Stretch marks on the abdomen: the nightmare of every woman. But where do the light stripes on the belly come from and what can you do about them? Find out with us.
You look at yourself in the mirror and suddenly you discover white or red stretch marks on your belly. Almost every woman gets them, but no one wants them. They are simply not pretty and sometimes a little stressful.
But not only pregnant women and overweight people are affected. Anyone can get the unsightly cracks of the subcutaneous tissue. Models, teenagers and even men are not spared.
What helps against it and how you can prevent stretch marks and stretch marks, you will learn here.
Table of contents
How do stretch marks develop?
The main cause is rapid stretching of the skin, usually as a result of rapid weight gain or pregnancy. But they can also be caused by muscle growth or hormonal changes.
Stretch marks occur when the connective tissue is stretched beyond its limits. The collagen and elastin fibers break. This can lead to thinning skin, scars and stretch marks.
Often this happens during pregnancy. But there are also other causes, such as rapid growth in length during puberty - or simply a strong weight gain.
Translucent blood vessels provide the typical pink or white coloration.
How are stretch marks different from stretch marks?
There is no difference. The two terms refer to cracks in the skin caused by unusual growth of a certain part of the body.
During pregnancy, the stretch marks appear on the abdomen and chest.
Why do stretch marks have different colors?
Stretch marks can often look very different. For some they are light pink and for some white. But why do they have different colors and what does the coloring say?
Pink stretch marks
The visible results of recently damaged connective tissue are pink or reddish colored stretch marks. They are a sign that your body has undergone a quick and sudden change.
This could be, for example, pregnancy, rapid muscle gain due to excessive exercise, or rapid weight gain.
However, the light pink colored stretch marks can also be a sign of an unbalanced diet or a lack of protein, vitamin C and minerals.
During this phase, stretch marks can still be treated best and you can even get rid of them completely.
White stretch marks
If the stretch marks are white, it indicates that they are already older. They are already completely healed and represent that your body has recovered after a deficiency or rapid change.
You can't get rid of these stripes.
Why do some women get stretch marks on the abdomen and others do not?
Unfortunately, the fact is that stretch marks are partly hereditary, as there are a variety of different types of connective tissue. Some people are born with a weak connective tissue born. In addition, for some, Cushing's disease makes them even more prone to stretch marks.
In this disease, the adrenal cortex is stimulated. This increases the production of cortisol.
Stretch marks are particularly common on areas of the body that are subject to severe stretching. These include especially the abdomen and chest. But they also occur frequently on the thighs, hips and buttocks.
Can stretch marks disappear by themselves?
No. Stretch marks are very stubborn and dig into the tissue like small scars. Ointments and oils can make them recede a little. But they will not disappear completely by themselves.
However, there are ways to fade them a bit and thus make them less visible. But you should know that stretch marks are not a health problem.
How do I get rid of my stretch marks on my belly?
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all scars, certain treatments can help reduce them.
Peels can be used to reduce the color and width of the stripes. Laser treatments can improve the appearance of the stripes.
In addition there are also a few home remedies, which many stars and celebrities swear by.
Laser treatment
The best method for reducing stretch marks is treatment with a laser. The laser shoots short flashes of light onto the skin, stimulating collagen formation. This method rebuilds the scars from scratch. The laser also tightens the skin.
The number of treatments you need depends on the severity and age of your stretch marks. But usually six to eight treatments are sufficient.
The price of laser therapy varies from region to region, but is usually around 200 euros per treatment.
Microneedling
Microneedling causes a large number of tiny wounds in the skin. Like laser therapy, it promotes collagen growth and improves the appearance of scars.
Microneedling is effective in the treatment of all types of scars. Also for stretch marks on the abdomen.
The cost of the procedure is between 200 and 400 euros per treatment. For the best result you need three to four treatments.
Ultrasound
Ultrasonic vibrations improve the effectiveness of lotions and oils by creating interstitial spaces in the tissue. At the same time, ultrasound improves blood circulation, which promotes wound healing.
Scar care oil
To relieve stretch marks, you can treat them with scar care oil. Zinc can also help reduce stretch marks. This won't make the stripes disappear completely, but they should at least become colorless. The sooner you start, the better.
Accept your stretch marks on the belly
Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of! Every second woman is affected and has to find a way to deal with it. If your stretch marks on your belly are from pregnancy, you can also see them as a reminder of this important time in your life.
On Instagram, artist Sara Shakeel has discovered a way of dealing with stretch marks that shows they don't have to be seen as a visual flaw. She artfully showcases the stripes. Other women are also imitating her.
The Instagram account "Love your lines" was founded by two Americans who encourage women around the world to post pictures of their bodies after pregnancy or weight loss. After all, that's a good motto: Love your stripes!
Of course, you can try to remove stretch marks if it's worth your time and money. But don't fight with nature, accept your body as it is! Stretch marks are just a reminder of how fantastic your body has been!
How can I prevent stretch marks?
Stretch marks can hardly be removed again, and certainly not inexpensively. So it's best if they don't appear in the first place. But how can you prevent stretch marks on the abdomen?
Especially after pregnancy, red and purple stripes can appear on the abdomen. With a plucking massage you can prevent them during pregnancy and reduce them afterwards.
A high quality body oil is a must for massage. Body oils with jojoba, wheat germ and Almond oil* are particularly beneficial as they can be applied to the most sensitive areas (chest, stomach, legs, buttocks) after showering - ideally at least once a day!
In addition, can help:
- cold shower
- healthy diet
- Drink enough
- Sport and exercise
- an optimal fit bra to protect the breast tissue
- Dry brush massages
- various creams and lotions with the active ingredient alpha-tocopherols
These tips can promote skin elasticity, increase blood circulation and thus prevent stretch marks.
Our conclusion
You can reduce your stretch marks on your belly by going for expensive treatments. However, a better way is to accept your body as it is. Stretch marks can be nice reminders of your face loss, muscle gain or pregnancy.
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