Stretch marks on the stomach after childbirth - how to remove, get rid of at home, creams, ointments, folk remedies

The main causes of problems on the stomach, hips and other parts of the body

In men, stretch marks occur on the sides, buttocks, hips, lower back, armpits and forearms; in women, they can form in almost any part of the body, most often on the stomach, hips and chest.

The following reasons are identified:

Sharp weight loss , as the blood supply to the skin becomes worse, which leads to the appearance of folds.
Increase in body weight . The skin tears because it does not have time to stretch under the increasing volume of the body.
Pregnancy . During this period, the breasts, abdomen and hips begin to enlarge, skin tissue loses elasticity, becomes brittle and tears.
Strong physical activity . The body cannot cope with the sudden load and begins to stretch. A common occurrence among bodybuilders.
A period of active growth in adolescents , when bone growth occurs faster than muscle growth.
Poor nutrition . Lack of protein in the diet leads to loss of skin elasticity.
Dehydration . The skin becomes dry due to lack of water.
Heredity . The skin may not be elastic enough due to hereditary characteristics.
Diseases:
diabetes mellitus (skin dries out and cracks);
diseases of the endocrine system;
hormonal imbalances;
pancreatic diseases.

Long-term use of medications , which leads to excess weight.

What are stretch marks and the reasons for their appearance?

Stretch marks (striae) are wavy stripes on the skin formed in places where it is most stretched. The color of scars varies from red-violet to whitish. Often stretch marks appear on the butt, stomach, chest, hips, and waist due to changes in hormonal levels and weight. Women notice them during pregnancy, after sudden weight loss or weight gain, or when taking hormonal medications. The causes of stretch marks may be heredity, hormonal diseases, lack of water and protein in the body.

These defects are easier to prevent than to treat. Prevention measures boil down to maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet and cosmetic body care. Stretch marks appear from a lack of collagen and elastin, so it is important to moisturize and nourish the skin.

If stretch marks have already formed, they should be treated immediately. The fresher the scars, the easier it is to get rid of them. Old stretch marks are less amenable to correction, especially with folk remedies.

The fight against aesthetic problems is not at all hopeless. Cosmetology offers an unimaginable variety of products and procedures: emulsions such as Bepantol, creams, oils (for example peach), wraps, massages, peelings, hardware technologies up to surgical removal. Radical methods like laser stretch mark removal guarantee high efficiency, but, alas, they are expensive and not always safe.

To correct shallow, superficial scars, women choose affordable cosmetic products. One of the popular home remedies is coffee scrub. This is a natural, safe and cheap remedy.

Can skin exfoliation be used against skin blemishes?

It is difficult to completely get rid of stretch marks. But in cosmetology there are methods that will help make stretch marks invisible.

Chemical peeling is one such method . This is a method of exfoliating the upper dead layers of skin using chemicals (acids).

It is used to get rid of stretch marks, scars, fine wrinkles, and age spots.

As a result of this procedure:

skin renewal occurs;
its tone increases;
the relief is leveled;
the skin becomes smoother.

Basic methods of combating striae

In addition to using body scrubs for stretch marks, there are other ways to eliminate stretch marks:

The use of cosmetic creams that promote the renewal of epidermal cells.
Conducting massage sessions. Thanks to the procedure, blood flow to problem areas increases. Massage helps speed up metabolic processes. The procedure can be carried out at home yourself.
Carrying out body wraps that involve the use of cosmetics with a tonic and warming effect.

A contrast shower also helps get rid of stretch marks on the body. The procedure can be performed daily.

Varieties

There are three types of peeling based on the depth of impact on the dermis: superficial, medium and deep.

Superficial . Affects only the epidermis. Less traumatic. Lactic, mandelic, salicylic, citric, and grape acids are applied in small quantities, which dissolve the cells of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
Middle . Penetrates into deeper layers of skin. The skin turns red and swells. The recovery period during which the skin completely peels off is 1 week. The procedure uses combinations of several types of acids. It can be used to combat stretch marks.
Deep. Deep impact up to the middle of the mesh layer, which promotes pronounced skin renewal. The most effective. Full recovery occurs within 4–6 weeks. The basis of the products for such peeling is phenolic acid.
Important! This peeling is contraindicated for people with severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

Scrub recipes for stretch marks

To prepare the product at home, you can use a variety of ingredients:

sugar;
salt;
cinnamon;
ground coffee;
red pepper.

Product grains are the basis of the scrub. Vegetable, essential oils or other components are introduced into it.

Let's look at the most effective recipes.

Simple scrub

You will need:

sugar – 1 tbsp;
salt – 1 tbsp.;
vegetable oil (preferably olive) – 0.5 tbsp.

All components are thoroughly mixed. The mixture is applied to areas damaged by striae. The areas are massaged for 7-10 minutes.

Coffee based scrub

Prepare the following ingredients:

ground coffee – 1 tbsp. l.;
salt – 1 tbsp. l.;
sugar – 1 tbsp. l.;
ground cinnamon – 1 tbsp. l.;
honey – 1.5 tbsp. l.;
olive oil for stretch marks – 2 tbsp. l.

Make a scrub for stretch marks from the ingredients listed above. Massage the problem areas thoroughly with the product for 5-6 minutes.

Coffee and white clay scrub

To prepare the product you need:

ground coffee 1-2 tbsp. l.;
white clay - the same amount;
plain water.

Initially, combine clay and coffee. Dilute the mixture with water until you obtain a mixture whose consistency resembles thick sour cream. The scrub is left on the skin for 5-7 minutes.

Scrubs for stretch marks during pregnancy

Most often, stretch marks appear on the body of a woman who is joyfully awaiting a baby. That is why the fight against stretch marks should begin during this period. After all, as you know, it is much easier to prevent their occurrence than to look for effective methods to eliminate them.

However, a pregnant woman should strictly remember the following rules:

Chemicals should not be used. Make scrubs exclusively from natural ingredients. You can use ready-made cosmetics developed by specialists specifically for expectant mothers.
Start taking care of your skin as early as possible. This will minimize the risk of stretch marks.
Add natural oils to your stretch mark scrub. Ideal: olive, jojoba, grape seeds, tea tree, wheat germ. But first consult a gynecologist to eliminate the risk of allergies.
To make scrubs, you can use the following “abrasive”: ground coffee, sugar, sea salt. The main component is combined with sour cream or butter. It is recommended to massage problem areas for about 2-3 minutes.

The use of scrubs is strictly contraindicated if pregnancy occurs with complications. It is forbidden to use such products if there is a threat of miscarriage or uterine tone.

Scrub for stretch marks after childbirth

A woman who is no longer in an interesting position can use more “strong” means to combat stretch marks.

But remember that they should be used when the lactation period is completed.

Below are some great recipes.

Burning scrub

Advantages and disadvantages

Before deciding to undergo a chemical peeling course, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of the procedure.

Advantages:

effectiveness against fresh and small stretch marks;

improvement of skin condition;

combines with other methods;

Superficial peeling can be done at home.

Flaws:

pain during the procedure;
uncomfortable recovery;
cannot be carried out in spring and summer (when there is sun):
ineffective against old and large striae.

How does coffee work on stretch marks?

Only natural, high-quality coffee can help fight stretch marks. Canned instant “brother” is not suitable for this role. By adding additional natural ingredients to the basic components, we obtain a moisturizing, nourishing, and tonic effect of the product.

The main effect of using a coffee scrub is a kind of mechanical grinding with abrasive components. The epidermis gets rid of dead cells and renews itself faster. Cells more actively produce collagen and elastin. The skin becomes noticeably smooth, and the relief of stretch marks is evened out. In combination with massage, deep exfoliation of the skin occurs.

Unlike other products that women successfully use for exfoliation at home (compositions with sugar, salt, ground nuts, etc.), coffee scrub contains an active ingredient - caffeine. This substance is known for its tonic effect. A caffeine-based scrub improves blood circulation and has a slight drainage effect. The skin becomes more elastic, dense, and the severity of stretch marks visually decreases.

Green coffee beans that have not been roasted are rich in antioxidants. These free radical fighters help skin regenerate, so for optimal results it is best to use unroasted ground coffee beans.

Skin defects are more likely to heal and may even disappear completely if the coffee scrub is combined with wraps (for example, algae wraps), oil masks and vitamin therapy. The scrub should be used regularly. It is also good for the prevention of scar formation. All women at risk (pregnant, losing weight, taking hormonal medications, suffering from endocrine diseases, etc.) should include coffee exfoliation in the list of caring procedures.

Indications and contraindications

Chemical peeling is used to solve a number of problems:

sagging skin;
photoaging;
stretch marks and scars;
dark spots;
pigmentation disorders;
wrinkles;
acne disease.

If you decide to try this procedure on yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with a number of contraindications :

skin hypersensitivity;
allergy to active peeling substances;
fresh tan;
taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to the sun;
pregnancy, lactation period;
warts and papillomas;
diagnosed herpes virus;
recently completed a course of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy;
a number of diseases (cardiovascular, viral skin diseases, oncology, coronary disease, decompensated diabetes mellitus);
psychopathy.

The most common causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks (striae) occur for a variety of reasons. The main factors that provoke the occurrence of a cosmetic defect include:

Pregnancy;
Sudden weight gain;
Hormonal imbalance;
Unbalanced diet.

Striae usually appear on the following areas of the body:

Belly;
Buttocks;
Breasts;
Hips.

How to carry out the procedure?

Medium and deep peeling should only be carried out by a professional, since it is difficult to independently calculate the amount and ratio of acids.

You can do a superficial type of peeling at home.

In the cabin

The cosmetologist performs several stages of skin treatment:

Cleansing the problem area.
Degreasing the skin with lotion.
A peeling agent is applied to the stretched area for a few minutes.
Neutralization of acids with a special preparation.
Removing drug residues.
Applying protective moisturizer.

At home

First , be sure to read the instructions for the purchased peeling product . After this, proceed in the following sequence:

Cleansing the skin with milk or gel.
Apply a few drops of the product to dry skin.
Removing peeling with warm water.
Applying cream to the treated area.

Attention! If you feel a slight tingling sensation during the procedure, do not worry. But if the burning sensation is severe and with redness, you need to quickly rinse off the product with water.

Rules of application

If you are prone to allergic reactions, then before using the product, be sure to check your reaction to the scrub. To do this, apply a small amount of the substance to the inner bend of your elbow.

In order for the stretch mark scrub to provide the desired effect, you should follow fairly simple rules:

The product must be applied to a thoroughly steamed body. That is why the procedure should begin with taking a bath. Soak in hot water for a few minutes. Cleanse your body thoroughly. The surfaces on which the scrub is applied must be clean.
Apply the product to damp skin. Lightly massage the epidermis in different directions.
Rinse off the product with warm water.
To relieve irritation caused by the scrub, apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream.
It is recommended to repeat scrubbing no more than 2 times a week. This interval will allow the covers to recover. Therefore, the skin will not be harmed.

Compliance with such rules will ensure not only the effectiveness of the procedure, but also make it completely safe.

Precautionary measures

Before the procedure, consult a specialist. Do a test for an allergic reaction to the components of the product . It is advisable to carry out such peeling only in the autumn-winter period and no more than once every 10 days. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid the procedure.

If you do the peeling yourself, the product should be applied in a thin layer. If the burning sensation is severe, do not endure it, but quickly rinse off the peeling with warm water. It is important to follow all recommendations in the instructions. During the day after the procedure, it is better not to touch the area with your hands.

To ensure recovery occurs without complications and adverse reactions, it is advisable to follow the following skin care recommendations :

do not visit baths or swimming pools for a week after the procedure;
do not play sports;
Do not wet the treated area during the day;
You can’t tear off the crusts;
Avoid direct sunlight.

Benefits of orange aroma oil for skin

Natural oils help get rid of swelling. If there are stretch marks on the body, the following are actively used:

Citrus aroma oils. They contain components that help smooth out the skin. Appropriate aromatic oils activate the fat burning process.
Essential oils of fir and cedar. They allow you to get rid of existing irritation on the skin and have a calming effect.
Aroma oils of caraway, cinnamon. The products have a tonic effect and increase skin elasticity.

When eliminating stretch marks, aroma oils are not recommended to be used undiluted. They are mixed with base oils.

Be sure to read: How to use affirmations for weight loss?

To prepare an effective scrub, combine 4 drops of orange essential oil with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The scrub is applied to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.

How to remove stretch marks on your stomach at home

The sooner you start skin restoration procedures, the greater the chances of success. You should choose funds based on your own time and budget capabilities; it is best to combine them. The most popular ways to restore skin:

Caring cosmetics: creams, gels, ointments, oils. They are designed to retain a sufficient amount of moisture in the skin and activate regenerative processes in it.
Peeling. Striae are scars, so exfoliation of rough and dead cells makes the skin smoother and stimulates its regeneration. You can use store-bought or homemade products, such as peeling with coffee grounds or a mixture of sugar and salt.
Physical exercises and breathing exercises. They provide good body shape and at the same time tone the skin.
Sauna, contrast shower. These procedures cause a rush of blood into the epidermis, which improves metabolism in it.
Massage. You don't have to go to a beauty salon to do this. Self-massage is also effective. The method is aimed at improving blood circulation. You can perform rubbing movements, pinching or use silicone cups, rollers, brushes.

When choosing each of these remedies, you should take into account your well-being, health status, especially immediately after childbirth, as well as the presence of contraindications to certain procedures.

Why do stretch marks appear after childbirth?

There is no need to think that stretch marks on the stomach, hips and arms appear only because of pregnancy and the process of giving birth to a child.

There are other factors influencing their education:

Stretching of the skin layers may be due to the fact that the woman quickly gained weight and then lost several kilograms. Also, unwanted ruptures occur during intense physical training, when the body is not ready for them. Finally, stretch marks appear if you make sudden movements - sitting down or standing up; in any case, this is followed by microtraumas, that is, ruptures of internal tissues.
Often, hormonal imbalance is considered to be the reason leading to the formation of stretch marks. If we take the root cause of this phenomenon, then we can assume that a person does not eat enough quality food, and his body lacks important elements, the absence of which leads to a decrease in the production of elastic substances. In addition, low or high levels of hormones can provoke various diseases, which also become prerequisites for stretching of skin tissue.
Sometimes a person may suffer due to a genetic predisposition to such defects, since the individual properties of the skin are different for everyone. And, of course, any unfavorable conditions, such as dehydration, often provoke the formation of unsightly folds.
Age also makes itself felt, and not only in mature or elderly people - stretch marks can also appear in young people who grow too quickly. Closer to old age, the human body is characterized by a slowdown in all vital processes, so tissue restoration takes longer. And if the fibrous tissues that produce proteins are not so active in their synthesis, then the skin becomes less elastic.
Additional reasons leading to the formation of stretch marks are poor quality nutrition, lacking balance, which is so important for the human body. When there is not enough protein and a sufficient amount of water, the skin dries out, does not receive enough nutrients, and therefore loses its natural, normal properties.
It’s already been said about weight, it’s equally bad to gain it and lose it quickly. In this case, the skin is stretched mechanically, and tightening it and bringing it back to normal is much more difficult. And the appearance of the body, which, of course, depends on its internal state, is reflected in insufficient hygienic care. Lack of moisturizing and the use of nourishing creams when clearly necessary is always a risk of becoming acquainted with such a pathology as stretch marks.

That, in fact, is all about the reasons. If possible, it is wiser to prevent such a scenario from developing, and to prevent disorders in the body through a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. However, the question of how to remove stretch marks remains open. They are especially common in the abdominal area, and you need to know how to act competently and productively.

Laser correction

Removing stretch marks after childbirth with a laser is the only way to get rid of them quickly and without traces. Laser resurfacing of stretch marks allows you to significantly reduce even stretch marks that have turned white in just a few sessions, and removes fresh ones faster. The essence of the procedure is that the beam evaporates the top layer of skin, along with stretch marks. New healthy and smooth skin grows in place of damaged areas.

Laser correction can be applied only a few months after childbirth . After the procedure, healing occurs within approximately 2 weeks.

Cosmetological methods for removing stretch marks

Modern cosmetology provides a large number of procedures for removing stretch marks on the abdomen after childbirth. What each of them does, and how to choose the right procedure for yourself, will help you figure it out in any beauty salon.

Mesotherapy

The procedure involves the introduction of a complex of medicinal preparations containing substances that destroy old collagen fibers and promote the process of creating new ones. The therapeutic cocktail is administered at a depth of 1 to 4 mm.

The price for the service ranges from 300 to 12,000 Russian rubles.

A separate type of procedure is fractional mesotherapy.

Its essence lies in the fact that injections are administered in a specific order and at a certain distance. In this case, the treated area of skin should not exceed 20% in relation to the surrounding healthy skin.

The price for the service is 3500 Russian rubles.

Laser

The fight against stretch marks with a laser is one of the most effective. As a rule, beauty salons offer 2 types of laser correction of stretch marks:

Laser resurfacing. The impact of the “cold” laser beam occurs on the surface layer of the skin. The procedure is suitable for removing fresh stretch marks.

The price of the procedure is from 1500 Russian rubles.

Laser nanoperforation. A distinctive feature is that with the help of nano-rays, the result of complete removal of stretch marks and renewal of the skin is achieved with minimal time and number of procedures.

The price of the service is from 6,000 to 55,000 Russian rubles.

Attention! Cosmetologists strongly do not recommend undergoing laser correction of stretch marks while breastfeeding!

Vacuum massage

In terms of its results, vacuum massage is not inferior to either mesotherapy or laser correction.

The procedure is performed with a device that heats and sucks air from a specific area of the body. Under the influence of such pressure, the speed of blood movement increases, which leads to an increase in skin tone and the elimination of stretch marks.

The cost of the procedure is from 300 to 5000 Russian rubles.

It is worth noting that the procedure should be abandoned in case of heart disease, as well as the presence of edema .

Fractional thermolysis

Often, girls remove stretch marks on their stomach after childbirth in a timely manner. But what to do if time is lost? Fractional thermolysis will help.

Old stretch marks on the abdomen after childbirth can be removed using fractional thermolysis

The procedure removes scars from stretch marks, regardless of the time of their formation and depth. The cosmetic procedure involves slightly removing skin cells by heating them. A rarefied laser beam deeply affects the skin, removing damaged cells, but without damaging the dermis itself.

The price of a cosmetic procedure is 30,000 rubles.

Fractional thermolysis is contraindicated for:

in the summer due to an increased level of pigmentation;
during lactation;
in the presence of chronic skin diseases;
with a low level of blood clotting.

Chemical peeling

The procedure is performed based on mixing chemicals and acids, as well as plant components.

During application of the mixture, a chemical burn, controlled by a specialist, occurs. By influencing the skin in this way, the process of collagen production starts, which leads to the removal of stretch marks.

The cost of the procedure is from 3,500 to 20,000 rubles.

Contraindications to the procedure:

lactation period;
oncological diseases;
heart failure;
skin diseases.

Diamond microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is the process of removing the top layer of the dermis to release old cells and allow the sebaceous glands to function properly. Microdermabrasion helps increase blood flow and restore skin at the cellular level.

The essence of the procedure is the introduction of microparticles of aluminum and diamond dust, which have absorption properties, into the pores of the skin. Microcracks form at the injection sites, which motivate the body to start the regenerative process.

The cost in the beauty salon is 3000 Russian rubles per 10 cm3.

Contraindications to the procedure:

the presence of open wounds and other skin damage;
age limit. It is not recommended to resort to the procedure for persons under the age of 20;
insufficient skin moisture;
increased sensitivity.

Injections

The procedure consists of microscopic injections of a mesatherapeutic cocktail of substances created to remove stretch marks being alternately introduced under the skin at the site of stretch mark formation. Substances injected under the skin trigger the regeneration process, which in turn relieves the skin of stretch marks.

Cosmetologists recommend undergoing the procedure no earlier than 2 months after giving birth, as the body must recover from the stress it has suffered.

The cost of the procedure is from 3,000 to 10,000 Russian rubles.

Injections are contraindicated when:

lactation;
low blood clotting rate;
heart failure;
renal failure;
diabetes mellitus;
inflammatory infectious diseases.

Ozone therapy

It is the introduction of medicinal ozone into the skin tissue.

Ozone therapy leads to normalization of lymph flow, activation of collagen production, neutralization of free radicals and removal of toxic substances.

The cost of the procedure is from 2800 to 5000 rubles.

The procedure is contraindicated in:

diseases of the endocrine system;
infections;
heart failure;
decreased level of blood clotting;
oncological diseases.