Introduction and Concept
Stretch marks or striae are marks that appear on the skin and are caused by the rupture of connective tissue. The skin in the area affected is thinner, lacks elasticity and is deprived of vascularization. They may have a S, zig-zag, straight or curved form. Their colour varies depending on how long they have been established; red streaks are the most recent while white - mother of pearl coloured ones have been in place for several years.
The areas of the body where they commonly appear are the abdomen, breasts, thighs, arms, buttocks, and hips.
Causes
The most common causes of stretch marks are:
- Pregnancy
-Puberty
-Obesity
-Fast muscle development (bodybuilding)
-General health of the skin
-Excessive use of topical corticosteroids
These lesions usually manifest during a hormonal period: such as puberty and pregnancy. Under the hormonal effect, fibroblasts, the cells that are responsible for the architecture of our skin (made of collagen fibers and elastin), suffer from an imbalance that leads to the thinning (atrophy) and a breakdown of the collagen fibers and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and small parallel lines appear (striae). They initially can be pale pink, pink or purple and turn white with time.
During puberty stretch marks occur on the legs and hips, and during pregnancy on the abdomen, buttocks and breasts.
During pregnancy, stretch marks may show up from the third month, however during the third trimester (6-9 months), is when the skin is most vulnerable. They may also appear after pregnancy. It is therefore essential to make preventative treatment from the third month of pregnancy until the next pregnancy.
A first pregnancy without striae does not mean that there is no risk in the following.
Also, sudden changes in weight and violent physical exercises have a predisposition to aid in the development of striae. In these cases, the skin has stretched so excessively that fibers are ruptured causing the lesions.
Distension of the skin is an aggravating factor, but not the only cause of the manifestation of stretch marks. Some diseases such as Cushing's syndrome can cause these lesions to appear without any skin tension.
Aggravators
- The age of the future mother: being young and pregnant for the first time is one factor that increases the risk of striae.
- An excessive weight (overweight).
- Some hormonal imbalances.
Treatment
Stretch marks don't heal by themselves and need treatment. Left untreated they will evolve into scars.
The results of the treatment depend on two factors:
- The age of the lesion.
- The tone of the lesion:
. If the mark is pink this is a sign that there still is vascularization.
. White colored marks are less likely to disappear.
There are three phases of treatment:
Preventative phase
With a prospective pregnancy or increased size it is advisable to undergo preventive treatment, with the purpose of maintaining or even increasing the skins elasticity.
Vascular phase
In this phase it is advisable to apply products to encourage production of glycosaminoglycans, collagen and elastin, activating tissue regeneration and providing active ingredients which repair and replace altered structures by improving tissue oxygenation and hydration.
Scaring phase
When it comes to striae that have already formed scar tissue, vascularizing action based on oxygenating and hydrating essential oils and bioactive substances that stimulate the regeneration process are necessary. The possibility of rebuilding the fibrous connective tissue using only cosmetic treatment is difficult, and should be assisted by medical treatments and apparatus to simultaneously in order to improve treatment results.
SeSDerma recommends the following products for the treatment of stretch marks
Abradermol microdermabrasion cream, to exfoliate the skin
Mender Rose Hip oil, for skin regeneration
ESTRYSES Anti stretch mark cream, for the treatment of stretch marks and hydration.
Complete information about these products can be found here: Stretch mark treatments
For information on skin problems, skin treatments, sesderma, and sesderma products please visit Sesderma Labratories
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