Almost every woman knows the problem: Unwelcome stripes that are noticeable on the thighs, stomach or chest. We are talking about stretch marks, also known as stretch marks. But can you remove the stripes? We have the best tips.
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Stretch marks: how do they form?
Stretch marks are small tears in the subcutaneous tissue caused by excessive stretching of the tissue . They are also called stretch marks because the tears are more likely to occur as a result of weight gain during pregnancy . In addition to pregnancy, there are other causes that can lead to tissue tears. These include a strong increase or decrease in weight , growth spurts during puberty, hormone treatments or a strong muscle build-up or breakdown. In most cases, stretch marks appear where the connective tissue is most stressed – this includes the chest, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. There are different types of connective tissue, so the predisposition to stretch marks can also be inherited. According to experts, more than half of all women are affected by tissue tears.
Prevent stretch marks: The best tips
Once the stretch marks are there, they can usually only be removed – if at all – by professional treatments. For this reason, it is best to prevent tears in the fabric. These tips help effectively to prevent:
- Drink enough fluids, preferably water and unsweetened tea
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet and focus on foods with lots of vitamins and minerals
- Massage your skin regularly with special oils and creams, especially if you are pregnant
- Build plenty of exercise and sport into your everyday life
- Avoid severe weight fluctuations
- With contrast showers and plucking massages, you can gently stimulate the blood circulation in the skin and promote the elasticity of the skin
- Likewise, some of the Schuessler salts should be able to strengthen the connective tissue
Creams and oils for stretch marks
Pregnant women in particular should regularly apply creams and oils to areas of the body where the connective tissue is particularly stressed, and massage them to prevent tissue tears. Particularly effective ingredients are caffeine , retinol and vitamins A, B and C. Creams with vitamin A are also used to treat scars and are said to be able to improve the complexion of existing stretch marks.
These oils and creams can prevent it
Get medical treatment for stretch marks
Just like scars, stretch marks can be reduced with creams and oils, but they cannot be completely removed in this way. Laser therapy or microneedling are effective methods of removing stretch marks. Laser treatment uses flashes of light that penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate the production of collagen, which creates new tissue. Microneedling involves rolling tiny needles over the skin. The small holes that are created in the skin as a result stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin and active ingredients for skin regeneration can be absorbed faster and better. Other ways to get rid of stretch marks include:
- Ultrasound
treatments The vibrations of the ultrasound create gaps in the tissue, which ensure better blood circulation and better absorption of active ingredients for skin regeneration. - Chemical peels
Chemical peels are also used to treat stretch marks. Because they penetrate deeper layers of skin than traditional peels, they can help fight skin damage and stimulate collagen and elastin production. - Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses cold against the stretch marks to destroy the affected tissue – allowing new, healthy tissue to form.
