Stretch marks - the whole truth - articles from specialists of the "Mother and Child" clinic
What are they?
Stretch marks are also called striae. They appear in any area of the body, but more often in those places where there is a large amount of fat. The most common places are: breasts, abdomen, armpits, shoulders, hips, back and buttocks.
Stretch marks look like stripes on the skin, and over time their color changes. "Fresh" stretch marks are pinkish-red in color, with slightly convex skin. Gradually the stretch marks increase in length and width, become bluish-purple, and over time they become discolored. This happens because at first there are still blood vessels inside the stretch marks, so initially the stretch marks have such a bright color. Then the blood supply in the place of stretch marks stops, the vessels become neglected, the resulting skin defect is filled with connective tissue and stretch marks become white. Since there is no pigment in the connective tissue, even under the influence of sunlight stretch marks remain white. Moreover, against the background of tanned skin they become more noticeable.
Why they occur
Like the cause of stretch marks during pregnancy at first glance is clear: the expectant mother's belly grows, the skin stretches, and here stretch marks are formed. Why then do they not appear in all expectant mothers? And whether their appearance is associated with weight gain? It has been observed, for example, that the likelihood of stretch marks does not depend on the size of the abdomen during pregnancy.
Stretch marks may appear in a woman with a small belly, while a woman expecting twins, this problem will bypass.
Why does it happen? Here triggers a number of factors. Yes, indeed one of the causes of stretch marks - is the weight gain, but what matters is not how many pounds gained, but how quickly the woman put on weight: the faster the expectant mother puts on weight, the greater the risk of stretch marks. That is why even a small weight gain can cause stretch marks. The second reason for the appearance of stretch marks is hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, there is a decrease in estrogen and cortisol, resulting in impaired synthesis of proteins of the skin and connective tissue - collagen and elastin. And it is with the help of these proteins and our skin can stretch well and restore its elasticity.
If there is a lack of collagen and elastin, then the skin becomes brittle and thinner, eventually it tears in some areas, and then scar connective tissue forms in the areas of tears.
But how will the body of the future mother behave during pregnancy: will there be sharp jumps and weight and hormonal imbalance (and thus, will there be stretch marks or not - it is impossible to predict).
What to do?
Let's say right away that there is no 100% effective treatment and prevention of stretch marks. For example, most of the creams, lotions, gels for the prevention of stretch marks just contain moisturizing components and help to soften the skin, but have no effect on the balance of hormones. Consequently, these means can not prevent the appearance of stretch marks, if hormonal disorders have occurred. And after childbirth various laser procedures, peels and resurfacing will not get rid of stretch marks completely, just make them more imperceptible.
But this does not mean that we have to give up and do nothing. You can do just about everything: even if you do not reach the 100% effect, but it will still be beneficial.
- Watch your diet and don't let your weight fluctuate drastically. Don't forget to eat protein foods: protein, along with zinc and vitamin C, stimulates the production of collagen, which makes the skin firmer. If you don't want meat yet, include fish, dairy products and legumes in your diet, which are also sources of healthy protein.
- Avoid sweets - sugar inhibits collagen renewal, skin loses elasticity and water, becomes dry, dull, decreases its elasticity.
- From the first days of pregnancy, constantly nourish and moisturize your skin. To do this, use creams, gels, lotions with collagen, elastin and vitamins C and E. The main thing is that these products should be approved for use during pregnancy. Before you buy any product, carefully read the instructions and the composition of the preparation. Ask your sales clerk for more information about the mechanism of action of biologically active substances in cosmetics. If you still have doubts, consult your attending obstetrician-gynecologist. Look in your wallet and make a choice.
- If finances allow, do salon procedures for body moisturizing allowed during pregnancy (algae wraps, for example), if not - just limit yourself to regular hydration of the skin, it is also effective.
- Regularly take a contrast shower: it tones and strengthens the skin, and the problem areas get the necessary blood flow. You can massage individual areas of the body with a cold and warm stream alternately. Just do not direct the jet directly on your abdomen.
- After showering, do not wipe the body dry, but just blot it with a towel. You can do a light pinching self-massage, using moisturizing creams or natural vegetable oils (such as olive or linseed oil). The massage helps to remove excess fluids and activates the blood vessels, which carry nutrients around the body faster. Important: avoid massaging the stomach and chest area, massaging only the sides, thighs and legs.
- Swim: the contrast of air and water temperature, and vigorous exercise also contribute to the prevention of stretch marks.
- During pregnancy wear special bras, they will support enlarged breasts and will not allow the skin to overstretch too much.
Even if stretch marks appeared - do not get upset. It has been noted that if you immediately begin a set of preventive measures (moisturizing the skin, proper nutrition, water procedures), it is often further stretch marks do not spread. And if you start prevention from the first days of pregnancy - and can not appear at all.
MEMBER FOR MOMENTS
Begin to attack stretch marks as early as possible: the younger they are, the less money and time is needed to eliminate them.
Watch your diet, try not to gain weight sharply.
Moisturize and nourish your skin daily, and not only the abdomen and breasts, but also the thighs, buttocks and legs.
Be active: go for walks in the fresh air, do sports, swim.
Take a contrast shower, do self-massage.
Wear the right underwear: a maternity bra is especially necessary for expectant mothers with large breasts
Take note:
It is impossible to predict the appearance of stretch marks. Even if during a previous pregnancy was not, or, on the contrary, were stretch marks, there is no guarantee that the situation will be repeated in the next pregnancy.
You can make your own composition of stretch marks.
Here are the oils that will work for you:
Jojoba oil is the most effective remedy: it is used for the prevention and elimination of skin stretch marks during and after pregnancy, as well as for weight gain and sudden weight loss.
Rosewood essential oil - improves skin elasticity, also helps to dissolve small scars.
Almond oil - especially effective for the treatment of areas of the body where skin elasticity is reduced.
Grape seed oil - has a strong regenerating effect and improves skin elasticity.
Peach oil - has regenerating, softening effect on the skin, restores elasticity, rejuvenates sagging skin.
You can use any combination of these oils, for example, jojoba + almond oil or jojoba + grape seed oil.
Before using any oil, read the instructions and note any contraindications. Try the oil or composition on a small area of your skin and watch the reaction for 24 hours. In case of discomfort or allergy, discard the product.
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