Many people experience stretch marks on the skin during their lifetime. They appear in women during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and also with sudden weight gain. Stretch marks do not decorate the appearance, so everyone strives to get rid of them by any means. Fortunately, the modern pharmaceutical industry produces many remedies for stretch marks.
"Mom's comfort"
The most popular remedy for this problem. It is harmless, so it can be used by expectant mothers.
The cream contains:
- horse chestnut extract;
- tocopheryl acetate;
- castor oil;
- vitamin A.
The product smells pleasant, has a light texture, is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes. Another plus is the low price. The only downside is the possibility of allergies.
Ointments, creams and other pharmaceutical products
Creams and ointments for stretch marks contain substances that improve the production of elastin and collagen. Popular and effective drugs:
- Cream Clearvin. The composition contains turmeric, magnolia, neem and aloe. It is recommended to apply it several times a day. Price - about 50 rubles.
- Badyaga. The powder consists of silicon spicules. When applied, they injure the stratum corneum of the skin, thereby penetrating into the deeper layers. As a result, collagen production improves. The disadvantage of the product is discomfort during use. The skin begins to burn and swelling forms. For 10 g of powder you need to pay about 97 rubles.
- Succinic acid. It is recommended to use it with a thick hydrosol mixture. After 15 minutes, the product is washed off. Active substances promote renewal of the dermis. Price - from 10 to 45 rubles.
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You should first consult a dermatologist. Pharmacy products will only be effective against fresh stretch marks.
We invite you to watch a video where a girl shares her experience of removing stretch marks on her stomach with the help of Badyagi and mumiyo:
Vitex
An effective product from a Belarusian company.
Compound:
- hyaluronic acid;
- lactic acid;
- lanolin;
- vitamins A, E;
- almond oil;
- coconut oil;
- Shea Butter.
Has a pleasant smell. The product is rubbed into problem areas with light movements. But there is a minus - the possibility of allergies due to vitamin A intolerance.
Home treatments
Home treatments are a simple and affordable option that will make the skin defect less noticeable. Effective manipulations:
- Wraps. To carry out the procedure, you will need a special composition and polyethylene. The latter creates a greenhouse effect, which enhances the effectiveness of the active components. Dead Sea mud, clay and algae are used for wraps.
- Scrubs. The most affordable option is ground natural coffee with sugar and essential oils. For 2 tbsp. It is recommended to take 1 tbsp of coffee grounds. sugar and 5-6 drops of rosemary ether.
- Brightening peeling. To prepare this product you will need lemon zest, 150 ml of yogurt and 1 tbsp. essential oil. The components are mixed and applied to the stretch marks. It is recommended to do 2 peels per week.
- Application of mumiyo. For 1 g of mumiyo you need to take 1 tsp. boiled water and 100 g of baby cream. This natural remedy is stored in the refrigerator. It should be applied immediately after peeling.
- Massage. It is carried out using oils. The movements should be patting, rubbing and finally stroking.
A contrast shower gives a good effect. In the morning you need to take a warm-cold shower and finish the procedure with a cold douse. Hardening is beneficial not only for the skin, but also for the whole body.
How to choose the right cream for stretch marks
Stretch marks often occur in pregnant women due to the fact that the body gains size. Therefore, the skin stretches, and white stripes appear accordingly. They are called stretch marks or, in medical terms, striae. Many women are upset that their figure leaves much to be desired. There are many remedies for this problem. But doctors say that stretch marks cannot be removed forever. It is only possible to reduce their manifestation and make them less noticeable.
But stretch marks occur not only during pregnancy, but also during rapid weight gain. The body cannot cope with the rapid load, and stretch marks appear. You should use remedies for stretch marks after taking a shower.
Anti-stretch mark products should contain:
- essential oils;
- tocopheryl acetate;
- collagen;
- elastin;
- herbal extracts.
Often other additives do not have a very good effect. For example, retinol can cause an allergic reaction. Caffeine perfectly tones and tightens the skin, but it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Seaweed extract is good for the skin, but iodine can be harmful to people with thyroid diseases.
Description and causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks on the hips and butt usually do not appear immediately, but gradually. First, the skin in this area begins to turn pink and itch. Then a subcutaneous tear appears, and stripes appear on the skin of the thighs, having convex shapes and red-violet shades.
At this point, removing stretch marks is still quite simple. To do this, you need to choose a treatment that suits your skin. Moreover, it is quite possible to remove these unpleasant manifestations even at home and with inexpensive means.
Over time, stretch marks on the thighs and butt become flat and lighten. They do not tan in the sun, so they are clearly visible against darker skin. The lack of tanning is explained by the fact that melanin is no longer produced on the damaged area of the thigh.
Such old scars cannot be removed using folk remedies. This treatment will only reduce their visibility and give your legs a healthier appearance. How to remove stretch marks on thighs in this case? Only through cosmetic procedures, which are usually performed in salons or clinics.
Most often, stretch marks appear in those parts of the body where the skin stretches well and there are sufficient reserves of subcutaneous fat:
- hips;
- stomach;
- breast;
- small of the back;
- sides;
- shoulders;
- caviar.
The physiological reason for the appearance of stretch marks on the thighs in other places is the insufficient production of elastin and collagen. These substances give the skin the ability to stretch and then return to its normal shape. There are several reasons for the decrease in production, and before you try to remove stretch marks on your thighs, you should figure out why this is happening.
How to deal with stretch marks on your stomach
The most common reasons for decreased production of elastin and collagen are metabolic disorders in the body and hormonal imbalances. The predecessors to this are:
- Excessive production of the hormone progesterone, which negatively affects collagen production. This usually occurs during periods such as pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these same periods, rapid body growth can be observed, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks on the thighs;
- the use of oral contraceptives or steroids most often leads to hormonal imbalances;
- if there are disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and other organs of the endocrine system, a hormonal imbalance appears in the body, and this reduces the production of collagen;
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, in which the body produces too much collagen. At the same time, body weight increases significantly, and stretch marks are usually darker than usual;
- genetic Morphan syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of a defective gene that negatively affects the condition of connective tissues. With this exposure, these tissues become less elastic;
- excessive production of the hormone cortisol in adolescents. This hormone has a destructive effect on protein, which leads to tissue destruction, including the appearance of stretch marks on the thighs.
Factors that can also trigger the appearance of stretch marks include heredity, rapid weight loss or weight gain, unhealthy and unbalanced diet, and excessive physical activity.
Types of stretch marks
Striae come in different types. If they are red, it means they are new. They are this color because the blood vessels break under stress and give the skin this color. Recent stretch marks are easier to work with and respond more quickly to therapy.
If the stretch marks are white, it means they are old. These stretch marks are more difficult to work with. It is easier to prevent them than to treat them. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, you need to take care of your skin in advance. It is important to moisturize it and maintain a drinking regime. You should also use creams for stretch marks.
But it is worth remembering that stretch mark remedies only act on the top layer of the epidermis. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely eliminate them. Is it possible to make the skin elastic and stretch marks less noticeable?
Methods for getting rid of stretch marks
Unfortunately, once stretch marks have already appeared, getting rid of them will not be easy. Scars that have formed recently can still be eliminated. But if stretch marks are white and have been with you for a long time, alas, they are unlikely to disappear. A more realistic goal is to make them less noticeable. There are many cosmetic procedures and products that promise good results. For example, doctors perform resurfacing using a fractional CO2 laser. Light flashes specifically penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen formation and cell turnover, thereby reducing stretch marks.
You can also try dermarollers. They combine radio frequencies from hardware cosmetology and ultra-thin needles that release a thermal pulse within a millisecond. Needle penetration and heat stimulate skin repair and collagen production. How successful the result will be depends on the individual characteristics of your body. As a rule, a course of procedures is required.
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Accepting your body despite minor imperfections can be a challenge for many. Stretch marks often prevent women from feeling truly comfortable. Although it is almost impossible to completely get rid of scars, if you use the right products and really pay attention to it, stretch marks will become less noticeable. But you will have to be patient.
Is it possible to hide stretch marks with a tattoo?
Not every woman wants to get a tattoo on her body, even to hide skin defects. Although others will learn from their own example how to remove stretch marks on the stomach with the help of a beautiful tattoo.
If you choose the right pattern, it will help hide stretch marks on your stomach, but as a method itself, it is dangerous.
You can trust only a qualified master, otherwise you can cause microtrauma and infect the body. In addition, there may be a common allergy to ink. What if the pattern is inaccurate? Then it will be impossible to hide stretch marks under a tattoo.
Here's how to hide stretch marks on your stomach with a tattoo
Dermatologists do not recommend hiding stretch marks with tattoos.
Experts in the field of plastic surgery have proven that stretch marks can be removed only with the help of laser resurfacing and plastic surgery. The remaining means are more of an alternative nature and mask them.
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
How to make stretch marks less noticeable with scrubs?
Cosmetics activate the process of elastin and collagen production. The scrub helps smooth the surface of the skin. It is recommended to avoid the use of appropriate products in the presence of severe dermatological diseases. Women with sensitive skin should apply a small amount of the cosmetic mixture to the crook of the elbow to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
Coffee scrubs contain a large amount of nutrients that have a tonic effect. When using a scrub for stretch marks with coffee, you can achieve excellent results in a short time.
When preparing cosmetics, coffee is mixed with ingredients such as rosehip oil, flaxseed oil and olive oil.
You can simply pour 100 grams of crushed coffee beans with 250 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused for 15 minutes. After the specified time has passed, you need to add 5 drops of orange aroma oil to the product. The cosmetic mixture is applied to previously cleansed skin with smooth movements.
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Coffee grounds are an all-natural exfoliant that softens the skin and helps remove excess fluid. When preparing a scrub for stretch marks, take 1 tablespoon of the product with 10 ml of water and apply it to the body in a circular motion.
Read also: Causes of stretch marks on the back and treatment
You can also use the recipe below:
- Coffee and coarse salt are combined in a ratio of 4: 1,
- Then you need to add a tablespoon of cream with a moisturizing effect.
The resulting thick paste is applied to the previously steamed body. After 15 minutes, wash off the cosmetic mixture with sufficient water.
It is recommended that representatives of the fair sex with a pronounced tendency to allergies avoid using products made from coffee grounds.
The following recipe can also help make stretch marks less noticeable:
- 20 grams of coffee grounds are mixed with moisturizer.
- Add 3 drops of lemon aroma oil and the contents of three capsules of the drug Aevit to the resulting mass.
- It is recommended to infuse the mixture for two hours. The finished scrub is used for a massage session at home. It is recommended to do this procedure before taking a bath.
There are other recipes for scrubs made from coffee grounds. They may contain useful ingredients such as mineral water, kefir, and rose oil.
Is it worth carefully studying the composition of cosmetic products?
To make stretch marks less noticeable, you should purchase creams that contain:
- Vitamin A. It activates collagen production and promotes skin renewal. As a result, the stretch marks become less deep. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, such cosmetics are used with caution.
- Almond oil. This ingredient helps improve hydrolipid balance and increases skin elasticity.
- Onion extract. It is endowed with a regenerating and wound-healing effect. With prolonged use of products made from onion extract, stretch marks become lighter.
- Vitamin E. It gives the skin elasticity. Thanks to vitamin E, stretch marks decrease in size.
Hiding stretch marks with self tanning
In a fairly large number of women, stretch marks appear not only on the stomach, but also on the inner and outer sides of the thighs and extend to the surface of the calves. Although a universal way to get rid of stretch marks has not yet been invented, you can disguise them using self-tanning.
To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to try the cream by applying it to a small area of skin (for white stretch marks)
- Do not use sprays. You will need a liquid-based product that does not leave streaks behind.
- Before applying self-tanner, the skin must be prepared. Better to scrub it off. The tan lasts longer if applied to cleansed skin.
- A little product needs to be poured into a flat container.
- Then dip a cotton swab into the self-tanner and remove the excess.
- It is correct to apply self-tanner vertically along stretch marks.
- Excess cream is removed with a clean swab.
- It is necessary to apply self-tanning over the entire surface of stretch marks.
- It is given time to dry according to the instructions.
- Check that there are no gaps; if there are, then this should be corrected.
- To prevent streaks and dark spots, they need to be moistened with water and rubbed with a washcloth.
Concealer to hide stretch marks
A quick way to get rid of stretch marks, scars or marks is to use concealer. A cream with UV protection is suitable. But when applying foundation, it is better to avoid tanning so that the skin remains elastic, otherwise skin defects will be visible.
You can replace the cream with concealer or use a water-based primer. To make red stretch marks invisible, you need to opt for a concealer that has a greenish tint. To guess the color, you can experiment a little: buy two colors - light and dark - then mix them until smooth and get the desired result.
Carefully, taking a little product onto the brush, you need to blend it along the stretch. If you are planning a vacation on the beach, then first put on a bathing suit, and then apply concealer. You need to rub it in or blend it with a brush until you get the desired effect. It’s a good idea to fix the applied layer of cosmetics on the body with a make-up long-lasting product. It could be a spray.
There are many special permanent products for correcting various defects. With such cosmetics you can safely swim or be on the beach.
How to hide stretch marks on your stomach
You can hide stretch marks on your stomach with a tattoo, cosmetics, or the right swimsuit. Modern tattoo inks are of high quality and can cover skin defects well.
The size of the pattern depends on personal preference and the size of the stretch marks. The price of a tattoo session - 3-4 hours - varies from 3 to 10 thousand rubles.
Reference. The exact cost depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
Cosmetics have no effect on stretch marks, but they help disguise them. Effective concealers:
- Airbrush Legs by Redist. The product creates an even skin tone. Moisturizing components make it soft and velvety. Price - 1600 rub.
- Face and Body Foundation from MAC. This product contains reflective particles. Cost - 1500 rubles.
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. The cream has several shades. It dries quickly and mattifies the skin. Price - 630 rub.
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A swimsuit will help hide stretch marks and scars after a cesarean section. A win-win option is the monokini model. It has an open back and a hidden problem area. An equally impressive type of closed swimsuit is the plange. It features high-cut bottoms and a deep neckline.
