With breast growth, which is caused by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or lactation, the skin stretches only in the area of the upper integument - the epidermis. The reticular layer of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue are not capable of rapid stretching. This is how striae are formed - stripes along the milk ducts. In the early phase of the disease, blood vessels are visible through the thinned layer. This is the stage of red stretch marks, manifested by burgundy-purple stripes on the chest.
As the disease progresses, the stripes become pale because the cracks in the reticular layer of the skin are filled with connective tissue cells. They form a dense layer, and the vessels are no longer visible. The primary cosmetic defect disappears, but scars form. In place of red stretch marks on the chest, white striae form, which do not tan because they do not have pigment cells - melanocytes.
Reasons for appearance
A stretch mark, or striae, is a lesion on the skin that is white, blue, and sometimes even purple. It occurs for various reasons and at any age: due to a girl’s rapid growth, injuries, an uncomfortable bra, sudden weight loss or, conversely, weight gain. Sometimes too diligent exercise is also to blame for this defect: incorrect selection of exercises for the pectoral muscles and the delicate skin is stretched, micro-tears in the epidermis appear. The body tries to patch them up with connective tissue, which is why an ugly scar remains.
However, the reasons may not only be external: an abundance of stretch marks on the body hints at health problems! The fact is that collagen is responsible for the elasticity of our skin. And it contains cortisol, a substance produced by the adrenal glands. If they do not work well, there is not enough of it, and stretch marks occur.
People are especially susceptible to striae:
- with diabetes mellitus;
- taking hormones;
- with skin diseases;
- with problems in the endocrine system;
- women over 45 years of age who stop producing sex hormones;
- having relatives with striae - there may be a hereditary predisposition.
Pregnancy and frequent visits to the solarium can also cause stretch marks:
- When a pregnant woman gains weight, skin tension increases and cells do not have time to multiply in the required quantity. This thins the epidermis layer and micro-tears easily occur;
- frequent visits to the solarium may result in an overdose of ultraviolet radiation and damage the skin. By the way, existing white stretch marks cannot be hidden under a tan: there are no substances responsible for pigmentation in the damaged area.
If you have too many scars, and not just on your chest, this is a reason to take care of your health. Perhaps, by establishing the correct production of hormones in the body, stretch marks will disappear on their own. In any case, it is worth visiting a free consultation with a doctor who will select a course of treatment for your problem.
Types of stretch marks
Since the causes of stretch marks are different, it is logical that the methods of treating them will be different. Let's figure out in order what striae occur and what to expect in each situation.
Stretch marks come in different depths. This is due to the structure of the epidermis, which consists of as many as 5 layers:
- Horny . What we used to call skin. It protects the epidermis from the external environment and has no living cells: the surface is formed by scales of dead keratinocytes. Its thickness depends on the degree of load on the body part. For example, the skin on the feet is much rougher than the skin in the décolleté area: after all, we walk with our feet.
- Shiny layer . Present only in particularly difficult areas: feet, palms. It's not on the chest.
- Granular layer . Lamellar structures are formed here that do not allow water to pass deeper than is required for skin health. By the way, there are no blood vessels in the epidermis, so the cells are nourished by the dermis.
- The spinous and basal layers are combined into the germinal layer of Malpighi. Its function is to protect against ultraviolet radiation and regenerate new cells.
So, we’ve figured out the structure of the epidermis, now let’s look at the types of its damage:
- Filiform striae . The most harmless defect of all listed below. Only the stratum corneum, that is, dead cells, suffers. As a rule, these are thin lines (fresh striae no thicker than 1 mm) of different lengths and have the same depth over their entire area. You can get rid of them with cosmetic products.
- Atrophic striae . Skin lesions are 1-1.5 mm deep - reaching the granular layer of the epidermis. On its surface they look like strips of different thicknesses and lengths, intersecting with each other. The depth of one striae can vary by 1 mm.
- Deep atrophic stretch marks . As the name implies, skin damage occurs much deeper than in the previous two cases - in the germ layer (remember, it is responsible for cell regeneration!), and sometimes reaches the subcutaneous fat. They occur in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and depth varies from 3 mm to 8 mm.
Also, stretch marks come in different colors. White, red, purple - an experienced doctor can determine by the appearance of each of them the reason for its appearance and the correct method of removal.
- White striae . The old one will remain as it is. It doesn’t itch, doesn’t go deep and doesn’t interfere in any way, except that it spoils the appearance. Parting with such stretching is the most difficult thing.
- Stria rubra . Looks like a cut. After 3–6 months it darkens, becomes purple, and then purple. It can grow deep into the epidermis, but not always. Most often it occurs in the chest area in pregnant women, and the first stretch marks are visible already from 3 months. By the direction of the lines, you can determine the cause of the occurrence: horizontal stripes indicate a hormonal imbalance, and vertical stripes indicate rapid weight gain.
- Bright red, scarlet striae . Occurs when overweight due to thinning of the epidermis. It is very itchy and grows, looking like a scratch.
Prevention of stretch marks
Any stretch mark is an unpleasant defect on the skin, regardless of color, direction and age. Its presence is not a death sentence on your beauty, but a reason to take care of your health. There are various salon procedures, cosmetics and folk remedies that have helped more than one generation of women. But if the cause of the occurrence is not eliminated, stretch marks will appear again and again.
To summarize the above: stretch marks on the chest can occur due to excess weight, incorrectly selected exercises, pregnancy, hormonal problems and improper feeding. Let's add to this a hereditary tendency, as well as uncomfortable underwear.
How to prevent skin defects with the latter is clear; it is enough not to be greedy for quality items made in your size from cotton or other natural fabrics. Heredity cannot be overcome, however, you can take a contrast shower and massage with olive or castor oil, eat vitamins and use special cosmetics.
The problem with hormones can be solved by visiting an endocrinologist, it is advisable to do this at least once a year.
Find out which method of correcting scars and stretch marks is optimal for you!
doctor Svetlana Viktorovna Ogorodnikova.
doctor
How to get rid of stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy and lactation
Not all of the methods described above for getting rid of unsightly stripes can be used while bearing a child and breastfeeding. Give preference to the use of external folk remedies, water treatments, massage, try to keep your muscles toned. But salon procedures are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
During lactation, not all folk remedies can be used due to the fact that:
- Esters, honey, coffee have a bright aroma that remains on the surface of the epidermis for a long time. If the baby does not like these smells, he may refuse the breast.
- The use of some drugs can cause an allergic reaction in an infant and a woman.
When choosing factory-made cosmetics, give preference to manufacturers of children's products. Pay attention to the fact that the packaging indicates “For pregnant women” and “For nursing.”
Ways to combat stretch marks
Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks on the chest using folk remedies, without expensive operations and discomfort? Of course yes. First of all, you need to find and remove the cause :
- Review your wardrobe, especially everyday items. Are you comfortable in them, maybe your favorite bra is rubbing insidiously? Even an elegant, expensive item is cheaper to give up than to correct the consequences of it.
- Are you eating right? The body needs fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, vitamins and fiber. In recent years, women with anemia and iron deficiency have become increasingly common. See your doctor and have your hemoglobin checked. If you have increased fatigue, drowsiness and pallor, this is most likely your case. Treat yourself to red meat, pomegranate, and liver.
- Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? Some experts believe that smoking also affects stretch marks. They explain this by narrowing of skin pores, clogging and the entry of harmful substances into the body.
- If excessive exercise can cause stretch marks, then by exercising correctly and in moderation you can get rid of them. Many trainers recommend going to the gym 2-3 times a week, with breaks a day between classes. This gives the muscles time to relax, but at the same time the body remains in good shape.
- Massage and cosmetics will also give results. But, unlike fitness, you need to exercise every day.
Salon procedures should also be added to this list, because in particularly advanced cases, home recipes are not able to solve the problem.
So, to get rid of stretch marks on the chest there are several ways:
- salon treatments;
- massage;
- ethnoscience;
- cosmetics (gels, ointments, etc.).
Let's talk about each in more detail.
Salon treatments
For advanced cases and simply for women who want to get rid of stretch marks on their chest in an instant, there is a wonderful thing - a beauty salon!
It offers you various types of procedures. Mesotherapy, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling - we counted 7 methods, so here’s a brief description of each:
- Mesotherapy . After 3 sessions, smooth, healthy skin is promised. The essence of the procedure is to inject a mixture of vitamins and hyaluronic acid under the skin. The injection should establish proper functioning of the tissues, due to which the scar disappears.
- Oxygen-ozone cocktail . It is also injected under the skin, however, the result should be expected only after 8 sessions. The cocktail injection stimulates blood circulation, fat metabolism and destroys harmful formations.
- Laser grinding . For the bravest. This is actually a striae burn. In the damaged area, the body intensively produces collagen, with the help of which the stretch marks are tightened with new tissue.
- Radio wave therapy . Just 3 sessions, and electricity eliminates problems. A high-frequency pulse is applied to the defective area, causing the collagen fibers to curl and the skin to tighten.
- Microdermabrasion . The stratum corneum (remember, consists of dead cells) is polished using attachments, files and other things in special equipment. Thus, it promises to “cut down” even neglected white stretch marks.
- Chemical peeling . Damaged skin is exposed to a chemical that burns its top layer. The burned area peels off and new healthy skin appears.
- Microcurrent influence . The process is similar to radio wave therapy, but the effect is milder. With a small current, cells are stimulated and work faster. For greater effect, the skin is lubricated with oil or special cosmetics before the procedure.
As you can see, quick results require a bit of courage. And for those who are willing to wait and put in a little effort, there is the following method.
Massage
Useful both at the stage of preventing stretch marks and during treatment for them. The main advantage is that they make it themselves and at home. The only thing you need is oil or cream. The downside is that the procedure is done daily, otherwise there will be no result.
During the session, it is important to breathe evenly and not compress your chest too much. It is better to entrust manual massage to a specialist, otherwise, through ignorance, you will only aggravate the situation.
For self-treatment, a Taoist technique is recommended: clasp your chest with your palms from below and perform 9 circular movements clockwise from the shoulder to the center of the body. Then cover with your palm and press gently. You can end the session with circular stroking.
ethnoscience
It is possible to reduce completely new and small stretch marks using “grandmother’s” methods. Mumiyo mountain resin is suitable for this - the best in Altai. It is sold as tablets; to treat stretch marks, you need to dilute 6 pieces. mummy in 1 tsp. warm water in a non-metallic container. Add a tablespoon of any cream, 8 drops of essential oil, mix and leave for 15 minutes. Then repeat.
However, pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use mumiyo, and the results will only appear after six months.
Another remedy is egg whites whipped into a thick foam. Easy to make and suitable for everyone. Apply to the stretch mark until completely dry.
Aloe juice also helps with stretch marks. It is enough to apply the stretch until completely absorbed, repeat the procedure 2 times a day.
Gels, ointments
There are a lot of cosmetics in pharmacies. The names of manufacturers, brands, jars and boxes make your head spin. How to choose a good product when every company calls itself No. 1 in the world? And the prices are also different...
Pay attention to the composition. Cosmetics are good if they contain:
- vegetable oils;
- extracts from plants;
- vitamins A, E, B5;
- kelp extract;
- hydroxypropylene for collagen production.
But you should also read reviews about the product itself and consult a doctor.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is considered the most effective and safe. During this procedure, the doctor uses a laser to remove the upper layers of the skin, which stimulates regeneration processes. According to reviews, fresh stretch marks can be removed in just 2-4 sessions, but removing older stretch marks may require 10 to 15 repeated procedures.
This technique is safe, since there is no direct contact with the patient’s blood - any damaged vessel is immediately cauterized with a laser beam, which minimizes the likelihood of infection. This therapy does not require a long period of rehabilitation. Its only disadvantage is its relatively high cost.
