About 80% of women at least once in their lives wonder why stretch marks appear on their thighs. Not only pregnant women, but also anyone who has suddenly lost or gained weight may notice thin pinkish stripes on their skin, like a cobweb that itches slightly. 1-2 weeks pass and this cobweb spreads to the sides, and after a month these are already real red stretch marks. After a couple of months they begin to turn pale and fade, and after six months they become white. Treating white stretch marks on the thighs is difficult and expensive, so you need to find out the causes of stretch marks and take action as early as possible.
Causes of stretch marks on the legs
Despite the fact that a huge number of women experience stretch marks, most of them have no idea where they come from. The main reasons that lead to stretch marks on the legs include:
- treatment during which corticosteroid medications were used, since the appearance of stretch marks is one of the side effects of this drug;
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease - the appearance of stretch marks in this situation is explained by the fact that during the pathological process a person experiences unreasonable obesity;
- genetic predisposition;
- puberty, when intense changes occur as a result of the action of hormones;
- a sharp increase in muscle mass, which occurs mainly in athletes who prefer intense physical activity;
- obesity;
- Marfan disease;
- pregnancy.
Stretch marks on the legs can appear as a result of various diseases, during hormonal changes or sudden weight gain
Note! You can find out the cause of stretch marks that appear on your legs by their location. If the stripes are vertical, then the main reason is rapid weight gain, but horizontal stripes indicate that they appear as a result of hormonal disorders.
In some cases, bad habits can trigger the process of red stripes on the legs, especially in situations where a person is overly passionate about them. Such deviations in the human body are explained by the fact that it experiences excessive discomfort, as well as a lack of fortified substances.
When stretch marks appear at the initial stage of their formation, they have a red tint, and it will be quite easy to deal with them if desired. The situation is completely different when they acquire a white tint, that is, they become scarred. In such a situation, it will be very difficult to deal with these cosmetic defects, one might even say that it is not possible, even if it is a surgical intervention.
Symptoms
Red stretch marks on the legs immediately before their appearance let a person know about their development. This process is manifested by such signs as visible thinning of the skin, as well as a feeling of itching. These symptoms are observed until a pink tint appears, and in this case, if treatment is started immediately, getting rid of this cosmetic product will not be difficult.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the stretch marks will heal and become white. This color change is explained by the fact that melanin production completely stops in these areas of the skin. Getting rid of such stretch marks is quite problematic, one might even say completely impossible.
That is why, in order to get rid of stretch marks on your legs as quickly as possible, you should immediately begin treatment at the first signs of their appearance, and it is best if this is done by professionals.
Folk remedies for stretch marks
The desire to have slender, luxurious legs was not alien to our grandmothers. Is it any wonder that some recipes for stretch marks have been known for hundreds of years, but even today they can compete with modern cosmetics in terms of effectiveness.
Masks made from egg whites, rubbing a mixture of lemon and cucumber juice, as well as potato and aloe juice into the skin allowed beauties to get rid of stretch marks decades ago.
Currently, the most common remedy for stretch marks is homemade scrubs.
Treatment
We have found out what causes stretch marks on the legs, now let’s decide how to remove them effectively and as quickly as possible. I would like to immediately note that the process of fighting striae is long and requires dedication and enormous patience. In order to reduce the time spent fighting stretch marks, it is very important to start fighting them as quickly as possible, since if the stretch marks appear red, then they can be cured, but with white stretch marks the situation is completely different.
Currently, you can get rid of red stretch marks on your knees and calves in the following ways:
- Laser and chemical resurfacing - this method of control is based on layer-by-layer burning of areas of the skin that have undergone scarring. As for laser resurfacing, this procedure is performed by a doctor only in a hospital setting under the mandatory influence of anesthesia. After such a procedure, redness and swelling appear at the treatment site, which can be eliminated with the help of a special restorative cream. Chemical resurfacing should also only be carried out by a specialist, since complications may develop as a result of an incorrect procedure. The essence of this method is to apply strong acids to the scars, which burn the epidermis and activate collagen production.
- Algae wrap - thanks to this procedure, it became possible not only to get rid of stretch marks, but also to significantly improve the condition of the skin, as well as increase its tone and smooth out its relief. Among other things, thalassotherapy nourishes the skin with vitamins and microelements. The essence of this method is to apply a special algae mask to dry and clean skin.
- Surgical treatment - this method of treatment is radical and is used quite rarely. This procedure for getting rid of stretch marks is prescribed only in cases where the stretch marks on the skin are significant in size, as well as if the surface of the skin is very sagging.
- Creams, ointments, lotions and gels are the most common uses of these products. Currently, manufacturers offer consumers a huge number of such products. The disadvantage of creams, lotions and other identical remedies for stretch marks on the legs is that they are effective only in cases where stretch marks have just appeared, and also as a means of prevention.
- Mesotherapy is another method that is very popular among the fair sex. The essence of this procedure is that in a beauty salon, a special drug is injected under the skin, which has a restorative, nourishing and smoothing effect.
You can get rid of stretch marks without surgical cosmetology
When stretch marks appear, many women wonder how to remove them from their legs at home and whether it is possible to achieve any results this way. Of course, in order to achieve ideal results in the fight against this cosmetic defect, it is best to give preference to an integrated approach.
Excellent results can be achieved with the help of massage, as it increases blood circulation and also promotes the flow of active substances into the deepest layers of the skin.
Currently, there are the following types of massage that can be performed even at home:
- hydromassage - thanks to this method, you can not only prevent the occurrence of stretch marks, but also get rid of already formed ones. To perform this procedure, you can go to a beauty salon or take a contrast shower at home;
- honey - to perform this procedure, you should apply honey to the surface of the damaged skin and massage with patting movements until all the honey is absorbed, and then take a warm shower, during which you should not use soap preparations;
- manual - this method is more suitable for preventing the appearance of stretch marks. To perform it, essential oils are used, which are applied to the surface of the skin and absorbed into the skin with palpating movements. At the same time, you should not be zealous and stretch the skin, as this can, on the contrary, provoke the appearance of stretch marks;
- cupping – thanks to this method you can not only get rid of stretch marks, but also cellulite. To perform this, special jars are used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. The massage is performed after taking a hot bath, when the skin is steamed, and after the procedure you should take a contrast shower.
Among other things, you can get rid of stretch marks on your legs with the help of a wrap, of course, if they do not look like white, scarred stripes. To wrap, apply a special product to the surface of the skin and then wrap the affected area with polyethylene. This creates a greenhouse effect. It is recommended to use clay, dead sea mud, seaweed or chocolate as wrapping agents.
https://youtu.be/p17zNYItX2E
Examples of exercises to combat stretch marks
Most often, stretch marks appear on the upper thighs. Therefore, any squats and lunges that allow you to work the hip area and make blood circulation in this area more intense will be excellent helpers in the fight against unsightly stretch marks. In addition, you can perform additional exercises.
Low amplitude leg raises
While lying on your back, raise your straightened legs to a height of 15-20 cm from the floor, hold them in this position for at least 10 seconds, and then slowly lower them. You need to repeat the movement at least 3 times.
Raising the leg from the “bridge” position
We make a simplified version of the bridge - while lying on your back, bend your legs at the knees to a right angle, and lift your pelvis higher from the floor. In this position, we straighten and pull one leg up with the heel, while leaving the other one for support on the floor.
After 3-5 seconds, return the leg to its original position and straighten the second leg. It is recommended to perform at least 2 cycles of 20 such movements.
Alternate leg raises
Lying on your back, straighten your legs on the floor, then alternately lift them from to a right angle (you should feel a slight burning sensation in the buttocks). For each leg you will have to do 2-3 approaches of 15 times.
Raising legs from a prone position
Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. From this position, we raise our legs one by one to the maximum possible height. It is advisable to do at least 30 movements on each leg.
"Birch"
A classic exercise of wise yogis, which, perhaps, everyone performs in childhood. We lie on our backs, place our arms along the body, and raise our legs and pelvis from the floor.
We use our hands to help maintain the pelvis in a raised state for 30 seconds or more, after which we “unwind” the body and again lie flat on the floor.
Prevention
If a woman cares about her appearance, then immediately before stretch marks appear, she should try to prevent their appearance. To do this, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- take a contrast shower daily;
- perform regular massages;
- drink the required amount of liquid daily and give preference to foods that are rich in vitamins and microelements;
- Perform the wrap systematically.
By following these simple recommendations, as well as carefully monitoring the condition of the skin throughout your life, you can prevent the occurrence of stretch marks, which can cause a lot of inconvenience. If stretch marks do appear, it is best to start fighting them immediately. In some cases, even a slight delay can lead to scarring, and in this case it will be almost impossible to get rid of them. This situation can only be prevented by timely seeking advice from a cosmetologist and dermatologist, since only these specialists can help solve the problem in the shortest possible time and prevent scarring.
