack of proper nutrition. In this situation, the man does not monitor his diet and quickly gaining weight.
- Heredity.
Features of the occurrence of stretch marks in adolescents
Unfortunately, even children may develop striae. What is it in adolescents and why do such defects appear on young skin?
Stretch marks in children arise due to various reasons, sometimes differing from the sources of striae formation in adults:
- As a result of hormonal changes in adolescence, weight rapidly increases and growth increases. In adolescents growing and gaining mass rapidly, striae can form. After all, the skin is overly stretched.
- When gaining weight, the formation of fat mass increases. The skin is stretched and striae may appear. They form in places where connective tissue has replaced the epidermis. Often in adolescence, girls develop striae on rapidly growing mammary glands, hips, buttocks, and stomach.
- Keeping a sedentary lifestyle by a teenager. As a result of physical inactivity, weight gain occurs. It also contributes to the appearance of stretch marks.
- In adolescence, the hormone cortisol is produced in the body of a child . If its synthesis exceeds the norm, then stretch marks may occur on the skin. Therefore, in the teenage period, it is necessary to check the hormonal background. Especially if striae begin to form during puberty. In this situation, you just need to see a doctor.
However, you should understand that striae are not always harmless. What it is is known to every dermatologist. They do not always indicate the factors described above. If stretch marks in a teenager formed in the back, this may be an indicator of pathologies in the internal organs. Most often, the appearance of such striae occurs as a result of small development of the spinal muscles. But in order to exclude internal diseases, it is necessary to consult with a specialist and undergo the prescribed diagnostics.
Parents should talk with the teenager about the possibility of the formation of stretch marks. It is necessary to talk about the fact that the appearance of striae usually occurs during puberty. Be sure to report a variety of methods to resolve this issue. After all, it is much easier to deal with fresh striae.
Diseases leading to striae
The cause of the formation of stretch marks may be a violation in the work of the adrenal glands or pathology of the endocrine system. With pathologies of the pancreas, there is an increased production of cortisol, which weakens the structure of the epidermis. Therefore, with the appearance of such defects, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Some people may develop striae on their face. The photo below demonstrates such an unpleasant phenomenon. Most often, the cause of such defects should be sought in endocrine pathologies.
Only by eliminating the likelihood of developing unpleasant defects as a result of illnesses, we can consider the following methods of dealing with them.
What kind of stretch marks do they have?
Striae - what is it? Photos allow us to visually understand what we are dealing with. Only stretch marks that appear are pink or reddish. Over time, they begin to lighten and become white or gray. The shape of the striae have the outline of a zipper (most often in the abdomen) or stripes.
How to get rid of stretch marks?
The duration of the process of getting rid of striae depends on the quality of the skin (degree of elasticity), the size of stretch marks, and the timeliness of treatment. Usually, to get rid of them, it takes at least six months.
Fresh, pink and purple defects are removed most easily. After all, they are still involved in blood circulation and lend themselves perfectly to regenerative procedures. Old stretch marks, white, almost impossible to remove. But with the help of some means they can be made less visible, almost invisible.
Getting rid of stretch marks and preventing their appearance
It is best not to give a single chance of such defects on the skin. To prevent stretch marks, you must adhere to proper nutrition. In addition, skin care should be taken from adolescence.
If stretch marks are already on the body, then it is necessary to carry out restorative treatment, destructive procedures that smooth the scars.
Salon events
Today, many excellent techniques have been developed to align long-standing stretch marks with the help of modern devices and effective procedures. Let's consider them in more detail.
Destructive procedures
Such measures include methods to destroy the upper layer of the dermis. This triggers the natural regeneration process in the integument. Thanks to this mechanism, the scars are aligned in color and reduced in size.
To combat stretch marks, use the following procedures:
- Deep chemical peeling. With this procedure, the upper layer of the skin and scar is destroyed. The integuments begin to regenerate intensively. The new layer perfectly masks an unaesthetic defect.
- Microdermabrasion. This method is often used if striae have formed on the skin of the face. This is a mechanical peeling that removes dead cells. As a result, tissues begin to regenerate.
- Fraxel. Laser procedure aimed at polishing the covers. Due to this effect, skin smoothing is achieved.
Healing procedures
Many other methods for eliminating defects such as striae on the skin can be suggested in the cabin.
Treatment is often based on the following restorative procedures:
- Mesotherapy Injection of peptides and hyaluronic acid. These substances moisturize the epidermis, help the active restoration of skin cells. After such injections, the epidermis acquires elasticity and regenerates much faster.
- Biorevitalization. The introduction of hyaluronic acid, which actively moisturizes the skin.
These procedures are carried out by the course for a long time. Therefore, if in some salon cosmetologists promise to remove stretch marks in one session, you should not use the services of these specialists.
Home care
You can fight with striae yourself. At home, special creams are used to reduce stretch marks.
Typically, such funds include:
- seaweed,
- antioxidants
- vitamins
- natural oils.
This content of components allows you to even out the skin.
The use of creams to reduce stretch marks will not ensure their complete elimination. After all, these funds have mainly only an external impact. They perfectly smooth the skin, even out the surface of scars, but do not change the condition of the stria in the depths of the dermis.
Therefore, the use of creams to reduce stretch marks can be considered as additional therapy, conducted to enhance the effect of salon procedures.
Striae Prevention
Preventing the appearance of stretch marks is easier than removing them later. Therefore, if the skin has reduced elasticity or minor scars begin to appear, it is imperative to start preventive measures.
In pregnant women, striae often appear on the skin of the abdomen. But expectant mothers should remember that at such a crucial moment, not every cosmetics can be applied. Women expecting a baby should use only those products that are intended for pregnant women!
All other people can use the following methods to prevent stretch marks:
- Masks and wraps. They have a beneficial effect on the elasticity of the skin. Mud masks and seaweed wraps that need to be done weekly help well.
- The right diet. It is necessary to consume about two liters of water daily. The food should contain a large amount of protein, which increases the elasticity of the dermis.
- Gradual weight loss. Do not get involved in diets that promise quick weight loss. Get rid of extra pounds should be slow, reducing weight by no more than 2% per month. With such weight loss, the skin remains elastic, which avoids the appearance of striae.
- The use of various cosmetic moisturizers, saturated with vitamins, hyaluronic acid, peptides, fruit acids, oils. Such funds contribute to the restoration of the hydrolipidic balance of the skin. They give the epidermis elasticity, saturate it with moisture.
- Weekly peeling. It removes dead skin cells. This allows you to restore the respiration of the epidermis. Thanks to such processes, the skin gains elasticity.
- Cold and hot shower. It has beneficial effects on blood circulation. If you combine it with massage (pinching movements in places where stretch marks may appear), then the benefits of such a procedure will significantly increase.
Stretch marks are almost impossible to remove, therefore, starting from adolescence, it is necessary to deal with the prevention of their appearance.