In order to know how to remove stretch marks, it is first necessary to know the cause of the stretch marks, study the characteristics of their structure and know the stage they are in.
When they are in the initial phase, stretch marks are usually pinkish to violet in color. If they are white, it means that they have already reached the scar stage.
Stretch marks are atrophic lines in the skin produced by radical changes in skin volume. This causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in less firmness of the affected area, which eventually sinks.
It is very important to study the causes of stretch marks and correct the factors that influence their formation. On the one hand, the result will depend on the age of the person, the size, the characteristics of the stretch marks and whether the pink color is preserved, which indicates a vascularization process and therefore a greater probability of success. Once this analysis has been carried out, it is necessary to make the correct choice of the active ingredient to be used.
Stretch marks do not present any risk for people, but they are an aesthetic feature that worries many people, especially women, since they are the most affected sex, although for some years now there has been a movement to stop stigmatizing their presence and accept that they are a natural process of the body.
Treatments against stretch marks
The body itself tries to correct stretch marks through cell regeneration. In the best case, the stretch mark disappears when the process that formed it is eliminated. For example, at the end of pregnancy or when a person recovers the volume he or she had previously. However, in other cases, the stretch mark remains a pale pink color.
The truth is that there is no medical evidence that stretch marks can be removed with manual or cosmetic treatments. Despite the multitude of products sold for this purpose, none of them have scientific evidence. It is very important to try to prevent them or act in their initial phase.
How to prevent stretch marks
It may seem impossible, because sometimes you do not know when there will be a change in its volume, but stretch marks, once formed, can no longer be removed.
Moisturizing the skin will make it look more hydrated and therefore smoother and softer, but it will not prevent collagen breakdown.
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, emphasis should be placed on improving the skin structure, which allows the skin to withstand stretching when there is a growth in the volume of adjacent tissues.
For this we can use topical products, which will be applied to the skin by means of a massage that activates local circulation. Thanks to this extra supply of nutrients, we can prevent the formation of stretch marks. The massage should be long and should have abundant product.
Other ways of activating blood circulation, such as physical exercise and other massages, also help. Sun exposure and swimming in swimming pools should be avoided, as ultraviolet radiation and color dry the skin.
The most commonly used products in the cosmetic market for the prevention of stretch marks are those preparations that have among their components nourishing, regenerating, moisturizing and fibroblastic substances, such as:
- Vegetable oils containing retinoic acid and rosehip, for their stimulating effect.
- Nutrients to stimulate elastin and collagen synthesis. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and protects against free radicals.
- Asiaticosides, substances with anti-inflammatory, anti-cellulite and healing properties, are extracted from Asian pennywort.
How to reduce stretch marks
As you can see, eliminating stretch marks is an impossible task, but they can be concealed. So, if prevention has not worked and has not given enough time, it is necessary to resort to active ingredients that favor the stimulation of fibroblastic activity. But a study of the stria and its characteristics must be performed.
When stretch marks are in the inflammatory phase, when they have a reddish or purple color, the indicated treatment must activate the formation of collagen and elastin, as well as activate tissue regeneration. This treatment will only have an effect if the person reaches their usual weight and volume again.
The active ingredients that promote these actions are those that enhance regeneration, repair and hydration:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Placenta extracts
- Vitamins A, B, C, D and E
- Collagen and elastin hydrolyzate
- Asiaticosides. Active principle present in centella asiatica, with stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Protein and nucleic lysates
All these active ingredients should be applied by means of a soft and prolonged massage to increase circulation in the area.
As we always point out, the combination of several treatments can multiply the effect, so the use of topical products together with, for example, transdermal electroporation or radiofrequency.
In the next phase, the scar phase, which is when the stretch mark is already fully formed, it is very difficult to reconstruct the tissue with cosmetic products. Moreover, there is no baseline treatment because there is no evidence and no favorable results. So the only option to reconstruct the tissue is to use invasive medical devices or treatments.
Stretch mark treatment
Radiofrequency and laser treatments are usually effective. Dermabrasion and chemical peeling do not eliminate stretch marks, but improve their appearance.
With electroporation we can work on stretch marks using the product 3D Sculptor. It is indicated for fat reduction, tissue modeling, drainage and cellulite reduction.
If we combine virtual mesotherapy with fibroblast activity stimulants, together with dermabrasion and topical retinoic acid products, we will obtain even better results.
Food against stretch marks
We know that nutrition helps the body to replenish elements that it loses naturally, such as collagen. Vitamins A, C, D and zinc can prevent the appearance of marks on the skin. Vitamin A can also help prevent stretch marks from appearing, since one of its functions is to stretch the skin.
On the other hand, drinks such as alcoholic drinks, those containing caffeine, theine and soft drinks should be avoided. All of them favor the appearance of stretch marks.
In conclusion, stretch marks are not eliminated, they tend to fade with the passage of time and no treatment will achieve such an effect as time. It is usually a long process and sometimes they are just smoothed out.
