Why stretch marks appear on the body and how to deal with them at home

What causes stretch marks on the body

Striae are scar-like tissue that forms due to insufficient elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks can form either due to physiological changes in the body or be a consequence of various disorders or diseases. People suffering from hormonal imbalance and problems with the thyroid gland are predisposed to the appearance of stretch marks. The hereditary factor is also of great importance.

The most common causes of stretch marks include:

• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• sudden weight gain or loss;
• intense exercise and rapid increase in muscle mass;
• growth spurts during adolescence;
• hormonal imbalance;
• regular use of drugs containing corticosteroids.

During pregnancy, stretch marks appear on the stomach and chest. When you gain weight, they are localized in places where fat accumulates - thighs, buttocks. Athletes often experience stretch marks in the shoulder girdle.

>> Maintain your figure correctly during pregnancy - read expert advice

The formation of stretch marks is caused by insufficient production of collagen and elastin - substances responsible for the elasticity of the epidermis. Therefore, when the skin is overstretched, the reticular layer of the dermis is torn along with the vessels, collagen and elastin fibers, and narrow stripes are formed on the body.

What is the essence of laser stretch mark removal?

What is laser stretch mark removal? The essence of the procedure is that scar tissue is exposed to a laser beam.

This physical effect stimulates cellular regeneration and restoration processes in the dermis.

It is thanks to this feature that laser removal of scars and stretch marks has become a very popular cosmetic procedure.

Laser exposure to stretch marks leads to the destruction of connective tissue scars and activation of cell division in this area. The destroyed connective tissue begins to be replaced by newly synthesized elastic and collagen fibers.

Gradually, with each subsequent procedure, the defective areas are replaced by epidermal cells, and stretch marks become less noticeable.

On the way to beautiful and healthy skin, a client of a cosmetology salon goes through four stages of treatment:

1. Laser exposure.

Laser beams, fractionally affecting the surface of the epidermis, penetrate one to two millimeters into it.

1. Natural tissue restoration.

The intense impact of the laser stimulates natural repair processes in tissues and the formation of new collagen and elastic fibers.

1. Smoothing the skin with its own collagen.

Newly synthesized collagen gradually displaces the connective tissue that forms striae.

1. Elimination of stretch marks.

In places where stretch marks and scars are located, smooth, smooth and beautiful skin is formed.

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How stretch marks appear

The formation of striae goes through several stages. At each stage, stretching has its own characteristics.

• After the elastic cover ruptures, connective tissue is formed, penetrated by blood vessels. Striae have a purple or red tint.
• Over time, stretch marks lighten and turn pink.
• Old scars completely lose their pigment and the color of the stretch marks becomes white.

Of course, it is easier to deal with “young” stretch marks and you need to take action immediately after they appear. If stretch marks have formed for a long time, it is quite difficult to completely get rid of them.

It is impossible to get rid of stretch marks forever and restore ideal smoothness to the skin even with the help of hardware cosmetic procedures. But you can make stretch marks less noticeable at home. To do this, you need to choose the right tools and effective procedures.

Contraindications to laser stretch mark removal

If a client has stretch marks and wants to get rid of them, he is prescribed laser stretch mark removal. The contraindications here are the same as for other procedures for which a laser is used:

• The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Diabetes mellitus type I or II.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system and hypertension.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Oncological diseases.
• Epilepsy.
• Acute infectious diseases.
• Varicose veins in areas with stretch marks.
• Tendency to develop keloid scars.
• Inflammatory process in the treated area.
• Allergy.
• Performed a chemical peel procedure less than two weeks before laser stretch mark removal.

Ways to eliminate stretch marks

The fight against stretch marks must be carried out comprehensively. Here are the basic skin care steps that will help correct existing stretch marks and prevent new ones from appearing.

• Exfoliation.
• Massage.
• Moisturizing and strengthening.

We have collected all the necessary tools for you in one set.
The complex for correcting stretch marks includes a dry massage brush, stretch mark oil, raspberry cream scrub and lifting cream.
Let’s take a closer look at effective procedures and products that will help you make stretch marks almost invisible on your own.

How much does laser stretch mark removal cost?

How is the cost of the procedure calculated and how much does laser stretch mark removal cost? Its price is quite high, although it does not require any costs. This is explained by the high cost of the equipment and the duration of its operation. After all, it happens that in advanced situations, removing stretch marks, the device works for up to two hours without interruptions.

Also, the high price of the procedure is associated with the complexity of its implementation. The device settings are selected individually for each client in accordance with the severity of stretch marks and how long ago they appeared.

The specialist must carefully examine the patient’s skin and prescribe laser removal of stretch marks. The cost of this procedure is from three hundred rubles per square centimeter of skin. The penetration depth of the rays does not affect the price. If the client does a set of procedures at once, he receives a discount, thanks to which he can get rid of many defects at a lower cost. If you order laser removal of stretch marks one square centimeter at a time, it will cost approximately 500 rubles.

The cost of the procedure itself does not include the price of anesthesia. You should not skimp on painkillers, because laser removal of stretch marks can be very painful. Before you begin, check with your specialist about the cost of anesthesia.

Also, the price depends on the type of laser device. It was already said above that there are several types that differ from each other in intensity and depth of impact, and therefore their effectiveness and cost vary widely. Consider this moment.

It is also necessary to understand the duration of the treatment course. The cost of each subsequent procedure may decrease if the number of stretch marks is reduced. But don't expect a big price drop and be prepared for another large investment.

To achieve noticeable improvements in laser removal of stretch marks, you need to do about 3-6 procedures for stretch marks that formed less than a year ago, and 6-12 with a break of one or two months for old ones.

To get rid of stretch marks, other salon procedures are also used, which also give a certain effect, despite the fact that laser is considered the most effective method.

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Exfoliation

A simple way to eliminate stretch marks is to regularly exfoliate the skin. This procedure will help remove dead particles of the epidermis and activate cell renewal. Deep cleanse your skin 1-2 times a week using effective yet gentle exfoliants from the ARAVIA Laboratories line.

• Raspberry Cream Scrub qualitatively renews the skin, making it soft and radiant. Pine nut shells in the scrub have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Pink clay is rich in microelements (silicon, iron, calcium and magnesium) and effectively relieves dryness and flaking of the skin. Raspberries refresh and lighten pigmentation. Vitamins E, PP, A and B2 tone the skin and prolong its youth.

Rehabilitation after laser stretch mark removal

Will laser removal of stretch marks on the abdomen work? This can be found out immediately after the completion of the rehabilitation period, because damaged skin requires special care:

1. After the procedure, it is prohibited to visit saunas, baths, swimming pools and sunbathe. Otherwise, you may provoke the development of complications.
2. It is impossible to rip off the formed crusts.
3. For three to four days after laser removal of stretch marks, it is necessary to lubricate the injured skin with moisturizers and anti-inflammatory agents.
4. Avoid sudden movements that may cause further damage to the treated area.
5. If pain occurs, take painkillers.

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Massage

Dry massage with special brushes - drybrushing - gives an excellent result in the fight against stretch marks. With regular use of such brushes, the skin is cleansed of dead particles, becomes smooth and soft, cellulite and stretch marks become less pronounced. The main rule of dry massage is that movements should be in the direction of the lymph: from the feet to the heart.

Dry massage is easy to perform yourself at home - the whole process will take no more than 15 minutes. Brushes make the skin elastic and well-groomed, and also relieve stress, relax muscles and activate recovery processes.

For a massage to be effective, it is important not only to do it correctly, but also to choose a quality brush. ARAVIA accessories are made of beech wood and natural bristles. Natural materials will make the procedure tactilely pleasant, and the long handle will allow you to work on hard-to-reach areas.

Brushes vary in degree of hardness:

• soft, suitable for beginners and those with sensitive skin;
• The medium one will appeal to those who have already tried drybrushing and want a more intense effect on the skin.

Remember: any massage technique requires prior consultation with a specialist.

>> We tell you how to do drybrushing correctly in the article “Massage with a dry brush: technique, tips and contraindications”

What types of lasers are used to remove stretch marks?

Several types of lasers are used to carry out cosmetic procedures. They are classified according to their effectiveness and depth of penetration into tissue.

Excimer laser

For laser removal of stretch marks that formed more than a year ago, experts advise using this particular type of device.

The intense ultraviolet beam generated by the laser affects stretch marks, destroying connective tissue cells. After the procedure, a crust forms on the skin, which disappears after a few days. New covering tissues are formed under it during the healing process.

The excimer laser activates the synthesis of melatonin, which is responsible for the color of the skin, so that stretch marks acquire the shade of healthy skin.

Laser removal of stretch marks using a device of this type guarantees an excellent result, because instead of cutting or burning, the bonds between molecules in the affected area are broken down. Thanks to this, a healthy epidermis is formed as quickly as possible.

But this method of laser stretch mark removal has one contraindication. The procedure is prohibited for persons suffering from photodermatosis (allergy to ultraviolet radiation).

Dermal optical thermolysis (DOT)

DOT is the latest effective method of laser removal of stretch marks, which involves selective (fractional) effects on the skin.

A beam of laser beams produces a huge amount of small thermal damage in the skin, due to which the process of synthesis of new elastic and collagen fibers is activated.

This method of laser stretch mark removal allows you to remove old defects. That is why many cosmetology clinics actively and successfully practice DOT.

This procedure gives a number of positive results:

• the surface of the skin is leveled;
• the epidermis becomes more elastic and elastic;
• stretch marks, scars, scars, post-acne are removed;
• pigment spots and fine wrinkles disappear;
• White stretch marks are completely eliminated.

Laser Palomar

This laser is fractional and provides precise treatment of the affected areas. Microscopic beams of laser beams penetrate the layers of the epidermis and initiate natural tissue healing.

Laser stretch mark removal using this device guarantees the following results:

• disappearance of stretch marks that occurred during pregnancy;
• elimination of even the deepest wrinkles;
• narrowing of pores;
• increasing the elasticity of the skin and restoring its texture;
• removal of scars and scars;
• getting rid of age spots and rosacea (spider veins and spider veins).

Laser Fraxel

Getting rid of stretch marks using this device is carried out by exposing the surface layers of the skin to low energy. Therefore, this device can perform laser removal of stretch marks even on the chest, where the skin is delicate and sensitive.

Getting rid of stretch marks using this device is absolutely safe and does not cause complications, since only the upper layers of the epidermis are affected. The rehabilitation period after the procedure is only one day.

Erbium laser

Laser removal of stretch marks after childbirth is carried out with an erbium laser. This procedure is delicate and safe, since the rays penetrate the epidermis by only 1–5 microns.

The process of getting rid of dead cells occurs so quickly that nearby areas of the skin do not heat up, which is why the erbium laser is called “cold”.

Qualified specialists will select the type of device that is needed in this particular case. After laser stretch mark removal by an experienced cosmetologist, clients are always satisfied with the result.

Regardless of the device chosen, laser stretch mark removal is carried out according to a specific scenario.

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"Mom's comfort"

The most popular remedy for this problem. It is harmless, so it can be used by expectant mothers.

The cream contains:

• horse chestnut extract;
• tocopheryl acetate;
• castor oil;
• vitamin A.

The product smells pleasant, has a light texture, is quickly absorbed and does not leave marks on clothes. Another plus is the low price. The only downside is the possibility of allergies.

The best remedy for stretch marks is timely prevention and skin care

The following will help prevent the appearance of annoying white stripes:

• Regular moisturizing and nourishing of the skin with cosmetics and natural products. Moreover, such prevention against stretch marks should be especially intensive during pregnancy, when losing or gaining weight.
• Protect your skin with special creams with a UV filter when sunbathing. An important aspect of the fight against stretch marks is tanning moderation, because... sunburn thins and dries the skin.
• A balanced diet, a course of vitamins aimed at overall improvement of the body.
• Support for optimal muscle tone (swimming, fitness), smooth figure correction, without sudden weight changes that lead to the appearance of stretch marks.
• Massage, contrast shower, comfortable underwear, especially during pregnancy.