What to do to eliminate stretch marks?

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are linear, atrophic skin lesions caused by damage to the connective tissue. They appear in groups and are arranged parallel to each other, particularly on the abdomen and the lateral surface of the thighs. The tearing of the connective tissue initially causes an inflammatory state, then evolves into scar formation. The average length of stretch marks varies between a few millimeters and 1 to 2 centimeters, but they can also exceed 15 to 20 centimeters. Stretch marks appear mainly on the abdomen (especially around the navel and near the groin and hips), legs and especially thighs (also near the knee and behind the calf) and breasts, but they can also appear in other areas. Stretch marks appear when the stress on the skin exceeds its resistance threshold. The greater or lesser susceptibility to stretch marks depends on the amount of collagen and elastin present in the skin: the lower this value, the greater the skin's resistance and therefore the greater the possibility of stretch marks.

Despite what we are led to believe, the risk of developing this mark does not depend at all on gender. Men and women are equally likely to develop it, given the same amount of stress applied to the skin and the characteristics of the skin itself. But women are more susceptible to some of the conditions most associated with stretch mark formation, notably pregnancy.

Stretch mark treatment

Vascular laser

The vascular laser is relatively effective when stretch marks are red and acts by reducing redness and stimulating collagen formation. One of the great advantages of this type of laser is that it can be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and also for the treatment of early-stage cesarean section scars.

Fractional laser

This is a type of high-power CO2 laser, whose fractional light produces selective vaporization of the skin and, consequently, superficial and pinpoint abrasion of the affected area.

The fractional laser breaks down the fibrous scars of the stretch mark without causing burns, but only a warming of the skin. The remaining healthy areas around the lesion are therefore stimulated to repair it by depositing new collagen and elastin fibers and promoting the formation of new cells with regenerative activity.

The results in terms of approximate skin renewal and lifting effect are good, even in the case of already scarred stretch marks. However, certain precautions must be observed. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the phototype of the person undergoing treatment, because in people with a dark phototype, the risk of pigmentation alteration with the appearance of dark spots on the skin is high.

Biorevitalization

This is a micro-infiltration procedure of hyaluronic acid into the superficial layers of the skin, carried out using very fine needles, which promote skin hydration and modulate the activity of fibroblasts, stimulating them to produce collagen and elastin.

The results of this procedure are good when stretch marks are still reddish, while its effectiveness is very limited when stretch marks turn white. This is a highly appreciated technique, particularly due to its minimally invasive nature and the lack of trauma it involves.

Corticotherapy

In the case of red stretch marks, the timely application of cortisone creams can help prevent definitive scarring. Indeed, cortisone has an anti-inflammatory effect that can lead to a regression in the evolution of stretch marks.

Skin peeling

The use of skin peels with exfoliating chemical products (mandelic acid, glycolic acid) is only recommended by dermatologists and aesthetic doctors in specific cases, due to the possible thinning effect on the skin.

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How to prevent stretch marks?

Stretch marks are true scars that appear as a result of fractures in the supporting structures of the skin.

These skin imperfections, which are among the most frequent reasons for resorting to aesthetic medicine treatments, affect characteristic areas such as the buttocks, inner thighs, abdomen and hips.

Twice as many women as men are affected, not because of a greater specific predisposition, but because physiological circumstances such as pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the risk of developing them.

Although advances in technology offer excellent solutions, stretch marks cannot be completely erased and therefore the best way to avoid them remains prevention. Doctors recommend, in this regard, to:

• Avoid sudden changes in weight (and muscle mass);
• Avoid smoking and alcohol abuse, substances that act by strengthening the factors responsible for skin aging, loss of trophism and turgor;
• Adopt a lifestyle including a proper diet, rich in foods that stimulate skin regeneration and protect its natural elasticity;

In addition, to prevent stretch marks you should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, foods rich in vitamins A, C and E and essential fatty acids (fish and oilseeds). It is useful to keep the skin hydrated by drinking a sufficient volume of water.

For a pregnancy without stretch marks (or with a lower risk), apply products with moisturizing and local microcirculation-activating properties, including creams and serums rich in hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule whose concentration in the skin is high during the first phase of life and decreases with aging: its ability to attract water molecules ensures good hydration. Apply these products to the abdomen, breasts and thighs. To maintain skin elasticity, oily products rich in vitamin E can also be useful. As a preventive measure, sweet almond oil can be effective if applied regularly.

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