Ways to deal with stretch marks

Mezotherapy, microdermabrasion, peels, lasers - these modern methods for improving skin appearance are quite effective even in addressing challenging issues like stretch marks. If you opt for a treatment now, you'll have time to prepare your body for the summer exposure. Stretch marks can happen to anyone, even to slender teenagers during periods of rapid growth. While pregnant women (affecting 90% of new mothers) and individuals experiencing rapid weight gain are most susceptible, stretch marks can arise due to excessive stretching of the skin, particularly if it has weak collagen fibers, leading to their rupture.

Genetics and estrogen levels play a significant role in stretch mark predisposition, with a strong hereditary component. Unfortunately, you cannot completely overcome this, although the use of specific creams may reduce their occurrence. Prevention is key, focusing on strengthening the skin to stimulate collagen production. Here are some effective preventive measures, especially when weight gain or pregnancy is anticipated:

1. Body Creams: Regularly apply well-moisturizing creams or oils to enhance skin elasticity and resilience, particularly during periods of weight gain or pregnancy.

2. Regular Massages: Stimulate microcirculation through regular massages, using a rough glove or sponge, and consider weekly intensive exfoliation.

3. Specialized Treatments for Pregnant Women: Salons offer treatments designed specifically for pregnant women, focusing on body firmness and skin elasticity. These treatments use safe cosmetics and specialized massage techniques, with the program tailored individually.

4. Diet Rich in Zinc: Include zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, eggs, almonds, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, lentils, and corn in your diet, as zinc actively participates in collagen synthesis.

When stretch marks occur, prompt action is essential:

1. Use Stretch Mark Creams: Apply creams designed for existing stretch marks, which may have both preventive and reparative effects. For visible, still-red stretch marks, these creams can be effective.

2. Cold Therapy: Low temperatures, such as alternating warm and cold showers or specialized cryolift treatments, can enhance skin tone, firmness, and elasticity.

For more severe cases, professional treatments can be considered:

1. Mesotherapy: This involves injecting a cocktail of various substances (commonly silica, hyaluronic acid combined with lactic acid, asiatic pennywort extract, vitamins, amino acids, and nucleic acid) directly into damaged tissues. These components strengthen the skin and stimulate fibroblasts, enhancing collagen production.

2. Microdermabrasion: A mechanical exfoliation technique that stimulates collagen production and smoothens the skin's surface.

3. Chemical Peels: Accelerate skin shedding and stimulate collagen fiber synthesis. Common acids used include glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

4. Laser Therapy: The choice of laser depends on the type used by the practitioner. CO2 lasers exfoliate the epidermis, smoothing irregularities, while pigment lasers stimulate collagen production.

For a comprehensive approach, combining treatments may yield the best results, depending on the age and color of the stretch marks:

• Fresh Stretch Marks Program: Laser treatment (3-4 sessions, repeated monthly), interspersed with mesotherapy (every 2 weeks for 2 months, followed by maintenance every 3 months, then every 6 months).

• Older Stretch Marks Program: A combination of mesotherapy and microdermabrasion (alternating every 2 weeks, for two months, followed by monthly maintenance, then every 3 months). Chemical peels (4-8 sessions weekly) can complement this regimen.

Based on the text by Anna Kondratowicz in the Beauty magazine.