Remove stretch marks

Synonyms in a broader sense

Stretch marks, striae distensea, striae gravidarum, striae rubrae

English: stretch marks, striae, striation of pregnancy

introduction

During pregnancy, the mechanical stress and rapid stretching of the skin can cause cracks in the skin. These stretch marks are also called stretch marks (Striae gravidarum). It mainly affects parts of the woman's body such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts. These cracks are located in the subcutaneous tissue and are irreparable and do not recede. At the beginning the stripes are mostly blue-reddish. After a while, the stretch marks fade again, but still remain externally visible as light-colored scars. Approximately 70-90% of pregnant women are affected by stretch marks. The main reason is weak connective tissue, which is physically predisposed. However, multiple pregnancies, obesity and little physical activity also favor the development of stretch marks.

therapy

There Stretch marks can no longer be removed once they are there, one should above all take preventive action. The goal of therapy later can only be to positively influence the scarring. This can be done on the one hand by targeted body care of the affected regions, for example by applying lotion, or in more serious cases by a Laser therapy or one Cryotherapy (Cold treatment) happen.
Also, promote regular sports, Connective tissue massages and alternating showers to improve the complexion. Drug treatment is not possible.

What are the options?

Since stretch marks are Scars in the subcutaneous tissue acts is a complete removal that is no longer visible from the outside from stretch marks not possible. However, the visibility the stripe diminish and fade. It is also effective to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy with creams, oils and massages. There are several ways to remove stretch marks. Probably one of the easiest is applying special ones Scar ointments and oils. Also taking zinc should have a supportive effect and fade the stretch marks. Another method is that Micro-needlingwhere tiny needles are rolled over the skin with a dermaroller. This favors a better absorption of active ingredients from ointments and thus promotes skin regeneration. This procedure is already used in scar treatment and can also be used at home without any problems. The application of is not very painful Ultrasonic. The aim is to set metabolic processes in the skin in motion, which also promote the readiness for active substances in the tissue. Furthermore there is the possibility of the stretch marks with one laser to treat. The principle is similar to removing a tattoo

Removal of the stretch marks with laser therapy

One way to remove stretch marks, but also conventional stretch marks, is that Laser therapy. Laser treatment can improve the color and size of the stripes. Dependent is the result of the treatment from the initial findings. As with all measures against stretch marks, laser treatment can also be used not a complete removal promise. During the laser treatment, small flashes of light hit the affected areas of the skin. This stimulates the natural healing process in the tissue, new cells are formed and the regression of damaged skin is encouraged. Since only small areas of the skin are treated several sessions, usually three to five, necessary for complete treatment and for optimal results. It is no anesthesia or hospitalization necessary for the application. After each laser treatment, there may be redness or swelling on the treated skin areas, but this usually only lasts for a week. As with removing tattoos, the treatment can be slightly painful, but this can be alleviated with a cooling gel.

Remove stretch marks with home remedies

There are numerous home remedies that can minimize stretch marks and stretch marks and reduce the color contrast a little. Of course one is important regular and continuous use the home remedies to achieve success.
One method is that Massage in with a high quality, cold pressed olive oil, which you can buy in every supermarket. The olive oil can be warmed up slightly beforehand before applying it to the skin in circular movements.
Another home remedy is the use of Compresses. A handful will be added Lady's mantle herb pour hot water over it and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then a cloth is soaked in this brew. The compress should be applied to the affected areas for 15 minutes twice a day.
Likewise, a self-made peeling Reduce stretch marks. Therefore sugar or gross salt with a good one oil mix. Then massage this peeling into the affected skin areas and finally rinse off with water. The peeling can be used up to three times a week.
Regular ones also help Alternating showers and movement in the form of Endurance sports in the process of stimulating blood circulation. This makes the skin look firmer and healthier.

Remove the stretch marks with the help of creams

There are numerous creams on the market that advertise to remove or reduce stretch marks and stretch marks. They differ mainly in price. It is important to know that through the sole application of creams stretch marks not removed can be. At most they can be minimized a little. The regular use of creams provides the skin with sufficient moisture and, in combination with massaging movements, increases the blood circulation in the skin. This results in healthy looking, firmer looking skin. When buying a cream you should always make sure that it is above all natural ingredients based and without preservatives is. This prevents skin irritation and can be optimally processed by the skin. Creams that Aloe vera contain, donate a lot of moisture and also have a cooling effect. In the pharmacy you can also get special ointments and creams which, with regular use, are supposed to visually minimize scars.

What are the respective costs?

The cost range of ways to remove stretch marks is up very large. At the The most cost-effective are very likely the home remedies. For example, a self-made peeling from salt / sugar and olive oil costs around 3-4 € and has a shelf life of approx. 1 month and if used 3 times a week.
Contrast showers and exercise are on the other hand in the acquisition free.
The price range for creams and ointments, on the other hand, is a bit larger. A simple, good body lotion from the drugstore costs approx. 4€. For higher quality creams that are specially formulated for stretch marks, the prices go up to 50€ per tube. In between all imaginable prices are possible.
Microneedling with a dermaroller can be carried out professionally at the doctor's office or at home. Accordingly, the treatment can be between 80-450€ per treatment.
The cost of laser treatment to remove stretch marks is the highest. Depending on which practice is requested, a session can take up to Costs € 200 and a total treatment up to € 4000.

What is the respective success of the methods?

Basically, it is to be increased in advance that every person or every woman has a individual skin texture and thus reacted successfully to the respective methods in different ways. For one woman, the regular use of creams, ointments and home remedies is enough to fade the stretch marks. For the other woman, methods such as microneedling or laser treatment are necessary. In addition, when choosing the method, it is important how pronounced the stretch marks are at the beginning so a success can be seen. The Microneedling and laser treatment lead to one faster visible success than the home remedies, creams and ointments. But even these can be successful in their effects and make stretch marks fade if they do applied regularly over a long period of time become. Hence, one might think that the more expensive methods like lasers and microneedling are more effective. However, this is mostly because these methods are mainly used when the stretch marks are very pronounced at the beginning and the before-and-after effect is greater. It is important to mention that none of the methods can promise a complete removal of stretch marks. It can only have a supportive effect on the healing and fading of the skin cracks.

prophylaxis

There Stretch marks never regress completely and are therefore difficult to remove once they have arisen, the focus is primarily on prevention so that they do not arise in the first place or, if they do, at least in a less pronounced form.
Whether and to what extent the Stretch marks develop during pregnancy also depends on many factors that cannot be influenced: For example, how strong the connective tissue is or whether you are expecting multiple births or a very large baby, both of which lead to increased weight gain the risk of stretch marks increases.

Ultimately, the prophylaxis much earlier in life, but no later than a secure pregnancy, you should start actively doing something to help skin to prepare for the upcoming stretching, i.e. well before the point in time when external changes are already visible. The key point here is that the elasticity of the skin is promoted. This is namely reduced during pregnancy, which is why the connective tissue tears more easily and requires special care.

Note

Unfortunately, even with preventive measures, stretch marks cannot be completely prevented and only partially removed.

As far as possible, the connective tissue should not be exposed to any extraordinary stresses; support bras, for example, help to relieve the connective tissue.
The first important area for prevention is a healthy lifestyle, exercise and nutrition concerns.

Women who are physically active before and during pregnancy are less likely to experience stretch marks than others. Suitable sports are mainly gymnastics and swim.
It also helps if you eat healthy. This means, on the one hand, vitamin-rich food, and especially on Vitamin E. -A rich diet should be valued, with pregnant women a daily requirement of about 13 mg is expected.
Vitamin E is found in high doses in nuts, germs and oils. On the other hand, you should watch your weight and try not to gain too much. The normal range of weight gain during pregnancy is between ten and fifteen kilos and should not be exceeded if possible. Personal hygiene also plays an important role. The skin, especially on the abdomen, should be rubbed daily with a skin oil. Various creams and oils such as jojoba oil, wheat germ oil containing vitamin E and almond oil are particularly suitable for this.
These oils make the skin elastic and supple, protect it from drying out and at the same time supply it Vitamins. Cold showers or alternating showers stimulate the circulation and also tighten the skin. Regular massages are also extremely important, ideally carried out after a shower while the skin is still a little damp. The so-called is particularly suitable here Plucking massage. This stimulates the blood circulation and loosens the connective tissue.
First, the cream or body oil is spread over the desired area on the skin. Then you take a small piece of the skin between thumb and forefinger, pulls it up a little and then lets go immediately. This process is repeated in all areas of the problem areas. From the 3rd month of pregnancy onwards, it makes sense to use this massage technique twice a day, as it can only achieve the desired positive effects if carried out regularly.
It should be noted that the skin over the Pubic bone should be left out in order to avoid the uterus and from two weeks before the expected due date, it should then be discontinued or only performed very carefully so as not to trigger premature labor. Alternatively, massage with fine dry brushes or with the Sisal glove This is used in the shower by making circular movements around the navel and then oiling or creaming the skin well.
It is best to become familiar with the various massage techniques Gynecologist or the midwife to be demonstrated.