Lhe stretch marks are the manifestation of the modification of the quantity and quality of the dermal collagen and of the loss of elasticity of the skin. They can occur at different stages of life, during puberty, pregnancy and menopause but they can also occur due to an important change in weight. Although they can be treated after they appear, it is also important to prevent them.
Stretch marks, what are the “striae distensae”
“Stretch marks are a skin imperfection that characterizes many women, but they can also appear on male skin. It’s about small areas of the skin that take on a different color tending towards red or white with lines, parallel or crossed, and irregular textures» explains the Dr. Tommaso Bianchi, dermatologist of my doctor.
They have two evolutionary phases: «In the first phase they take on a pale pink to purplish-red complexion, for this they are defined “striae rubrae”. The second phase is instead characterized by a whitish in color, the “striae albae”.
Red stretch marks have a smooth surface and remain this color, sometimes even very intense, for up to 18-24 months. They become white in a second phase, when their surface begins to show small horizontal ripples,” he adds Laura May – General Manager of Rilastil.
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Caused by excessive stretching of the skinwhich leads to the breaking of the elastic fibers and of the matrix that make up the connective tissue, at the basis of their appearance there is a change in the quantity and quality of the dermal collagen: «The protein molecules of collagen and elastin, breaking down, cause the loss of elasticity and epidermal tonicity» explains Dr. May.
The three main causes of stretch marks
Although stretch marks are typically feminine, not all women are subject to it: the structure and strength of collagen as well as the elasticity and resistance of the skin to certain stresses are in fact familiar predispositions.
Especially present on the breasts, thighs, abdomen and buttocksthe appearance of the imperfection is mainly due to three causes: constitutional, hormonal and mechanical.
“In the first case, the structure of collagen is genetically predetermined. In some subjects it is less resistant to relaxation and more prone to the formation of stretch marks. Genetics are also joined by hormones, in particular corticosteroids: present in high concentrations, they alter the dermal structure by reducing its elastic capacity».
The third cause is mechanical. «Adolescence, obesity, localized fat deposits or massive increases in muscle mass for exaggerated and irregular sporting activities (body-building, weight lifting, too intensive workouts) but also a major change in weight, mechanically stress skin tension which, if ruined, causes stretch marks» explains the Rilastil expert.
The role of hormones
We must not underestimate the age. As Dr. May points out, about the 10-30% of teenagers have stretch marks due to the typical changes of puberty between hormones, weight and height. Menopause is also an important moment: in this phase of life, explains Dr. Bianchi, the skin loses its compactness due to a decrease in estrogen making it drier, thinner and less toned.
Taking care of stretch marks: prevention is better
How do you take care of the blemish? “If they are not yet present, prevention is essential. In this case, it is advisable to take care to always maintain optimal skin hydration by drinking plenty of water, at least 1.5 liters a day. It is important to follow one diet low in fat and rich in vegetables and whole grains which help to avoid overweight, tone the skin and, consequently, reduce the risk of stretch marks. It is also essential to apply specific products regularly» explains Dr. Laura May.
The remedies, the natural oils
What if they are already there? «If the stretch marks have already appeared, there are some ingredients to focus on to alleviate them. Between these, sweet almond oil, rich in vitamin E, is effective in keeping the skin hydrated and soft; the extract of centella asiatica, on the other hand, favors the regeneration of the skin and maintains its compactness.
Retinoic acid creams are also effective in the treatment. In case of more evident stretch marks, there are also effective aesthetic treatments such as fractional lasers with vascular wavelengths and the microneedlingvery effective on red ones» concludes Dr. Bianchi.
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