How to soften white stretch marks
White stretch marks are marks on the skin that appear when the skin stretches quickly and loses its elasticity. Although they do not represent a health problem, many people look for ways to soften them or reduce their appearance. In this article, we explore what they are, why they appear, how to prevent them and what effective treatments exist to conceal or fade them.
What are white stretch marks?
White stretch marks, also known as striae alba, are scars that appear on the skin when collagen and elastin fibers are broken due to an abrupt stretching of the skin. These marks are usually located in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts, and are more common in women than in men. Initially, stretch marks may appear reddish or purplish, indicating that blood vessels are still present in the affected area. Over time, these stretch marks evolve to a white color, indicating that the tissue has healed and blood circulation in that area has decreased.
Why do white stretch marks appear?
White stretch marks are caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin due to excessive stretching. This stretching can be the result of several factors, including.
Hormonal changes: during puberty, pregnancy or the use of certain medications, hormonal variations can affect the elasticity of the skin, favoring the appearance of stretch marks.
Weight variations: Significant weight gain or loss in short periods of time can stretch the skin beyond its ability to adapt, causing the dermal fibers to break.
Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition may influence the appearance of stretch marks, as some people have less elastic skin due to family inheritance.
Rapid growth: During adolescence, accelerated growth can stretch the skin, especially in areas such as thighs, hips and breasts, leading to the formation of stretch marks.
In addition, insufficient hydration and a diet deficient in essential nutrients can decrease skin elasticity, increasing the likelihood of white stretch marks.
How to prevent white stretch marks?
Preventing white stretch marks is based on keeping the skin supple and resistant to stretching. Some recommendations to achieve this are.
Adequate hydration: Applying moisturizing creams or oils containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E or shea butter can improve skin elasticity and prevent the formation of stretch marks.
Balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C and E, zinc and protein promotes skin health and its ability to regenerate.
Weight control: Avoiding sudden weight fluctuations through a balanced diet and regular exercise helps minimize the risk of excessive skin stretching.
Internal hydration: Drinking enough water daily keeps the skin hydrated from the inside, improving its elasticity and resistance.
During stages such as pregnancy, it is especially important to intensify this care to reduce the likelihood of stretch marks.
How to conceal white stretch marks?
Completely eliminating white stretch marks is an impossible challenge, but there are treatments that can significantly improve their appearance.
Topical treatments: Using creams containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, retinoids or ammonium lactate can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Microdermabrasion: This procedure exfoliates the superficial layers of the skin, promoting cell regeneration and improving the appearance of stretch marks.
Mesotherapy: Consists in the application of microinjections with active ingredients that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improving the elasticity and appearance of the skin.
Fractional laser: This treatment uses laser light to stimulate the regeneration of collagen in the deep layers of the skin, improving the texture and reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Although white stretch marks represent advanced scarring of the skin, with proper care and treatment it is possible to improve their appearance and maintain healthy and aesthetically pleasing skin.
Reviewed by Dr. Lía Zabaleta
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