When the stretch marks are formed, usually they are violet or purple (red stretch marks). This indicates that the dermis still has blood supply. Over time, they fade to a white color as blood vessels heal (white stretch marks).
Stretch marks are preferably located in the abdomen, breasts and buttocks. Around 70% of adolescents and pregnant women have stretch marks.
According to its origin stretch marks are:
Why are stretch marks formed?
From a physiological point of view, stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the middle and inner layers of the skin due to pregnancy, rapid growth in puberty, also by sudden weight gain or muscle building. When there is a breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers, the skin weakens and they become susceptible to chronic scarring which, like an old elastic band, tends to lose its elasticity. Many dermatologists believe that hormones may also play a role in affecting the ability of the skin to cope with the sudden and prolonged stretching.
How can stretch marks be removed? Stretch marks removal treatment
Stretch marks can not be removed completely, but they can be made less visible: narrower lines, less atrophic skin that does not shine and can sometimes be tanned. Thus, the most important thing in the treatment for stretch marks removal is prevention.
To prevent the formation of stretch marks by pregnancy, treatments are recommended to maintain and increase the elasticity of the skin, applying from the beginning of the pregnancy, cosmetic products that include elastin hydrolysates, placenta extracts, amniotic fluid, plant extracts, algae, etc., by means of massages that stimulate the cutaneous circulation and the penetration of the active principles.
In addition, in the prevention of stretch marks we must also pay attention to the diet. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and Zinc are recommended to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin A, as well as drinking lots of water can help to stop the appearance of stretch marks since water besides nourishing skin has the function of stretching it and as stretch marks are a break in the skin, it will help.
If treatments are desired to attenuate or remove stretch marks in the shortest time possible, with results, it is recommended to opt for medical methods such as fractional laser, fractional radiofrequency and carboxytherapy. It is a costly investment because many sessions with medical devices are needed for stretch marks removal. But patient satisfaction is high as they observe changes in stretch marks.
