Looking stunning in a swimsuit in the summer, in the evening in bed with your beloved man, fitting into the jeans you like, taking them off after giving birth... This is not the entire list of reasons why women decide to lose weight. No, we are not saying that losing weight is bad. However, sometimes we strive so hard for the ideal we have created in our heads that we choose an aggressive diet, dramatically lose weight, and then discover that not everything is so smooth. Stretch marks form on the skin.
Losing weight is not the only reason for their appearance. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the skin becomes tender and brittle, and stretch marks appear in those places where it is stretched more strongly. Or, for example, in adolescence they can be found on the lower back, hips or chest. Bones grow faster than muscles and voila - a defect on the skin is right there. Or you don't consume enough protein, which causes your skin to lack collagen and elastin. Or you don’t drink enough fluids... There are many reasons.
Mama Donna - the best-rated Italian cream for stretch marks
Photo: www.toys.ee
Approximate price: 550 rubles per 200 ml tube
What makes it stand out: ensures complete safety for the fetus - does not affect the inner layers of the skin
Why in the rating: wheat, rice bran oils, E and PP vitamins superficially moisturize the skin, preventing tissue stretching
Our rating: 10/10. The popular cream from the Chicco brand is approved by tens of thousands of Russian mothers
Customer reviews:
“... any cream, of course, is not a panacea for such a misfortune, but most of my stretch marks “went away” after a 3-month course of “Mama Donna” ...”
“...I recommend it, girls! First he helped my friend, then he helped me too - not a single stretch mark..."
Professional removal of stretch marks after childbirth
Professional advice is always appropriate in the fight against stretch marks. So, it would be a good idea to discuss any home event with your doctor, nutritionist, trainer, or cosmetologist. At the same time, there are procedures, not so much the choice of which, but the implementation, lies within the competence of a professional.
If no efforts at home have yielded results, or if stretch marks after childbirth are so large and deep that they cause significant moral discomfort, contact a cosmetologist. This treatment for stretch marks is recommended to begin after breastfeeding is completed. However, please note that stretch marks that are years old are more difficult to treat. Of course, treating stretch marks is unlikely to be a reason to interrupt lactation, but discuss with your doctor the prospects for the measures being taken and their compatibility with natural feeding. a comprehensive regimen for the treatment of stretch marks after childbirth .
Treatment procedures differ in intensity and depth of impact. The most popular are:
- laser resurfacing - microchannels are created in the stretch marks with a laser, without harming healthy skin; the presence of microchannels becomes a trigger for the active production of collagen fibers, which means that the skin will become more even and smooth;
- mesotherapy - injection into the skin to a depth of 0.5-6 mm of special cocktails of minerals, vitamins, nucleic acids and amino acids; such active substances penetrate into the middle layer of the skin, which is much more effective than a superficial effect on it;
- chemical peeling (using fruit acids) - also provides mid-level cleansing; the procedure does not injure the skin, increases its tone, and creates a lifting effect;
- dermabrasion - hardware grinding of the skin with the smallest pores of sand, which are supplied to the skin with a high-speed flow from a special tube; the specialist regulates the speed and power of the device, which is guided by the nature of the stretch marks; as a result, particles of epidermal tissue are eliminated and epithelial regeneration is activated;
- lymphatic drainage is a hardware massage, during which the flow of lymph and venous circulation is restored, which activates the processes necessary for skin regeneration in the body;
- plasmolifting is a procedure for introducing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into treatment areas, which enhances metabolism inside cells, activates oxygen exchange, stimulates the removal of toxins and excess fluid from the intercellular space; as a result, regeneration is activated, cell vital processes are normalized, skin color improves, pastiness and swelling disappear, stretch marks will definitely become lighter, and old ones will gradually resolve; during the formation of stretch marks, plasmolifting treats micro-tears in the skin and prevents the formation of scar tissue;
- Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to tighten the skin and get rid of deep stretch marks.
Home methods for eliminating stretch marks after childbirth
If, despite all preventive measures during pregnancy and after childbirth, you notice stretch marks on your stomach, chest or hips, do not rush to get upset. The majority of young mothers have to get in shape, and in some cases they have to not only lose excess weight, but also tighten the skin, improve its elasticity, and eliminate stretch marks. There is nothing wrong with this, but you will have to make an effort. Stretch marks after childbirth require a comprehensive approach to elimination - you need to eat a certain way, use appropriate cosmetics, and physical exercise will not hurt, and you may have to visit a cosmetology or medical office.
First of all, we will inform you about simple and almost obvious measures to eliminate stretch marks:
- so that the skin returns to normal faster, wear a belt-pants - 24 hours a day, taking it off only at night; the stomach is literally worth tightening; It would be a good idea to consult a doctor, and it is better to start the procedure no earlier than the third week after birth;
- a more effective alternative to a belt would be a postpartum bandage, but it can be used three weeks after birth and must also be removed at night; usually three weeks of wearing it is enough for the stomach to return to its previous appearance;
- in the first days after childbirth, there is a rapid flow of milk to the breast, and then it is better not to do without a special bra that supports the breast; It is also recommended to wear it in the last months of pregnancy, when the breasts are just filling with milk;
- physical exercises - choose a set of exercises with your doctor or professional trainer (he should also have a medical education), this will help strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and thighs, and also improve blood circulation in the skin;
massage sessions - superficial at home or deeper through the services of a qualified massage therapist, but this will improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin;- follow the same healthy and nutritious diet, and also ensure that you drink plenty of water; what is important is that it should be pure mineral water, not counting teas, compotes, juices and broths;
- applying special substances to the skin that improve its regeneration, nutrition and hydration; for stretch marks, products based on mumiyo, wheat sprouts, tea tree, containing selenium and ascorutin, vitamins A, C, E, H, PP are effective.
Cosmetics for stretch marks
Modern cosmetics manufacturers offer a wide variety of products for stretch marks and scars. Such preparations contain the entire arsenal of natural and synthetic substances, the effect of which on the skin produces a positive effect. It should be noted that this effect largely depends on the combination of methods to combat stretch marks after childbirth . It would be more correct to regularly use cosmetics along with physical activity, a balanced diet, massages, etc. And, of course, a lot still depends on your heredity and the degree of development of stretch marks.
Cosmetologists recommend:
- Stretch Mark Control cream from Clarins,
- Firming anti-stretch mark gel-cream from Decleor,
- Intensive Anti-Stretch Marks Cream from COLLISTAR,
- ampoule solution Phytolastil Anti-Stretch Marks Vials from Lierac,
- moisturizing cream-gel Retinol AntiStretch Marks Moisturizing Care from RoC.
These and many other cosmetic products, according to manufacturers, increase skin elasticity and tissue tone, reduce formed irregularities, balance skin color, nourish and moisturize it. Not only obstacles are created for the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers, but also circumstances for their reconstruction and accumulation in the skin. Such creams are effective both for the prevention of stretch marks and for the elimination of recently formed or old stretch marks.
Folk remedies for stretch marks
Traditional medicine is not much inferior to the cosmetic industry in the effectiveness of combating stretch marks after childbirth . If you are a supporter of exclusively natural treatment and skin care, take note of the following recipes for folk remedies:
- a combination of natural oils is good for the skin, as they contain many essential minerals and vitamins, and a mixture of oils is convenient to use for home massage:
- 3 tbsp. grape seed oil + 3 drops rosemary essential oil + 2 drops vitamin E oil solution;
- slightly heated corn oil in a water bath;
- 2 tbsp. wheat germ oil + 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil, heat the mixture;
- dissolve several mummy tablets (2-4 grams) in 1 tsp. boiled and cooled water, mix with your favorite body cream and use it to massage problem areas;
- 1 gram of mumiyo is diluted in 1 tsp. water, then mixed with 1 tbsp. mint or rose oil.
- cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream - add honey, lemon juice, oatmeal to them;
- whipped chicken or quail protein - add clay, essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, orange), chopped nuts, honey and fresh berries (which contain healthy fruit acids).
Preparing folk remedies to combat stretch marks after childbirth is a wide field for imagination.
The important thing here is to find the right combination of products for you and enjoy the results.
Contractubex is the best-rated gel for stretch marks and postpartum scars from Germany
Photo: www.ircenter.ru
Approximate price: 580 rubles for a 20-gram tube
What makes it stand out: not only local application of the gel is effective, but also warm baths with the addition of Contractubex
Why in the rating: allantoin, Luca Serae extract and sodium heparin are not absorbed into the blood, which means the drug is absolutely safe for the fetus and the expectant mother. These same components regenerate skin processes at the cellular level, which helps to “tighten” even old stretch marks.
Our rating: 10/10. A German manufacturer has created a universal product that specifically combats skin imperfections and problems of young mothers
Customer reviews:
"…Wow! I didn’t even think about contractubex, BUT the effect is stunning. My old stretch marks literally disappeared after using this miracle cream...”
“...I really like all the products from Merz, and Kontraktubeks helped me overcome the hated postpartum “scars” on the belly, sides and chest - 5+!..”
Prevention of stretch marks after childbirth
Every woman, and especially those whose body is predisposed to the formation of stretch marks after childbirth, is recommended to think about this problem a little earlier than it is visualized. It cannot be said that the measures below will completely eliminate the risk of stretch marks, but their use will improve the final picture - instead of large and deep stretch marks, small ones will develop, and if the body was predisposed to the formation of small, barely noticeable stretch marks, then such stretch marks may not occur at all. So what to do:
- proper and healthy nutrition - with a high protein content and a sufficient amount of vitamins necessary for the beauty and elasticity of the skin (B vitamins, in particular PP and H, as well as A, C, D, E) and microelements (Ca and K); these are white poultry meat and offal (in particular liver), fatty fish and vegetable oils, fresh fruits and vegetables (in particular green leafy ones), whole grains and dairy/fermented milk products;
- the use of a bandage and special support underwear (for the abdomen and chest) - they are usually recommended from the 20th week of pregnancy; take care to reduce the load on the spine (which is not at all unimportant), and at the same time provide support to the abdominal wall and prevent stretching of the skin; Discuss with your doctor the tactics of wearing a bandage; it is often recommended exclusively during the daytime;
- a contrast shower will improve the elasticity of the skin; it is recommended to use circular hydromassage together with it;
- self-massage serves as an excellent addition to hydromassage; it involves lightly pinching the skin in problem areas or using a special massage mitten; This ensures the activation of blood circulation, access of oxygen and nutrients to all layers of the epidermis;
- special exercises - gymnastics for pregnant women is selected for medical reasons, on the recommendation of a doctor and, in addition to a host of other benefits, improves skin elasticity;
- the use of special cosmetics against stretch marks - usually scrubs, creams and natural oils; the first exfoliate keratinized particles, activate the production of substances necessary for the elasticity and firmness of the skin; the latter supply the skin with collagen and elastin, nourish it with vitamins and minerals.
The expectant mother should discuss each of the above actions with her doctor. The doctor will help you adjust your diet and tell you whether a contrast shower or physical activity poses a threat. The choice of safe cosmetics and a suitable bandage is also within his competence.
Popular "cheats"
Let's start the review by announcing the brands of creams that have become widely known, but are not worthy of a presence in our rating for objective reasons. So, THEY DIDN'T GET INTO THE TOP:
- Avon
- Roc
Avon stretch mark cream is a useless purchase, judging by the numerous reviews from disappointed customers. Coupled with an extensive allergic rash, its use leaves only negative impressions. The second competitor from “Rock” was ahead of the competitor in terms of quality, but its use during breastfeeding and childbearing is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer itself, apparently due to its unacceptable “harmfulness”...
