Stretch marks (stretch marks) can appear on the skin of both a mature woman and a young girl. Stretch marks also appear in men, but much less frequently. Although stretch marks are not dangerous to health, but aesthetically, such stripes on the skin do not look very attractive. This fact is especially of concern to women, so it is useful to know how to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, than to get rid of them for a long time.

Why do stretch marks appear on the skin
Stretch marks are scar formations on the skin, the appearance of which in most cases is associated with hormonal changes. An excess of hormones affects the condition of the skin: the production of elastin and collagen is sharply reduced, while reducing the elasticity of the fibers. This leads to stretching of the dermis – the inner layer of the skin and the formation of microtraumas. Thus, striae are scars that occur at the site of torn fibers.

This skin defect most often appears in pregnant women, in girls during puberty, as well as with a sharp weight loss and vice versa – weight gain. But in some cases, stretch marks on the skin can be the result of a disease or genetic predisposition. Initially, striae are red or even purple due to the many capillaries that permeate the connective tissue. Gradually, stretch marks turn pale, but they do not completely disappear: the places of their formation are not covered with a tan, so it is difficult to hide such a skin defect.
The main factors in the formation of stretch marks on the skin
In the appearance of stretch marks, not only hormones or diets are “to blame”. More than others, the formation of stretch marks on the skin are prone to:
people whose close relatives have stretch marks. If a grandmother or mother has stretch marks, then the daughter or granddaughter may have a hereditary predisposition to the formation of stretch marks.
inhabitants of the northern regions. Most “northerners” have thinner, paler skin than those of southerners. Therefore, such skin is more prone to stretch marks.
girls aged 15-18. During this period of intensive growth and puberty, the skin may not have time to stretch. Often, the breast is the first to form stretch marks: the skin on it is tender and thin, and during the period of active growth of the mammary glands, stretch marks can appear literally in a day.
pregnant women. In them, in addition to the chest, stretch marks can form in places where the skin is most stretched – on the stomach and thighs
athletes and bodybuilders. Both a sharp increase in muscle mass and the cessation of intense training lead to the formation of stretch marks.
losing weight or dieting. In the fight against excess weight, it is important, as nutritionists advise, to lose no more than 2% of the initial body weight per month, otherwise the risk of stretch marks is very high.
people with diseases of the endocrine system. If you do not belong to one of the above groups, and stretch marks on the body began to appear, then do not delay the visit to the endocrinologist.
Is it possible to prevent stretch marks: methods of prevention
It is much easier to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin than to get rid of them later. After all, you can completely remove stretch marks on the skin only with the help of laser therapy. To prevent the appearance of stretch marks, it is important to eat right and take care of the skin, paying special attention to places where stretch marks may form. The diet should include foods rich in C, B and E vitamins, zinc, copper – these substances contribute to the production of collagen. Therefore, it is important to regularly eat liver, avocados, green peas, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cereals. Do not forget to eat protein foods, it is protein that helps tissues regenerate better.

It is also important to monitor skin tone: loose skin is more prone to stretch marks. Massage and a contrast shower will help to increase blood circulation, and with it, skin tone. The skin of the chest, thighs and abdomen with a predisposition to stretch marks needs additional care:
using oils: 4-5 drops of essential oil (lemon, mint, rosewood, orange) added to a tablespoon of coconut, olive, almond or sesame oil will help make the skin more elastic. A mixture of oils can either be simply rubbed in with massage movements and allowed to be absorbed into the skin.
scrubs and peeling: regular ground coffee mixed with honey or cosmetic oil (olive, coconut) will be an excellent peeling at home. Scrubbing improves blood circulation and helps the skin to “breathe” better.
algae wraps and mud wraps. As well as maintaining your own weight, preventing a sharp increase in body weight.