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The skin or dermis includes three components - the epidermis, hypodermis (subcutaneous fatty tissue) and dermis. The upper layer of the epidermis is called the horny layer, it consists of dead particles, keratinocytes, which are connected through lipid-protein structures.
Often, the stratum corneum of the epidermis weakens, leaving it at risk of inflammation or irritation. One of the common skin defects is stretch marks, which are also called striae, atrophoderma or band-like atrophy of the stratum corneum.
Why stretch marks itch: reasons
You develop stretch marks when your skin stretches beyond its capacity, causing tears in the dermis (the second layer of skin just below the epidermis).
When stretch marks are fresh and developing, they appear red, purple, or pinkish (depending on your skin tone). That's when they itch.
Fresh stretch marks are itchy because the skin is thinner and has less collagen support. In addition, a skin tear also harms the nerves. Once the skin begins to heal, the damaged nerves are stimulated, causing an itchy sensation.
Additionally, if the skin around the stretch marks becomes dry, it may become itchy. In such cases, moisturizers may offer some relief. However, you should be especially careful when you develop itchy stretch marks on your stomach during pregnancy.
Preventive measures
Removing stretch marks on the chest is a long process and not always pleasant. Therefore, it is easier to prevent their occurrence by following a few simple rules. Prevention cannot completely protect against stretch marks, but will significantly reduce the risk of their occurrence. Even if stretch marks appear, they will be less noticeable and easier to remove.
Prevention consists of increasing skin elasticity. There are methods that can improve blood circulation in the skin, increase muscle tone, and improve the water balance of the epidermis.
Effective preventive measures:
- Cold and hot shower. This procedure has a general tonic effect and helps maintain skin elasticity. A contrast shower is recommended for any problems with skin, vascular or muscle tone. This procedure eliminates wrinkles, prevents sagging skin, and ensures proper blood microcirculation in skin cells. It is important to start with warm water and end with cool water.
- Breast massage. It is important to remember that it is not recommended for those who suffer from mastitis, mastopathy and other benign or malignant changes in mammary gland tissue. But with lactostasis, massage will help get rid of stagnation. The Garcia massage is most effective against stretch marks; the technique can be found on the Internet.
- Use of nourishing and moisturizing creams. There are special lines of care products for those who have stretch marks on their chests. The greatest effect is shown by remedies for stretch marks on the chest with avocado, cocoa, and grape seed oils. It’s good if the cream contains collagen, a substance that naturally maintains skin elasticity.
- Wearing comfortable underwear. When losing weight, you can buy a special support bra. To prevent stretch marks on the breasts during pregnancy, you can buy comfortable underwear that will not squeeze the breasts. It is not recommended to wear tight or underwired bras. Likewise, experts do not recommend walking often without a bra; your breasts need at least minimal support.
In some situations, no preventive measures help prevent stretch marks. Let's figure out how to get rid of stretch marks on the chest using home methods and with the help of cosmetology. Let's consider all the pros and cons of existing methods.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to evaluate what stretch marks on the chest look like. It is important to remember one thing: if the stretch marks on the chest after childbirth are still pink, it makes sense to use folk recipes. This is less effective, but cheaper and can be done at home. But only a cosmetologist can get rid of white stretch marks.
Compresses, wraps and lotions
Traditional medicine can offer time-tested recipes. Before starting the procedure, it is important to make sure that you are not allergic to the chosen product. It is important to remember that the fight using folk remedies can take a long time.
Seaweed wrap
One of the most effective procedures is seaweed wrapping . It can be performed both at home, having bought everything you need at a pharmacy or cosmetic store, or in a cosmetologist's office. Before wrapping, take a warm shower or bath to warm up the skin. Then you need to prepare the seaweed as indicated in the instructions (the powder is diluted, whole seaweed is moistened with water).
The finished algae is applied to problem areas, covered with film and wrapped in a warm towel or blanket. Next, you need to wait half an hour and move as little as possible. Heat activates the beneficial substances in the algae and ensures good absorption. To obtain a lasting effect, you need to repeat the wraps 2-3 times a month. Some effect can be obtained after the first procedure, but it is more noticeable on intact skin.
Compresses with contrasting temperature
Another effective way to combat stretch marks is compresses with contrasting temperatures. They can be made at home; you will need two containers, water, salt and lemon. First you need to prepare solutions: for warm (water 38°C) you will need salt - one teaspoon per bowl of water, for cold - a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Apply a warm compress for 30 seconds, then a cool one (room temperature). It is important not to cool the water, as cold is bad for your breasts. The cool compress should be prepared with water at room temperature. Apply warm and cold compresses alternately for 5 minutes.
Dill and linden flower lotion
Another proven method that can be combined with other recipes, for example, applied after compresses, is a lotion made from dill and linden flowers. There are other recipes for lotions, but dill and linden are suitable for almost everyone, since they very rarely cause allergies, and the ingredients can be bought in almost any city.
The lotion is prepared as follows: you need to take a teaspoon of dried dill (can be chopped) and a teaspoon of linden flowers. Pour half a liter of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 1-2 hours. The finished lotion is applied to stretch marks and does not need to be washed off. If you apply the strained solution, it will quickly absorb.
Oils for stretch marks on chest
To overcome stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy, you can use vegetable oils that have healing effects. They can be found in any pharmacy, both as part of ready-made drugs and separately. Oils and scrubs will help defeat stretch marks in adolescents and adults if the skin has recently been damaged. If the stretched area turns white, there will be less benefit.
In terms of beneficial properties, olive oil comes first. It helps not only to eliminate the appearance of imperfect skin, but also fights the signs of skin aging, and also prevents the appearance of wrinkles. Olive oil can be applied to the skin either in its pure form or in the form of lotions and masks.
Homemade lotions
You can prepare the lotion yourself at home. This is convenient, since the birth of a child imposes certain obligations. And a young mother does not always have time to visit beauty salons. To prepare the lotion, you need to take 100 ml of olive oil, add a teaspoon of liquid vitamin E and half a teaspoon of vitamin A. You can add a little aloe juice to the mixture. Treat affected areas twice a day. The solution must be stored at zero temperature.
There are other oils that have a beneficial effect on skin condition:
- Rose oil. Increases firmness and elasticity. Able to relieve irritation and calm.
- Neroli oil. Makes the skin softer and softer, strengthens the skin fibers.
- Lavender oil relieves irritation, stimulates the growth of new cells, relieves inflammation and perfectly fights the signs of aging.
- Ylang-ylang oil makes the skin smoother and velvety, fights inflammation well, and is used to smooth out scars.
- Tangerine oil is considered a generally recognized antiseptic. Fights skin imperfections and can smooth out scars.
- Geranium oil tones and improves elasticity. Launches cellular regeneration processes, fights all signs of aging.
In order to cope with fresh stretch marks, a scrub will come in handy. You can also prepare it at home: you will need sugar, olive oil and salt. Olive oil can be completely or partially replaced with palm oil. To prepare, take 100 ml of butter, 100 g of salt and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly. The scrub should be applied to the problem area, gently massage and rinse with warm water. After the procedure, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream.
Itchy stretch marks during pregnancy
Stretch marks often develop during late pregnancy as the baby grows and the skin on the abdomen tightens to accommodate the baby. Typically, you may develop stretch marks in the second trimester. Some may even notice them at the end of the third trimester.
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At this time, stretch marks or the skin around them may itch. This happens because the skin begins to heal itself.
However, some women may also develop a type of rash called papular urticaria and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most common type of rash that pregnant women develop during the third trimester of their pregnancy (almost the same time they develop stretch marks).
PUPPP is an inflammatory skin condition, and if it develops on stretch marks, it can add to the itching and cause extreme discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines for treatment.
Hence, it is better to be on the safe side if you are pregnant. You should consult your doctor.
If your itching is caused by developing stretch marks and the dryness around them, here are some ways to control it.
Prevention
The formation of stretch marks should be prevented from the moment of pregnancy. A pregnant woman should avoid stress. This is the first factor of hormonal imbalance, which entails changes in the body. It can also cause stretch marks outside of gestation.
It is important to ensure a sufficient supply of vegetable fats and protein of any kind. It won't hurt to take vitamins. You should always wear comfortable underwear with wide straps and lead a moderately active lifestyle. To definitely prevent problems, you will have to regularly carry out the procedures listed above.
Treatment for itchy stretch marks
It is important to keep the area hydrated as stretch marks develop. Moisturizing not only helps them fade, but also relieves itching by reducing dryness. Here are a few things you can try:
Cocoa
There is a lack of evidence to support the use of cocoa butter as an effective skin moisturizer. However, one small study suggests that cocoa butter may improve skin elasticity.
It is also widely used in cosmetic formulations, especially in moisturizing lotions, for its skin moisturizing abilities. You can try massaging the area with cocoa butter to keep the skin hydrated and prevent itching.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is widely used in traditional medicine for healing several skin issues. This is an excellent moisturizer that helps reduce inflammation by improving transepidermal water loss and skin barrier function. Coconut oil also helps keep skin hydrated and hydrated. This property can also help smooth out stretch marks.
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Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil (the liquid squeezed from softgels) is an extremely popular home remedy for maintaining hydrated skin. However, there is no scientific evidence of its moisturizing effect. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and can support healthy skin.
In addition to the above ingredients, you can also use almond and jojoba oils or moisturizers.
You can also consult a dermatologist. They may suggest anti-itch ointments and topical creams or lotions to relieve the itching. Here are some more tips that may help reduce the itchiness of your stretch marks.
When will the effect be visible?
The therapeutic course of using Contractubex depends on the degree of development of the problem and the individual characteristics of the body. Typically, the first course of use for mild stretch marks is prescribed for a month. A more severe form requires long-term treatment - about 3 months. Many women during pregnancy and after childbirth are advised not to interrupt treatment and actively rub the drug into problem areas for 3 months or more. On average, it takes about 6 months to fix the problem.
To maximize the effect of using Contractubex, you should also pay attention to your lifestyle. It is enough to limit fast carbohydrates in your diet: sweets, baked goods. Frequent walks in the fresh air, healthy sleep, the use of scrubs - all this helps to keep your weight under control and prevent the appearance of new stretch marks on the body.
A few tips to prevent itchy stretch marks
Apply moisturizers frequently
It's important to keep your skin hydrated when stretch marks itch. You can apply both creams and moisturizers for intense hydration. Apply moisturizers at least three times a day, always to damp skin. This will help prevent dry skin.
Go for an oil massage
Massaging stretch marks with oil can help relieve itching. It also helps improve the elasticity and hydration levels of your skin. Oil massages during pregnancy not only keep your skin healthy and remove stretch marks, but also help relieve pregnancy-related stress and anxiety.
However, always consult your doctor before massaging your belly. In addition, you should be aware of the pressure that is put on you.
3. Use a moisturizing shower cleanser
Avoid bathing soap as it can make your skin dry. Use moisturizing body washes. This will help prevent your skin from becoming tight or dry. Also, use warm water for showering.
4. Use topical ointments and creams when stretch marks itch
If your doctor has recommended any anti-itch cream or ointment, make sure to apply it regularly and as directed.
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Typically, you get stretch marks:
- when you lose or gain weight quickly
- during puberty
- if you are training with weights to build muscle mass
- if you have a family history of stretch marks
- if you have certain medical conditions (such as Marfan syndrome, Cushing syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
Stretch marks may be itchy at first, but proper treatment can ensure that the itching goes away. However, if it does not subside with home remedies, consult a doctor immediately.
How to get rid of stretch marks on a girl's chest
You can get rid of stretch marks on the skin of the chest in adolescence using conservative, gentle methods:
- creams or oil compositions specially created for this purpose, only without hormones;
- local application of wheat germ, grape seed, peach oils, with the addition of essential oils (orange, lemon, lavender, bergamot);
- massage of the mammary glands, for which the means listed above are used.
Additionally, you need to take vitamins A, E, C, D, K. You can also use traditional methods, for example:
- masks with algae, aloe, honey, oatmeal;
- coffee and sugar scrubs;
- wraps with kelp, chocolate.
Applying an alginate mask for the NANNIC bust.
At a young age, the skin itself recovers quite quickly, you just need a little help. And invasive professional procedures to eliminate stretch marks on a girl’s chest and other problem areas are contraindicated. Laser, mesotherapy, and resurfacing can be used no earlier than 18 years of age if the defect has not disappeared.
Methods of modern cosmetology
What you don’t have at home is high-tech equipment and qualified cosmetologists. Hardware treatments for stretch marks are more effective. Modern techniques make it possible to remove even old imperfections that cannot be corrected at home.
Today, cosmetologists offer the following means to combat stretch marks:
- Chemical peeling.
- Laser correction (or laser peeling).
- Mesotherapy.
Each method has both advantages and disadvantages. Laser peeling is considered the most effective, but is quite expensive. In addition, like any peeling, the procedure is quite painful, although safe.
Mesotherapy is considered less radical. It is also suitable for general skin health. If stretch marks seriously interfere with your life, then a cosmetologist can choose an individual combination of all three methods, which will help completely remove skin imperfections. If home remedies do not help, you should contact a cosmetology center.
