How to treat stretch marks: from appearance to solution
Stretch marks, although they do not cause health consequences to the body, are considered an aesthetic defect to be fought strenuously. At the origin of these blemishes is poor skin elasticity caused by various factors that is mainly manifested on the buttocks, thighs, breasts, and belly. The exact scientific term is striae distensae and atrophic striae, but we commonly call stretch marks those chromatic, longitudinal, atrophic changes that appear on our bodies. The appearance is that of localized striations, but these are true skin scars due to the breakdown of elastic fibers in the dermis, subjected to a sudden change in volume that leads to surface tension. A crucial concomitant is the stretching of blood vessels, which prevents the proper influx of nutrients to the skin structures.
But let’s go step by step and first find out their causes.
Breast, hips or belly with stretch marks: here are the causes
The first decisive time for the appearance of stretch marks may be puberty. During this hormonal transformation, in fact, estrogen acts on collagen synthesis, thus preventing dermal elasticization. This explains why it is mainly girls who are affected. Other very common causes are sudden weight loss or pregnancy . Another category of triggers could be iatrogenic; in these cases, striae appear mainly as a consequence of localized corticosteroid treatment or in skin areas stressed by sutures or cosmetic procedures. Finally, the genetic component, which is always decisive, should not be overlooked.
How stretch marks develop and when to intervene
The streaks can take on different colors: from one that is more pinkish to another that is more purplish. The color varies according to the developmental stages of the blemish. Let’s find out how a stretch mark turns and what to do about stretch marks at different stages.
- Inflammatory stage. At the onset of the first striae, itching and burning may be experienced, although most often it is an asymptomatic phase. What happens is that fibroblasts no longer produce the fibers that support the structure of the dermis, causing it to transform.
- Regenerative stage. At this stage the first red-purple streaks make their appearance. This is the ideal time to intervene with treatments and completely defeat the onset of blemishes. These are the commonly called red stretch marks.
- Stage of healing. New elastic fibers are formed, and the tissue regenerates, forming a scar over the previous striation and assuming its final whitish color. The striae, having reached this stage, become irreversible, and treatments could only alleviate the problem. We are talking about white stretch marks.
The size of stretch marks varies with time and as the stages evolve. The width can range from a few millimeters up to 2 centimeters; while each striation can reach up to 15 to 20 centimeters in length.
Remedies for stretch marks
How to remove stretch marks is a problem that afflicts many, and the market responds to this need with many products, more or less good. We said that the regenerative stage is the one in which one can successfully intervene to defeat the occurrence of striae distensae . There is no one-size-fits-all technique for the treatment of this issue, which, as we have already mentioned, is resolvable in the regenerative stage and only minimizable in the healing stage. Starting with cosmetic remedies, they are to be considered:
- LED photostimulation. A method based on the use of special lamps, which emit monochromatic lights capable of stimulating cell activity
- Laser for stretch marks. Without burning the epidermis, it stimulates the regeneration of collagen and elastin. It is also an excellent solution for blemishes that have now healed. There is also a type of laser that helps melanin production, so that skin discolorations at the streaks can be corrected;
- Biorevitalization of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, growth factors ;
- Peels, which can act at different levels of depth depending on the substances used. They tend to employ alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids that stimulate cell regeneration, and thus collagen production, while removing deteriorated cells
- PRP infiltration. This is an autologous platelet gel, rich in growth factors, which is injected directly into the affected area;
- Needling and microdermabrasion. One stimulates, through mechanical trauma, the production of new collagen and elastin, which cushion the ‘gap’ of the stretch mark
But eliminating stretch marks with lasers or other micro-invasive solutions is not the only solution; at the dermatological level, there are various types of treatments. The cosmetic substances needed for a cream to be effective areglycolic acid, collagen , andelastin. The most widely prescribed cutaneous drug therapy is tretinoin cream at various concentrations. Derived from vitamin A, this acid stimulates collagen production, the synthesis of new vessels, and improves the appearance of the skin.
Preventing stretch marks in pregnancy
If in pregnancy, the increase in hormones causes super-hydration that also benefits the appearance of the skin, at the same time it causes a lot of stress on the dermal elastic fibers. Not only the belly, but also the breasts, hips, are affected by stretch marks, one of the most common consequences on the physique of every expectant woman. However, it is possible to counteract the process of appearance and scarring of these blemishes by following a few steps. First and foremost, it is a case of moisturizing and nourishing the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and buttocks with cosmetic products that provide an elasticizing and emollient action. A natural remedy for performing this activity can be almond oil.
How to treat stretch marks? Turn to us
Have you noticed the onset of reddish stretch marks on your body? Do not wait until they turn whitish and seek expert advice immediately. Contact Prati Dermatology or visit us at 212 Via Cola di Rienzo, Rome.
