Weight gain is often accompanied by the appearance of stretch marks on the body, and many girls fear that losing weight will bring even more unpleasant surprises. Does getting rid of extra pounds really threaten with “reminders” on the skin, and can this be prevented? This topic was asked by the rehabilitation doctor and dermatologist Olga Bozhok.
Olga Bozhok
Why do stretch marks appear when losing weight?
Stretch marks are micro-tears that occur due to excessive stretching of the connective tissue in the middle layer of the skin (dermis). Typically, scars develop as you gain weight and become more noticeable as you lose weight.
The formation of stretch marks depends on hormonal levels. If everything is in order with the hormones, weight gain can occur without damaging the skin tissue. Otherwise, the risk of tearing increases.
As a rule, stretch marks appear in places where the skin is very thin, especially on the stomach and inner thighs. Also, these areas are considered “fat traps” – all the additional volume is deposited there. Immediately after the skin is broken, the stretch marks look red, but over time they become whitish.
How to prevent stretch marks
To reduce the risk of skin breakage, you need to pay attention to it, live a healthy lifestyle and monitor your hormones. Here are some tips to help prevent stretch marks.
Moisturize your skin regularly
Stretch marks are less likely to appear when the skin is moist and elastic. Cosmetics that contain hyaluronic acid in their formula, as well as ingredients such as vitamin D, panthenol and AHA acids (lactic, malic, tartaric, citric) will help maintain this condition.
Stay hydrated
Moisturizing the skin occurs not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Do not forget to drink clean water regularly and try to reduce the consumption of salty, smoked, sweet and alcoholic foods that draw moisture from the body.
Eat right
A sufficient amount of all micro and macro elements, vitamins, the right proportions of protein, fat and carbohydrates in the diet help improve skin condition.
Monitor your hormone levels
If there are serious hormonal disorders, it is necessary to consult specialists – a gynecologist and endocrinologist, since in this case the risk of stretch marks is quite high.
What helps if stretch marks are still visible?
If stretch marks still make themselves felt after losing weight, now there are different ways to make them less noticeable, from cosmetology to cosmetics.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics can not remove stretch marks, but they can accelerate the skin restoration process; quickly turn a red scar into a whitish scar. To do this, you need to use special products that increase skin elasticity and improve the epidermal barrier.
Cosmetology
A series of fractional procedures will stimulate the growth of new tissue to replace the damaged one. Before starting treatment, you can do collagen therapy, mesotherapy and biorevitalization.
Vitamins
Vitamin and mineral complexes will accelerate tissue restoration. Your doctor may recommend checking your levels of zinc, copper, selenium and vitamin D and taking supplements to improve your skin condition if you are deficient.
Source: People Talk
I’m Roger Gritton, and I’ve been writing for the The Fashion Vibes for over 5 years now. My specialty is beauty news; I’m passionate about covering the latest trends, products, and innovations in the industry. In my time there, I’ve become known as an authority on all things beauty-related.
I love discovering new experts to interview, researching up-and-coming ingredients and techniques that are making their way onto our beauty shelves and highlighting people who are making a difference in the world of cosmetics. My work has appeared not only on The Fashion Vibes, but also several other publications including the New York Times Magazine, Allure Magazine and Refinery29.
