Knowing how to reduce stretch marks involves understanding how these scars develop in the skin as a result of the deterioration of elastin and collagen fibers.
While stretch marks are common among women, some individuals still view them as a significant cosmetic issue on their bodies.
Throughout this article, we provide essential information to help you understand how to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Happy reading!
What do stretch marks signify?
Stretch marks are linear depressions that form in areas of the skin that are prone to stretching, as viewed by dermatologists.
Such marks typically display bold or red coloring and develop a slight wrinkle and white hue as they age.
Why are stretch marks formed?
Striations develop due to the breakdown of elastin fibers, which provide elasticity and support but cannot indefinitely withstand the effects of linear lesions.
Where do stretch marks appear?
They can occur in any area of the body but are more common in areas where the skin is constantly stretched.
- Returns: Backs;
- Sir.
- Thighs.
- Gluteal muscles.
- Abdominal region.
- Weapons.
How to identify stretch marks?
Identifying these undesired scars is not difficult, as the streaks can be easily recognized by specific elements.
- White lines are visible.
- Itching suddenly appears.
- The presence of prominent or red lines on the skin in certain areas.
What types are the most frequently seen?
There are no distinct types of stretch marks, but rather various stages that start with inflammation, during which marks develop a dark or reddish color known as “recent states.”
Over time, the streaks will heal and turn into white lines known as “old age marks.”
What causes stretch marks to form?
The reasons for the development of stretch marks have not been completely understood, leading to differing opinions among experts.
Certain research has pinpointed hormones that can decrease collagen resistance in the skin, particularly in people with a genetic predisposition. This leads to inflammation, the breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers, and the development of scars.
Genetic factors play a significant role, along with other conditions that can encourage the development of stretch marks.
- Breast augmentation surgery.
- Bodybuilding at a high level of intensity.
- Rapid weight loss or gains;
- Corticoids usage.
- Adolescence is characterized by an increase in growth rate.
Is there a way to stop stretch marks from forming?
Stretch marks can be avoided with proper body care, excluding genetic factors. Some recommended methods include:
- Investing in a diverse and nutritious diet, which includes a variety of vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid consuming too much salt, fats, and sugary foods.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Drink approximately 2 liters of water daily.
- Maintain proper hydration for your body at all times by seeking advice from a dermatologist to select the most suitable moisturizing dermocosmetic for your skin.
Do they speak the truth about stretch marks?
We strongly advise against blindly believing everything we hear and suggest verifying information before considering it as undeniable truth. This is particularly important in today’s world, where there is a significant spread of information that may not always be based on reality.
This also applies to stretch marks. You may have come across the following statements before.
All expectant mothers will experience stretch marks.
Stretch marks are not guaranteed, but they often occur during pregnancy due to increased hormonal production, weight gain, and abdominal stretching.
It is entirely possible to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy by following some simple measures like staying hydrated, exercising, consuming ample water, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Moisturizing oils can help avoid the development of stretch marks.
Hydration is crucial for boosting collagen production and preventing the development of new stretch marks. Oils that offer effective hydration, either on their own or as part of body creams, can be freely utilized for this purpose.
Stretch marks are exclusive to women.
Men, similar to women, can develop striations, but they are less likely to do so. Striations typically appear on the arms of people who knit or engage in physical activities, caused by muscle hypertrophy in the biceps.
Knitting-induced growth stretches the fibers responsible for skin elasticity in this area, leading to the development of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are incurable.
After they have developed, they do not vanish entirely, but through clinical treatments and regular care, you can make them hardly noticeable.
What are the most effective methods to reduce stretch marks?
Treatments typically focus on rejuvenating the skin and boosting collagen production, which yields better results for newer stretch marks. Therefore, the most effective treatments for eliminating stretch marks are:
Carboxytherapy is a treatment involving the use of carbon dioxide.
Carboxitherapy involves injecting medicinal carbon dioxide under the skin to address issues such as sagging skin, excess fat in specific areas, cellulite, and particularly stretch marks.
The gas utilized in carboxitherapy functions by boosting the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and extracellular matrix.
The introduction of gas may lead to some slight discomfort as the skin briefly separates. This inconvenience is temporary and resolves quickly, along with any potential swelling at the site of application.
It is advisable to start the sessions with a smaller quantity of gas to gradually acclimate the patient to this highly effective technique.
Carboxytherapy is recommended for its ability to stretch tissues, introduce carbonic gas, and promote collagen fiber production.
- Treatment for cellulite reduces inflammation and eliminates cellulite fat by enhancing blood flow in the affected area.
- Carboxytherapy improves blood circulation in the targeted area, aiding in the process of fat burning and reducing flaccidity.
- Eyebrow treatment can lighten the skin and decrease puffiness near the eyes.
The most important advantages of this therapy are:
- Destroy the usual cellulite lumps.
- Encourage the body to burn fat.
- Promote the healing of wounds.
- Improve the appearance and decrease the size of scars.
- Speed up the metabolism in the local area.
- To encourage the production of collagen, which provides structural support to the skin.
- Increase the circulation of blood in the region.
The number of sessions needed to benefit from these advantages will vary based on the patients’ priorities, objectives, and body characteristics. It is important to consult with the professional overseeing the treatment to plan and evaluate each individual case.
On average, there are 10 sessions conducted weekly. The treatment should not go beyond 20 sessions, with a minimum interval of 6 months between treatments.
Patients can typically resume their activities without needing to rest after receiving carbon dioxide application.
The treatment outcomes are inconclusive, requiring further monitoring and potential resumption of sessions as advised by the overseeing doctor.
Most doctors suggest scheduling a follow-up appointment after six months for additional carboxytherapy sessions. It is important to note that carboxytherapy can be used in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments, exercise, and a healthy diet.
Remember to look for certified and well-qualified professionals and research the clinic thoroughly before making a decision.
Intradermotherapy is a type of therapy that is administered within the skin.
Intradermotherapy, also called mesotherapy, is a therapy involving the injection of medications either under the skin or directly onto the skin.
The medications used are selected by the esthetic biomedicals based on the treatment goals. This method, which was developed in France, focuses on delivering high levels of specific drugs to targeted areas.
Intradermotherapy is primarily suggested to assist patients in reducing stretch marks. It is also effective in treating skin aging on the face, sagging, localized fat, and cellulite for both men and women, making it the preferred treatment according to the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Biomedicine.
A biomedical esthetician is authorized and trained by their professional board to perform intradermotherapy.
The procedure involves using small, thin needles to deliver precise amounts of medication into the dermal and subcutaneous tissues. This allows the medication to target dermal cells for treating stretch marks and sagging skin, as well as fat cells for addressing cellulite and localized fat reduction.
Microinjections can reach a maximum drilling depth of 4 mm, delivering a mixture of plant extracts, enzymes, nutrients, lipolytic medications, vitamins, and amino acids.
These components promote vasodilation and enhance cell permeability, facilitating the transportation of substances.
Results will be visible following a minimum of five sessions, depending on the carefully chosen substances tailored to each patient and situation.
The professional in charge of administering applications, which typically last around 15 minutes, should be thoroughly trained to cover a wide range of knowledge. Some advantages of intradermotherapy are:
- The absence of negative reactions.
- During the hot summer months, it is a great choice because the treatment works quickly due to the direct application of medication to the area. To prevent bruising, it is advised to avoid sun exposure for the duration recommended by the professional.
- Up to 10 centimeters of fat can be lost in one session.
- Assistance provided for reducing cellulite, stretch marks, and sagging skin.
- Improves skin hydration and reduces wrinkles in just a few sessions.
- If carried out by a qualified professional such as a biomedical stethoscope, there are no health hazards.
Certain precautions should be followed before, during, and after applying treatments. It is advised that the individual keeps their skin clean and free from any remnants of cosmetics like makeup and moisturizers.
Anticoagulant substances like acetylsalicylic acid should be discontinued a few days prior to the treatment.
The patient should opt for clothing made of gentle and lightweight materials, like 100% cotton, during and after the treatment to prevent any rubbing on the treated area.
Avoid using fabrics in jeans as much as possible. Ice can be used to reduce hematomas, but be careful not to expose the area to the sun.
The patient should not undergo any other aesthetic treatments that affect the area treated with intradermotherapy without the knowledge and approval of the responsible biomedical esthetician.
