Unfortunately, we cannot constantly control our lives. And as a result of some events (for example, pregnancy), our body either gains extra pounds or suddenly loses them, which is why numerous spots appear on the body, abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

As a result of stretch marks, many women develop complexes. They become embarrassed about their bodies on the beaches and try to avoid sexual contact with men. But are any stripes worth such sacrifices? Of course not. And we advise you not to grieve over this, but to take various measures to eliminate them. Is it possible to remove stretch marks? And what are the most effective methods?

It is worth noting that stretch marks can be removed at home only if the stretch marks are “young” and care for them is carried out every day. “Old” stretch marks almost never can be eliminated. Even when using expensive creams, they still remain. But with home remedies you can make them less noticeable. So let's get started.

The most popular and effective way to eliminate stretch marks at home is. Shilajit is a natural medicine that is used to treat many diseases. But today it is used as a cosmetic product, as it perfectly regenerates and rejuvenates the skin.

To prepare a homemade remedy for stretch marks from mumijo, you will need:

• 2 – 3 mummy tablets;
• baby cream;
• warm boiled water.

Take mumiyos and fill them with a tablespoon of warm water. Stir the tablets until completely dissolved, and then combine them with baby cream. Select ingredients by eye. You should end up with a creamy, brown mixture.

This cream should be applied to problem areas every day. Attention! The product takes a very long time to absorb, so you should not wear clothes after applying it. And one more very important point: after the baby is born, this product should not be used, as the baby may not like the smell and will not latch on to the breast.

Another remedy that helps fight stretch marks at home is the use of scrubs. You can also easily prepare them at home. There are two types of homemade scrub - sweet and salty.

A coffee scrub is made from ground coffee and a softening ingredient, which can be any vegetable oil or shower gel. The sweet and salty scrub is made from sugar, salt and vegetable oil. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions.

These scrubs need to be massaged into problem areas every day while taking a shower. They will gradually polish the skin and the stretch marks will begin to disappear. Such products can be used both during pregnancy and lactation, as they are completely safe and do not provoke the development of allergic reactions.

Other remedies for stretch marks

You won't be able to completely remove stretch marks on your own. They can be made less noticeable. But to completely eliminate stretch marks, it is necessary to use other methods. Laser stretch mark removal is the safest and most effective method, but expensive.

However, considering that in the end after such procedures the skin becomes smooth, even and tightened, this covers its cost. Moreover, no other method provides such an effect as laser stretch mark removal.

Video about ways to eliminate stretch marks on the body

Video on how to get rid of stretch marks

Pregnancy for every woman is a joyful and long-awaited event, despite toxicosis and other difficulties, because nothing can compare with the happiness of upcoming motherhood. But almost all women after the birth of a baby have problems with the appearance and condition of their figure, one of which is stretch marks, popularly called skin stretch marks.

Many women face this unpleasant phenomenon, so the question of how to remove stretch marks after childbirth is very relevant.

Modern cosmetology and medicine, including folk medicine, offer many different ways to eliminate stretch marks.

Stretch marks are tears in the skin and its layers, which occurs due to the loss of natural firmness and elasticity. With increasing age, the skin becomes thinner and can tear under strong tension, which usually occurs during the development of the fetus in the uterus and the enlargement of the abdomen.

During this period, the skin experiences serious stress, which increases daily. Of course, the inner layers of the epidermis are torn, but this also affects the condition of the outer layer. In places of such ruptures, scars appear that have different lengths, thicknesses and shapes.

Skin breaks begin to be replaced by connective tissue, which does not contain collagen and elastin fibers, but is penetrated by capillaries, so at the initial stage of the appearance of stretch marks, they have a bright pink, lilac, bluish or even violet color, depending on the size of the break.

Gradually, the surface of the stretch marks becomes discolored, which makes them less noticeable, but the damage cannot disappear on its own, because, in fact, these are scars. Over time, the surface of the stretch marks turns white and acquires a slightly pearlescent tint, but the stretch marks cannot match the overall color of intact skin.

They become most noticeable when tanning, since the connective tissue that replaces the tears does not contain melanin. When tanned, stretch marks remain white.

Young skin has a high level of elasticity and firmness; it is capable of strong stretching and rapid restoration of its previous state without damage.

For this reason, young healthy girls who give birth before the age of 22 rarely experience the appearance of stretch marks. But for various reasons, the natural functions of the epidermis can be disrupted, causing the skin to become very thin and, when stretched, to tear from the inside.

Pregnancy often contributes to the appearance of stretch marks as hormonal levels change. With an increase in the level of progesterone and estrogen in a woman’s body, the level of natural production of collagen, which is responsible for the density of the skin and elastin, which is necessary for its stretching, decreases.

Thus, the skin loses its properties from the inside and, with the rapidly increasing size of the abdomen, does not have time to stretch and begins to tear. Unfortunately, it is impossible to fully regulate this process.

Often the cause of stretch marks is a predisposition to skin tears during pregnancy (heredity).

But, besides the hereditary factor, there are other reasons that determine not only the appearance of skin breaks, but also their number. These include:

• the presence of excess weight and the rate of weight gain during pregnancy;
• level of motor activity;
• the amount of vitamins entering a woman’s body during pregnancy;
• presence of bad habits, in particular smoking;
• age of the expectant mother;
• presence of metabolic disorders;
• the presence of diseases of the endocrine system, such as varying degrees of obesity or diabetes;
• weakness of the abdominal muscles.

We should not forget that stretch marks can appear not only on the stomach, thighs or legs. After childbirth, skin breaks may also appear on the breasts, which is due to the rapid retention of milk, which is why the skin is forced to sharply stretch.

To avoid the appearance of stretch marks or reduce their depth, length, width and even number, you can take a number of measures:

• Lubricate the skin throughout the entire period with special creams or gels, as well as oils with a high content of vitamin E, which include peach, olive and almond oil.
• Eat foods rich in vitamins or take additional vitamin complexes.
• Wear from the second half of pregnancy until childbirth, choosing or adjusting the size correctly.
• Wear the correct size bra, especially in the second half of pregnancy and after childbirth, since the breasts need increased support during this period.

Cosmetological methods for removing stretch marks

Modern cosmetology allows you to eliminate stretch marks after childbirth using the following methods:

1. Mesotherapy. Using microinjections, nutritional cocktails and mixtures are introduced under the skin. Each mixture is unique in composition and is prepared immediately before administration, taking into account the patient’s needs. Cocktails can contain not only nutritional components and vitamins, but also medicinal substances, amino acids, plant extracts, enzymes and collagen. The technique is highly effective and can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and its condition in 10 sessions.
2. Laser resurfacing. This method is effective in the fight against stretch marks of varying degrees of maturity, since it allows you to almost completely lighten fresh breaks, and make small ones invisible. For old and large stretch marks, the technique allows you to achieve pronounced results, smoothing, adding pigment, thereby visually hiding the damage. The procedure is aimed at evaporating the upper layers of the skin, leveling the overall surface and stimulating regeneration processes. Laser resurfacing of stretch marks is an effective procedure, but it requires several months after childbirth. To eliminate deep or old stretch marks, several procedures are required. After each treatment, crusts form on the skin and fall off on their own after 2 weeks. The interval between sessions is about a month.
3. Vacuum and vacuum-roller massage. The procedure is carried out using special devices, the operation of which is based on the principle of skin suction with a given force. The technique allows you to improve the condition of the skin, strengthen muscles and blood vessels, increase blood circulation in the treated area, and accelerate regeneration processes.
4. Laser nanoperforation. A unique technique that uses a special laser attachment that splits the beam into nano-rays. The procedure is much less invasive and promotes almost complete renewal of the surface layers of the skin in the treatment areas.
5. Fractional thermolysis. Damaged areas of the skin are removed by exposing them to heat, for which warm types of lasers are used, broken into microbeams that form a lattice. The technique allows for the removal of even deep and old stretch marks and scars.
6. Chemical peeling. The type of treatment agent is selected individually and depends on the number of stretch marks in a certain area of ​​the skin and their depth. Each type of procedure has not only its own indications, but also its own contraindications, so before carrying out the treatment it is necessary to consult with a cosmetologist.
7. Diamond microdermabrasion. This procedure is called a mechanical type of skin resurfacing and with its help, the top layer of the epidermis is removed, leveling the overall relief, using microscopic diamond chips applied to the skin under pressure by a special apparatus.
8. Injection methods, for example, bioreparation, in which hyaluronic acid is injected directly under the skin break in combination with vitamins and amino acids, which stimulate skin renewal and restoration of collagen fibers in the treated area.
9. Ozone therapy– atomic oxygen is introduced under the skin in combination with an ozone mixture, stimulating skin renewal processes. During carboxytherapy, carbon dioxide is injected under the skin, stimulating the processes of natural neocollagenesis.
10. Wraps, mud masks, as well as applying creams and ointments. But such techniques can only help in cases where the stretch marks are small, fresh and present in small quantities.

Is it possible to remove stretch marks at home?

When choosing home methods for removing stretch marks, you should remember that it will not be possible to remove old stretch marks.

You need to start the process of self-treatment of skin damage after childbirth as early as possible, for example, 2-3 weeks after the baby is born.

To eliminate stretch marks on your own, the following are often used:

• Daily massage with almond, orange, olive, peach oil and hazelnut or wheat germ oil. Massage movements should be light, without strong stretching of the skin.
• Scrubs – Traditional medicine offers many recipes for preparing body scrubs at home, which are based on ground coffee, ground apricot kernels, and sugar. Sour cream and various oils are added to scrubs. Scrubs should be applied to the skin 10-15 minutes before showering.
• Ready-made cosmetic compositions for stretch marks purchased in stores. They should be applied to the skin in combination with light massage and tingling. You should choose products that contain essential oils and extracts of citrus plants, elastin, collagen and fruit acids.
• Mumiyo. Dissolve two tablets or capsules in a small amount of nutritional, vitamin or baby cream, mix thoroughly until smooth and apply to clean skin. The substance perfectly heals damaged skin, accelerating regeneration processes, eliminating small stretch marks, and making large stretch marks less noticeable. But you need to use this remedy to eliminate stretch marks every day for several months.

Does sport help fight stretch marks?

Exercise helps maintain skin tone. In addition, by playing sports, a woman after childbirth loses the excess weight gained during pregnancy.

It is impossible to remove existing stretch marks that formed during pregnancy using this method, but sports will help prevent new skin breaks from appearing. You can start regular sports activities 2-3 months after giving birth.

Sports help prevent the appearance of stretch marks. If a woman did exercises daily before pregnancy and during its course, then the risk of skin tears will be minimal, since the epidermis is in good shape and has a sufficient level of elasticity.

Of course, it is much easier to prevent the appearance of stretch marks than to try to get rid of them after the baby is born, but for this you need to take care of your body and skin condition every day from the first weeks of pregnancy.

In addition to regular sports activities, oils containing vitamin E should be applied to the skin of the abdomen and thighs, for example, peach, olive or wheat germ oil, almond oil is also suitable.

You can use special creams based on natural oils, additionally enriched with vitamin E.

It is also necessary to monitor your weight, avoiding a strong increase; to do this, you should balance your diet by including more fruits and fresh vegetables in your diet, while reducing the consumption of fatty foods and flour products.

You should also consume foods that activate the natural synthesis of elastin and collagen in the body, for example, eggs, meat, fresh cheese, vegetable oils and protein-rich foods.

Useful video on how to deal with stretch marks after childbirth

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The beauty of women is surrounded by enemies - these are wrinkles, dry skin, excess weight and stretch marks, which appear in every second lady. The most effective methods and pharmaceutical products are collected in our article!

The main thing in the article

Why stretch marks appear - the main reasons

The name “stretch marks” speaks for itself: traumatic stretching of the skin leads to the formation of damage, which our body “sews up” with connective tissue. As a result, red stripes are formed, which over time become whitish. The causes of such scars are:

• Weight jumps. Rapid weight loss or weight gain, for example due to dieting or pregnancy.
• Hormonal imbalance most often leads to stretch marks in adolescents. The period from 15 to 25 years is considered the most favorable for stretch marks.
• Genetics. If a mother or grandmother had stretch marks, the woman automatically falls into the risk zone of being prone to them.

Advice! Nutritionists believe that when losing weight in 1 month, a woman should lose only 2% of her body weight. That is, with an initial weight of 60 kg in 30 days you can lose 1.2 kg.

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy: preventing stretch marks

During pregnancy, weight gain cannot be avoided; preventative sports are also not an option, and you have to be content with creams and folk remedies. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, the following measures are effective:

• Eat a lot of protein, which is involved in metabolic processes and is the main building block for muscle mass.
• Moisturize your skin regularly. These can be store-bought products labeled “for pregnant women” or oils, such as almond, olive and wheat germ. Avent, Pregnacare, and Mama Care creams have proven themselves well.
• Light peeling tones the skin. Use scrubs based on coffee, sugar or citrus fruits.
• Carrot juice is rich in beta-carotene. Therefore, when drinking a glass of juice, do not forget to anoint risk areas with it: thighs, stomach, chest and legs.

How to get rid of stretch marks at home?

The possibility of getting rid of stretch marks depends on their color; in principle, everything is the same as with scars. The red ones are quite easy to remove, but a good cream or laser can deal with the already white ones.
Therefore, do not delay, and after detecting the first red stretch marks, get down to business. Removal at home is performed using 3 procedures:

• Scrub to remove dead cells, superficial massage. You can make a remedy from ½ part of a glass of sea salt and 200 ml of vegetable oil, to this composition you can add 100 g of sugar. Before the procedure, make sure that there is no damage to the skin, otherwise it will hurt. Steam the skin with hot water, rub with a terry towel and apply a scrub, carefully rubbing in grains of salt.
• Rubbing in medicinal oils to restore the skin. Rubbing also resembles a massage, and for it you will need rosemary, orange, jasmine and lavender oil (10 drops each), 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice, 100 ml jojoba oil or wheat germ. Mix the mixture and apply to stretch marks before bed after scrubbing.
• Massage. You can seek therapeutic massage from a professional, or ask your spouse or girlfriend for a gentle massage with vitamin E 2-3 times a week.

Interesting to know! Do the massage along the following lines: hands move along the hips and waist from top to bottom, and along the stomach and chest in a circular motion, the last movement is rubbing from the spine down to the buttocks and calves.

The best remedies for stretch marks

• Mumiyo in tablets mixed with baby cream.
• Johnson & Johnson oils and lotions that moisturize the skin increase its elasticity.
• Sea buckthorn oil mixed in equal proportions with baby cream.
• Massage and wraps with honey.

Advice! Use all products before bed, oils and creams with mumiyo are applied for 12 hours, so prepare clothes and bedding that you don’t mind getting dirty.

You can make these remedies yourself, spending no more than 200 rubles for a 2-week course. If there are a lot of stretch marks, and some of them have already turned white, then we recommend turning to official cosmetology.

Preparations for stretch marks on the skin

Cosmetic preparations for removing stretch marks on the skin must meet the following requirements:
The cream contains collagen or elastin, which promote skin elasticity and restore it.

• The composition is enriched with vitamins B, A, and E, unsaturated fatty acids, for example, linolenic acid.
• Vitamin antioxidants in the form of vitamin C.
• Iodine in its pure form discolors stretch marks in 2-3 months.
• Substances for regeneration and stimulants of blood circulation.
• Well-known manufacturer and decent price. Removing stretch marks using cheap creams most often does not give a positive result.

When choosing a cream, be sure to take a closer look at the Vergeturine and Vichy brands. The products are expensive, but their consumption is low, and you will notice the effect of eliminating stretch marks within 2-3 weeks. The creams of these brands are absolutely safe, do not cause allergic reactions, and do not contain aggressive dyes or fragrances.

Creams for stretch marks for pregnant women

Be that as it may, creams for stretch marks are most necessary for pregnant women. During pregnancy, the skin stretches unevenly, hormones rage, and from 3-4 months you should start using remedies for stretch marks. We have compiled a review of the best cosmetic creams and oils for pregnant girls and nursing mothers.

Cream for stretch marks 9 months

You can purchase this product in a dosage of 150 ml at the pharmacy for only 400 rubles. It is intended to care for problematic skin during pregnancy and in the first months after it.

Cream “9 months” contains Shea butter, wheat germ, grapefruit, echinacea, glycerin and excipients. It is used 1-2 times a day for skin care and as a massage base. In addition to stretch marks, the cream effectively copes with cellulite, fat deposits, and skin aging.

Anti-stretch mark cream Avent

Avent proved its effectiveness even during testing, and after the start of sales, the product began to literally fly off the shelves. The reason for this was the excellent penetrating properties of the cream and its natural composition:

• Shea seed oil is high in linoleic acid. It helps the skin recover, improves blood flow and promotes rejuvenation.
• An extract from algae, thanks to which the cream is suitable for any skin type, including the most sensitive.
• Papaya oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin. It is often used to treat dermatological skin diseases.

The product is used 1-2 times a day, the cost of 200 ml starts from 700 rubles.

Cream for stretch marks Mama comfort

100 ml of this cream against stretch marks costs 180–200 rubles. “Mama Comfort” contains hyaluronic acid, horse chestnut extract and vegetable oils. This is one of the most effective, popular and budget creams in its category, which is recommended by women and doctors.

Mustela cream for stretch marks

96% of women using Mustela cream did not find stretch marks on their bodies during pregnancy and pregnancy. The secret of the magical effect of the cream is in its composition:

• Shea Butter.
• Avocado extract soothes the skin and prevents traumatic stretching.
• Japanese Sophora, which stimulates cell renewal and regeneration.
• Auxiliary lupeol (betulinic acid) and elasto-regulator for skin elasticity.

Apply the cream twice a day, thoroughly rubbing it into the skin. But the cost of such a product cannot be called budgetary: about 1200 rubles for 30 ml.

During your entire pregnancy and breastfeeding, you will have to spend about 15 thousand rubles on Mustela cream, but the result remains illusory. Of course, it is better to calmly carry and feed the child and go for laser stretch mark removal, which gives a 99% guarantee.

Cream for stretch marks Sanosan

Our review ends with Sanosan stretch mark cream, a German product made from Shea butter, hibiscus extract, and chitosan, which is a derivative of quinine.

"Sanosan mama" is developed and tested, it contains only natural ingredients. Apply a thin layer of the product 2 times a day to areas prone to stretch marks. It is recommended to use from 2–3 months of pregnancy, the approximate cost of 100 ml of Sanosan mama is 400–450 rubles, which is quite economical.

Folk remedies for stretch marks

• To remove stretch marks using folk remedies, you can use a simple recipe made from milk and chamomile. Chamomile is steamed with milk, infused for 12 hours, then a cloth is soaked in the broth and such a compress is applied to the area with stretch marks.

• The second great remedy is rosemary oil. 8 drops rosemary oil per 2 tbsp. l. almond or olive oil will be enough to get rid of fresh stretch marks in 3 weeks. Just rub this oil base into damaged areas 1-2 times a day.

Of course, oils are only effective when combined with homemade scrubs made from coffee, sugar and salt, and oatmeal. Exfoliate before bed, then apply oils throughout the night, which will ensure complete hydration and penetration of beneficial substances.

Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy

There is nothing more effective and reliable than natural oils, especially when it comes to the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Olive oil contains a high content of the main beauty vitamin E, which will ensure normal blood circulation, gently moisturize the skin and prevent its extreme stretching. Vitamin A present in this oil prevents rupture of connective tissues. Cold-pressed olive oil, containing the maximum amount of beneficial substances, is applied to problem areas once a day before bed, combining the procedure with a light massage.

Advice! It is best to use olive oil from the first days of pregnancy, applying it in a thick layer and removing excess with a dry cloth.

Almond and coconut oils for stretch marks

The second most effective in the fight against stretch marks are almond and coconut oils. They can be the basis or used as part of complex products made from wheat germ, olive and Shea oil.

Almond and coconut oils stimulate collagen production and moisturize the skin, which makes them indispensable in the fight against stretch marks. Apply oils 1-2 times a day after showering and peeling, without washing off at night.

Shilajit for stretch marks: recipe

Shilajit is a pharmaceutical drug that has an unpleasant odor and a fabulous effect in the fight against stretch marks. 10 mummy tablets cost about 120–140 rubles, and 1 cream for children costs only 30–40 rubles.

To prepare a remedy for stretch marks, dilute 1 mummy tablet in 1 tbsp. l. water, add another spoonful of baby cream, mix and apply to problem areas. This product is effective for fresh and old stretch marks; apply it before bed, after steaming the skin and treating it with a scrub.

Advice! If you don’t like the smell of mumiyo at all, then you can “fill in” it with any essential oil, for example, tangerine or grapefruit.

How to remove old stretch marks?

Dealing with old stretch marks is a difficult task that requires patience and money. For these purposes, pharmaceutical products are used:

• Cream-gel Stretch Mark Control from Clarins, the cost of which ranges from 1.6 thousand rubles. The drug restores elasticity, penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, relieving you of old scars. The product contains 8 base oils and auxiliary components. Approximate duration of use is 1-3 months.
• Intensive Anti-Stretch Marks Cream from COLLISTAR, containing enzymes and amino acids that fight the destruction of elastin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamins that visually darken stretch marks. The cost of Intensive Anti-Stretch Marks Cream from COLLISTAR is 2–2.5 thousand rubles.
• Cream BODY EXPERT from Faberlic restores damaged fibers and prevents skin stretching. The most budget-friendly product, the price of which is less than 500 rubles.

As you can see, you cannot run stretch marks. Otherwise, the amount for their treatment may be more than 10 thousand rubles.

Ways to remove stretch marks

If the stretch marks are very old and the skin is sensitive, then it is best to resort to the services of a cosmetology clinic.

About 70% of the planet'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 quick restoration of the skin. But how not to get lost in all this diversity?

Striae and the reasons for their appearance

The mechanism of formation of stretch marks, called striae by doctors, has been known for a long time. After the skin fibers rupture, the damaged areas are “stitched” together with 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 imbalances.

This may happen:

• during pregnancy- when the abdomen and breasts enlarge;
• for weight fluctuations- quickly gaining extra pounds or 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, the active period of growth involves transformation of the skeleton and other changes in the body, which the skin cannot keep up with (adolescent changes are cited as the main cause of stretch marks on the back, and in girls, stretch marks can form on the hips and chest);
• for metabolic disorders- there is a failure in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the skin becomes inelastic and “tears”.

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 fatty deposits, in athletes;
• on the chest - during pregnancy and lactation, with a rapid increase in muscle mass, in teenage girls, with excess weight;
• on the thighs and buttocks- with sudden changes in weight, in athletes, during adolescence, less often during pregnancy.

Prevention: 3 procedures 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 elastin and collagen synthesis.

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

1. Cold and hot shower . The session should begin with hot water and end with cold water.
2. Nourishing application + massage. Rub a cosmetic product designed to prevent stretch marks between your palms and massage 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 (for example, olive).

To enhance the effect, it is advisable to scrub the areas of the body that are prone to stretching once a week. The product can be purchased, 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 condition of the muscle corset, so rational physical activity is an important step for the prevention of stretch marks. It is necessary to select feasible exercises for those areas 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 affirmative, there are several points to consider when setting out to cure stretch marks.

• Act immediately. Pink, red-bluish, purple stretch marks 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 capillaries. It is not possible to completely remove old stretch marks from the skin: it is only possible to make them less noticeable.
• Combine different methods. Using several methods at once aimed at combating stretch marks significantly increases the chances of success.
• Do not stop. Removing stretch marks is a long process, so you should be patient. It may take several months to achieve visible results. Procedures should be resorted to regularly, and not from time to time.

Folk and professional cosmetics

Treatment of fresh stretch marks on the skin can be done at home. Stretch marks can be affected by using 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;

Folk remedies are also effective in the fight against stretch marks.

Scrub

1. Mix finely ground sea salt and cane sugar in equal proportions.
2. Add enough olive oil until the mixture has the consistency of a paste.
3. Apply to damp skin with stretch marks with massaging movements, after two to three minutes rinse with warm water.
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 mumiyo 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 stir.
3. Apply to problem areas every evening after shower.
4. Wash off after two to three hours.

Wraps

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

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

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

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

The procedure will also 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 a hard washcloth.
3. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
4. Lubricate areas of the body with stretch marks with the prepared mixture.
5. Wrap treated areas with cling film.
6. Wear 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 product.

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

Beauty baths

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

Fragrant

1. Add five to eight drops of essential oil suitable for combating stretch marks to a bath filled with warm water.
2. The pre-fragrant product must 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 into a liter of boiling water and leave in a steam bath for ten minutes.
2. Filter and pour into a bathtub filled with warm water.

Saline

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 along with the salt mixture in a bathtub filled with warm water.
4. Wrap the remaining kelp after making the infusion in a small piece of gauze and also lower it into the water.

Pitfalls of home treatment

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

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

Using the table, you can determine a 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 make sure that the chest is located above the water level.

In a specialist’s office: radical methods

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

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

Each of the listed procedures has a number of contraindications, which you need to carefully read. You should also first consult with your doctor about the feasibility 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 using specially designed products. Well proven:

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

Contrast showers and massages, as well as physical activity, should only be used after consultation with a doctor. In some cases, even despite preventive measures taken, stretch marks may still appear after childbirth. Their treatment must be started immediately. You can fight stretch marks on your stomach after giving birth using the home methods listed above. However, it is necessary:

• consult a doctor;
• stop using essential oils;
• do not allow cosmetics to get into the baby’s mouth;
• Stop using the product if undesirable effects occur.

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

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

Today, stretch marks are a problem for many women. Even some men suffer from unpleasant skin irregularities. If unwanted formations have already appeared, then you should not give up. There are many methods to combat stretch marks; you can even get rid of them at home.

Stretch marks are scars that form as a result of a decrease in the concentration of collagen and elastin in cells. During constant stretching of the skin, cracks appear, which are instantly filled with connective tissue. It is for this reason that stretch marks differ in color from the main cover.

These formations are also called striae. They can appear in the abdomen, chest, thighs, and even arms.

You can and should fight stretch marks, the main thing is to do it competently and consciously.

Causes of appearance on the skin

1. Pregnancy and lactation period. It is at this time that a woman is most likely to develop stretch marks. All systems in the body are completely rebuilt, the rhythm of life changes, and weight increases. Such changes often lead to consequences in the form of unpleasant formations on the skin.
2. Failure of the hormonal and endocrine systems. Such disorders often lead to the appearance of stretch marks.
3. Adolescence. It is often during this period that boys and girls develop stretch marks. It's all about a sharp growth spurt. The skin may not keep up with the pace of the body. It is worth noting that older people often suffer from the appearance of stretch marks, since the concentration of collagen in the tissues is noticeably reduced.
4. Due to physical activity. If a person has a reduced elastin content in his tissues, and he is actively involved in sports, then there is a risk of stretch marks. They can occur due to small tears in the skin. This is especially true for lovers of strength training.
5. A sharp jump in weight. Perhaps the most common cause of stretch marks. Rapid weight loss or gain is a great stress for the human body. The skin cannot always keep up with the changes occurring in the body, which leads to the appearance of unpleasant formations.
6. Genetics. Not everyone is born with elastic and smooth skin. If you take proper and regular care of yourself, you can overcome heredity.
7. Food. This is not the main factor, but it should not be neglected. Don't indulge in sweets and fatty foods if you don't want to get unpleasant formations on your skin.

Types of stretch marks

There are several classifications of types of stretch marks. Let's look at the main ones.

According to form

1. Thread-like. These are barely noticeable white stripes.
2. Scars. Pale pink scars of small size.
3. Longitudinal. Stripes of bluish-burgundy color. After some time, such stretch marks acquire a lighter shade.

By color

1. White.
2. Reds.
3. Purple.

By direction

1. Horizontal orientation. The main cause of such stretch marks is a disruption in the hormonal system.
2. Vertical (longitudinal) direction. These stretch marks often occur due to weight gain or pregnancy.

By stages of development

1. First. Fresh stretch marks are purple or red in color.
2. Second. Over time, stretch marks become faded and less noticeable. Eventually, the formations become white. But in some cases, stretch marks remain red forever.

How to get rid of them

Stretch marks are not dangerous to human health. This is just a cosmetic defect that causes discomfort to most people. Everyone wants to look beautiful in a swimsuit, so you need to deal with unpleasant formations. There are many ways to do this. It is worth noting that all of them can be used on any part of the body (the exception is the chest, for which only Garcia massage, wraps, scrubs).

Fighting stretch marks at home

You can get rid of stretch marks even at home. But to do this, you need to carefully study the information about various procedures so as not to harm yourself.

Scrubs

1. The first product is made from ground coffee. A prerequisite is that the product is natural. Pour boiling water over the coffee until it has the consistency of thick yogurt. Wait 15 minutes. It is necessary to scrub dry skin, since this method is the most effective. Five minutes will be enough. After the procedure, it is advisable to take a contrast shower.
2. For the next scrub you will need a teaspoon of sugar, salt and olive oil. Combine the ingredients and massage the resulting mixture onto your skin for five minutes. There is no need to apply cream after such a scrub, since the oil will keep the skin sufficiently moisturized.
3. Another interesting remedy against stretch marks is a scrub based on sour cream and cocoa. Take a tablespoon of each ingredient, add 10 g of coarse salt and mix everything thoroughly. Apply the product to problem areas and rub it into the skin for ten minutes. Then take a warm shower.

Remember that if you are individually intolerant to the components, you cannot use scrubs. Also, do not use the product too often, once a week will be enough.

Scrubs are not the most effective treatment for stretch marks. However, if you do the procedures regularly, then after six months the unpleasant formations will noticeably fade.

Folk remedies

There are also folk options for dealing with stretch marks. These include:

• Apple vinegar;
• aspirin;
• vitamin e;
• aloe;
• levomekol;
• glycerol;
• rosemary;
• Guam;
• star;
• black clay;
• turmeric;
• pumice;
• kelp;
• gelatin;
• celandine;
• lactic acid, etc.

Using honey, asterisk, vitamin E, glycerin and rosemary ether, massage problem areas. A wrap is made using clay, apple cider vinegar, aloe, black clay, turmeric, kelp and gelatin. Celandine is used locally, in places where stretch marks are most pronounced. You need to be careful with pumice, because you can seriously harm yourself. In general, folk remedies are not as effective as other methods of eliminating stretch marks. You will have to wait a long time for the result.

Masks

1. The most popular mask against stretch marks is alginate. This product can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of a gel. The big advantage of the mask is that it is hypoallergenic. The gel contains mineral clay, ginseng, essential oils and alginates themselves. The mask helps to reduce body weight, reduce body fat and smooth out stretch marks. The product is applied to the body using a special brush. After this, the problem area must be wrapped in cling film and left for half an hour. It is advisable to lie covered with a blanket all this time. The gel is removed in one motion, since it turns into a film on the body. The procedures must be completed in a course - from 10 to 15. The mask can be done several times a week.
2. Another mask against stretch marks is made based on aloe. Take a few leaves of the plant and scoop out the pulp using a spoon. Add 10 ml of olive oil to aloe. Apply the resulting mask to problem areas. After an hour, wash off the product. Do the procedure twice a week for a month.
3. The next mask is made using avocado and clay. Mash the fruit with a fork until it has the consistency of thick yogurt. Add two tablespoons of any clay to the resulting slurry. Pour the same amount of ground oatmeal into the product. You also need to pour a teaspoon of peach oil into the mask. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and apply the product to stretch marks. After a quarter of an hour, take a cool shower. Do the procedure once a week for six months.

Bandage

The bandage against stretch marks is used mainly by pregnant girls. It is important that the product is made of high-quality hypoallergenic material. The bandage should not squeeze or cause you other unpleasant sensations. There is a prenatal, postnatal and universal product. The name corresponds to the period of wear. Universal, suitable for both pregnancy and recovery after it. A good bandage does not interfere with the normal development of the child.

Rules for using the bandage:

• every three hours you need to rest from wearing for 30 minutes;
• when sleeping, you need to take off the product;
• During the last month of pregnancy, the support belt can only be worn when walking.

The only contraindication to the use of a bandage is the position of the child in the womb other than normal. In any case, you should consult your doctor before using the product.

Creams and gels

1. One of the most affordable and effective creams against stretch marks is Contractubex. The product can remove even old scars, so it can cope with less noticeable formations. The main thing in this case is patience. Contractubex must be used for six months to achieve the desired result.
2. Another well-known remedy against stretch marks is the cream from Green Mama. The big advantage of the product is its natural composition. The cream is suitable even for very sensitive skin. You can use it for a long time until the unpleasant formations are less noticeable.
3. One of the most expensive creams for stretch marks is Lierac. It can even rid you of old formations. In addition, the cream gives the skin a uniform appearance and makes it more elastic. Lierac's product is more suitable for mature women and those who have quickly lost weight. You can use the cream for six months, and then you need to take a break for a month.
4. A popular remedy against stretch marks is Mederma gel. In its effect it is similar to Contractubex and is not inferior to it in effectiveness. The gel is able to remove scars, scars, acne marks and other formations on the skin. In addition, the product moisturizes and nourishes cells well. You can use the gel until the desired result is achieved.

Cosmetic procedures

In addition to fighting stretch marks at home, you can visit salon treatments. Of course, specialists will help you decide on a suitable complex and advise you. Let's look at the most popular and effective cosmetic procedures against stretch marks.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a procedure during which a special composition is injected under the skin. It is selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the client and is usually completely natural.

There are two main types of mesotherapy:

1. Traditional. In this case, the mesococktail is injected under the skin using thin needles. It is worth considering that discomfort may occur. The method is absolutely not suitable for people who are terrified of injections.
2. Hardware. The main difference between this method is that there is no pain. It is recommended to choose the hardware type if the area of ​​skin being treated has a large area (thighs, abdomen, etc.).

The vitamin cocktail penetrates through the pores under high pressure, so the procedure has no consequences in the form of swelling and bruises.

• Mesotherapy has a small number of contraindications. These include:
• pregnancy;
• cholelithiasis;
• oncological diseases;
• infections;

blood diseases.

To make stretch marks less noticeable, you need to do five to ten procedures. A specialist will tell you how much you need. You can do mesotherapy once every 7 days. After the procedure, you cannot go to the pool or sauna, or sunbathe.

Peeling

• Peeling is a procedure to remove the upper layers of the epithelium. Thanks to regular sessions, collagen synthesis accelerates. It is worth noting that peeling is a serious stress for the body, so pay attention to the following contraindications:
• cardiovascular diseases;
• wounds and inflammations on the skin;
• infectious diseases;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• intolerance to the components included in the peeling;

period of menstruation.

There are two most effective peelings against stretch marks:

Darsonval The action of Darsonval's device occurs due to a current of low strength but high frequency. The procedures increase collagen synthesis in tissues, and excess and diseased cells are gradually eliminated. Darsonval acts gently, without causing the patient any discomfort during the process. A specialist in the salon will help you choose the appropriate nozzle and correctly perform the procedure. The main thing is to watch your feelings, they should be extremely pleasant. It is not recommended to use the device yourself, as you may harm yourself.

Minor tingling sensations during the process are normal.

Ozone therapy

Ozone therapy is a procedure during which a substance with the formula O3 is injected under the skin using a thin needle. Active oxygen helps improve blood circulation and metabolism, as well as eliminate toxic substances from cells. The skin becomes firmer and more elastic. Stretch marks are smoothed out and sometimes completely eliminated. A course of ozone therapy usually lasts from 10 to 15 sessions. The procedure should not bring you pain or discomfort.

Ozone therapy has the following contraindications:

• active oxygen intolerance;
• increased blood clotting;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• convulsive syndrome;
• hyperthyroidism;
• bleeding of any origin.

Plasmolifting

Plasmolifting is a procedure during which the patient is given injections of his own blood. Thanks to this, collagen production significantly improves, the skin becomes firmer and smoother. Blood for the procedure is taken from a vein and then processed until plasma is formed. This lifting can reduce the appearance of even the oldest stretch marks. It is worth noting that the procedure is quite expensive, but it is definitely worth it. It is recommended to do plasma lifting once every two weeks. A specialist will help you decide on the number of sessions.

Plasmolifting has the following contraindications:

• wounds and inflammations on the skin;
• Mesotherapy has a small number of contraindications. These include:
• allergy to anti- and procoagulants;
• poor blood clotting;
• the presence of serious illnesses.

Hyaluronic acid

Stretch marks can be removed by injecting a special preparation under the skin. It usually contains hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids. During the procedure, the process of skin cell renewal is activated, due to which stretch marks gradually become less noticeable. The number of sessions is determined by the specialist in the salon depending on your initial data.

Before you begin treating stretch marks with hyaluronic acid, you must familiarize yourself with the following contraindications:

• allergy to the components of the drug;
• skin diseases;
• blood clotting disorder;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• tendency to form keloid scars.

Mesothreads

Mesothreads are often used to tighten skin that already produces collagen poorly. The procedure is one of the safest, since natural materials are used during its implementation.

• cholelithiasis;
• Using very thin steel needles, mesothreads are inserted under the skin. After six months, the material completely disintegrates and is removed from the tissues. The principle of operation of mesothreads is based on the formation of collagen and elastin. Connective tissue grows around the injected material, making the skin more elastic and stretch marks gradually disappear. Despite the safety of mesothreads, the procedure has some contraindications:
• reduced immunity;
• chronic hyperthermia (high temperature);

inflammatory skin diseases.

Interestingly, anesthesia is not needed during the session, since pain should not occur.

It is worth considering that after the procedure you should not expose your skin to overheating or sunbathe for several weeks. Active sports are also not recommended. A specialist will help you decide on the number of sessions and their frequency.

Microcurrents

Microcurrents are a physiotherapeutic procedure that has a positive effect on the skin of the body. During the session, blood circulation and intracellular metabolism improves. It is interesting that microcurrents practically do not carry with them any unpleasant consequences in the form of various complications. Stretch marks gradually smooth out, and the skin becomes more elastic. The principle of operation of the procedure is the effect of current on old cells, due to which the tissues are actively restored and healed.

• The number of sessions and their frequency are determined individually for each case.
• Contraindications to microcurrents are:
• individual intolerance to current influences;
• epilepsy;
• various types of cardiopathy and heart rhythm disorders;
• the presence of a pacemaker and other electrical devices in the patient’s body;
• cholelithiasis;
• the presence of metal pins in the bones or gold threads in the skin;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;

chronic diseases during exacerbation or acute viral or inflammatory diseases;

1. Clay based recipe. Take 50 grams of dry matter, add a few drops of lemon ether to it. Dilute the resulting mixture with water and bring the wrap to the consistency of thick yogurt. Apply the product to problem areas and wrap in cling film. After an hour, wash off the clay. You can do this wrap without interruption until you are satisfied with the result.
2. Chocolate. Take cocoa powder and dissolve it in water. It should have the consistency of thick yogurt. Apply the paste to problem areas of the skin, wrap yourself in film and lie quietly for about half an hour. The wrap is safe for health, so there are no restrictions on the number of uses.
3. Vinegar. It is considered quite effective. Take vinegar made from apples and mix it with water in a ratio of 1:3. Apply the liquid to problem areas for half an hour. Do the procedure at least once a week until results are achieved.

Massage

1. Honey. Take some liquid sweetness and heat it in your palms. Then lightly pat the area where the stretch marks appear with your hands. Fifteen minutes will be enough. After the procedure, take a contrast shower. Honey massage can be done several times a week until you achieve the desired result. Do not forget about contraindications, which include: allergies to the composition, hypertension, pregnancy and inflammation in the problem area.
2. Canned. To carry out the procedure, you need to purchase special devices. It is necessary to fix the jar on the skin and make circular movements. Gradually increase the speed, and reduce it towards the end of the massage. Before the procedure, you can lie in a hot bath to steam the skin. It's good if after the massage you take a contrast shower. The course is usually 10 procedures, the frequency of sessions is once a week. Cupping massage has the following contraindications: various types of inflammation in the affected areas, blood diseases, disorders of the nervous system, a tendency to open bleeding, problems with the heart and blood vessels, thrombophlebitis.
3. Vacuum. During the procedure, the top layer of skin is subjected to serious irritation, which accelerates cellular metabolism. Vacuum massage is recommended to be done exclusively in a specialist’s salon. Stretch marks noticeably fade after just a few sessions. The contraindications for the procedure are the same as for cupping massage.
4. Garcia massage differs from other procedures in that it can be performed even on the chest. During the session you will not experience any discomfort. The massage is a complex of light stroking and pinching, thanks to which the cells begin to actively renew themselves. The procedure can be performed daily.

Exercises

For best results, perform the exercises daily.

Surgical methods for removing stretch marks

The main advantage of surgical removal of stretch marks is the complete relief of the patient from unpleasant formations.

The operation is classified as plastic and is recommended only in extreme cases. Usually people who have long-standing deep stretch marks go for this. You can only find out all the details about the operation specifically for your case from your attending physician.

Features of nutrition for stretch marks The main rule of nutrition for stretch marks is balance. You should not overeat or eat too little as this can lead to weight gain or loss, which will only make the situation worse. Be sure to include lean fish, chicken breast, beef and seafood in your diet. Increasing your protein intake will promote good collagen and elastin production. Also remember to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible every day. It is advisable to have fresh plant foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't forget to watch your fats, be sure to consume unrefined olive or sunflower oil, as well as nuts. Try to exclude sweets, flour and alcohol from your menu.

These products interfere with normal metabolism, causing the skin to become less elastic.

Vegetables should be present in every meal Fruits can replace sweets Low-fat fish is very useful in the fight against stretch marks Lean beef is one of the healthiest types of meat Chicken breast contains little fat, which is good for your figure Seafood is pure protein, which should be the basis of the diet when fighting stretch marks Dairy products must be included in the menu when fighting stretch marks Cereals are very useful for breakfast and lunch Nuts contain healthy fats, but you should not eat more than a handful a day Olive oil can be added to vegetable salads Greens contain a lot of fiber and vitamins, which significantly improves metabolism

Fighting stretch marks with leeches

• It has long been known that using leeches can significantly increase skin elasticity. Please pay attention to the contraindications:
• individual intolerance;
• blood clotting disorders;
• pregnancy.

There are special medical leeches that are used for the procedure. During the session, the process of cell renewal begins, due to which stretch marks gradually resolve. Please note that leeches are completely safe. The doctor will tell you how long the course should last.

Which doctor should you consult if you can’t decide on your own how to deal with stretch marks?

To find out which method of dealing with stretch marks is right for you, you need to contact a cosmetologist or dermatologist. You may also need help from the following specialists:

• therapist;
• endocrinologist;
• geneticist;
• rheumatologist;
• nutritionist.

1. Do not go on strict diets, since sudden weight loss is one of the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Try to eat less flour, sweet and salty foods. Eat more vegetables, fruits and lean meats.
3. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
4. Don't get carried away with heavy strength exercises.
5. Use a bandage during pregnancy.
6. Regularly do a light massage using a special cream or oil.
7. Introduce into your life such useful habits as contrast showers and exercises.