You are pregnant or a young mother and you may be asking yourself the question " how to remove stretch marks " or " Is it possible to make stretch marks disappear? ". The answer is yes! They are often considered unsightly and can be a source of complex for some people. However, it is important to know that stretch marks are not dangerous for your health and that there are ways to reduce them or even make them disappear .
In this article, we share with you 8 tips for removing stretch marks . We take this opportunity to present our products for removing stretch marks .
What is a stretch mark?
A stretch mark is a spontaneous tear in the deep dermis located between the epidermis and the hypodermis that becomes visible on the surface of the skin. This rupture of the dermis is characterized by a very visible mark at first thanks to its red/purple coloring . This color is due to inflammation and, over time, tends to whiten if no care is given. Once pearly, this stretch mark will be less visible but will remain indelible.
In women and men, the areas affected by stretch marks are a little different. Stretch marks in men usually appear on the lower back, around the arms, on the buttocks and thighs. In women, stretch marks appear mostly on the stomach, hips, chest, buttocks, and upper thighs.
How does a stretch mark form?
Rapid weight gain , puberty , pregnancy , sudden weight loss , or hormonal fluctuations are all situations that can lead to excessive stretching of the skin, thus weakening the collagen and elastin fibers present in the dermis .
Stretch marks are not just a problem of skin elasticity. The hormonal upheavals that affect pregnant women throughout pregnancy degrade the quality of the skin and disrupt its good structure. The stretching of the skin is only an aggravating factor.
The role of the fibroblast
Fibroblast is very important in the dermis because its function is to produce collagen and elastin fibers . Collagen ensures the skin's resistance and elastin fibers its elasticity.
Stretch marks are associated with a dysfunction of the fibroblast which, in the form of hormonal variations, will receive a chemical message from the skin that it will unfortunately misinterpret. It will become overactivated and put itself into healing mode. It thus transforms into a muscle-type cell called the myofibroblast . When it is in this mode of operation, it no longer produces collagen and elastin fibers.
This healing process is normal during an injury but is not the expected stage on "healthy" skin during pregnancy.
The skin thus becomes depleted of these structural protein fibers since the beginning of pregnancy .
Mechanical tension of the skin
Weakened by hormonal upheavals, weight gain and stretching of the skin , it can then crack: a stretch mark appears.
Stretch marks are a topic that mainly concerns pregnant women because you have this combination of both strong hormonal fluctuations and rapid stretching of the skin.
Stretch marks usually appear as purple or reddish lines at first, then turn pearly white once they settle in .
How to get rid of stretch marks?
To remove stretch marks , there are several solutions.
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Skin hydration : First of all, it is recommended to regularly hydrate the skin with creams containing natural and effective active ingredients to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin , essential for skin regeneration and in particular to reduce stretch marks .
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Use specific care to remove stretch marks : The certified organic SOS Stretch Mark Balm from Laboratoires Téane is the effective solution to remove stretch marks . In organic cosmetics, it is the most effective treatment to reduce pregnancy stretch marks. It contains patented extracts of Cassia Alata in synergy with Centella Asiatica . But also, mimosa tenuiflora extract, organic shea butter, organic avocado oil, organic argan oil, organic Aloe Vera and organic rose floral water. This treatment can be used on all areas of the body affected by stretch marks: the stomach, hips, chest, etc. Applied morning and evening for two months, it reduces the appearance of stretch marks by up to -80%!
- Exfoliation to reduce dead cells : To improve the effectiveness of the treatments, exfoliate once or twice a week where the stretch marks are located . These products will remove dead cells and soften the skin.
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Skin massage : It is also advisable to massage the affected areas with circular movements , in order to promote blood circulation and improve the elasticity of the skin . Massages help regenerate collagen and elastin fibers, and thus reduce the appearance of stretch marks .
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Specific treatments carried out by specialists: In addition, it is possible to resort to more specific treatments carried out in institutes or by a dermatologist. Some people also opt for laser or microdermabrasion sessions to fade and eliminate existing stretch marks .
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Protect your skin from the sun : if you develop red or purple stretch marks, avoid sun exposure by covering the areas affected by the stretch marks or apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 50. In fact, the sun accelerates skin aging and could risk browning the stretch mark .
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A healthy and balanced diet: your plates should be varied, colorful and rich in nutrients . Foods rich in zinc contribute to skin healing (nuts, seeds, avocado, etc.). Also include vitamins E and C in your diet and omega 3 (avocado, flaxseed oil, oily fish, etc.).
- Hydration: also hydrate yourself from the inside by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day to maintain good skin quality.
It is important to note that prevention is also essential in the fight against stretch marks . It is recommended to adopt a balanced diet rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids , to practice regular physical activity to maintain the firmness of the skin and to use an anti-stretch mark routine throughout pregnancy.
Téane Laboratories also offer products to prevent the appearance of stretch marks by combining the 1st Stretch Mark Treatment Cream and the Soothing Generous Oil.
We hope you enjoyed this article on “how to remove stretch marks”!
