Eliminate Stretch Marks

By the healthiergang writer , certified personal trainer and athlete ().

Stretch marks (striae distensae the scientific term coined in the late 1700s) are alterations of the dermis (i.e. of the skin) often found in both women and men as a result of hormonal alterations that generally occur during pubertal development.

Visually they appear as longitudinal depressions of the skin interspersed with strips of healthy skin.

On an organic level, they are caused by an elongation of the skin that exceeds the ability of elastin * to help the skin to stretch and contract according to tension without suffering trauma and lacerations. In the initial phase of their formation, the inflammatory one, they have a pink color, in the final phase, the cicatricial one, they take on the definitive white-pearly color.

The localization is also generally different according to sex: in humans they can form in the lumbo-sacral area, in the abdominal area, on the chest and buttocks; in women generally on the buttocks, abdomen, breasts and inner thighs.

They are specifically real and pure imperfections, therefore not harmful or harmful to health: it is a good idea, however, to try to prevent or recover them, as far as possible.

Collagen and elastin are the fibers that make up the connective tissue of the dermis: the first is organized in very resistant bundles to traction, the second branches out forming a network and has remarkable elastic properties. The appearance of stretch marks is practically determined by a serious alteration of both fibers

Is there an anti-stretch mark cure?

There is no therapy that cures stretch marks, so prevention is the only remedy that avoids their formation: cosmetics can help to attenuate stretch marks that are forming or just formed, while cosmetic surgery can intervene more or less. effective according to their size and the timeliness with which action is taken.

Cosmetics intervenes to find a balance by stimulating the dermis, and working on the active ingredients that help to "repair" and "reorganize" the damaged fibers, through some vitamins and vegetable oil extracts.

Let's summarize them here briefly

Vitamin A, E, C.
Vegetable oils and butters: shea butter, sweet almond oil, aloe vera gel, lemon juice, lavender essential oil, linseed oil, coconut oil.

There are many products on the market, in cream or gel, made from these natural substances. They must all be applied topically and very consistently, massaging the affected area to always keep the microcirculation in the tissues of the area active.

Nutrition

It is possible to restore collagen and elastin deficiencies in the body by following a diet that restores these two proteins. In fact, malnutrition is often one of the contributing causes, if not the main one, of the formation of stretch marks.

Let's remember what are the elements that should never be missing in our diet for their prevention.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, present in the omega 3 group
Zinc and selenium, antioxidant elements
Vitamins A, PP, C, B2, E
Amino acids
Acqua
Coenzyme Q10, also an antioxidant

The foods in which to find these substances? Eggs (egg yolk is a natural concentrate of essential fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, amino acids, zinc, B vitamins, while egg white is rich in hyaluronic acid); meat (zinc), fish (omega 3); milk and derivatives (vitamins of groups B, A); fats and oil seeds (vitamin E, omega 3); fruits and vegetables (vitamins, water)

In summary: a diet low in saturated fat and rich in vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, legumes, essential fatty acids contained in fish (especially blue, such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel) and in extra virgin olive oil, vitamin C and other important ones such as A, B, E will contribute to the prevention of stretch marks

Any other tips?

Avoid too drastic diets: gaining weight or losing weight too quickly can dangerously reduce the elasticity of the skin (not to mention the "accordion" effect due to continuous changes in shape caused by periods of diets alternating with periods of weight recovery)
Drink a lot of water; the state of hydration of the skin also and above all passes from an excellent daily water supply. Let's drink at least 1 and a half liters a day
Not smoking
Practicing sports, because it helps to keep the tissues elastic and toned

Exercises For Stretch Marks

As previously mentioned, there are no definitive methods to solve the problems related to already evident and healed stretch marks; however, their imperfections can certainly be mitigated with physical exercises aimed at toning the tissues of the affected areas, to firm them and make them more elastic. Let's see some that can be done both at home and in the gym.

1. Squat

Lean your back against the wall, bend your legs in a squat position, as if you were sitting, and hold the position for as long as possible (at least 30 seconds).

2. Fore arm push up

Also this exercise must be performed, like the previous one, in isometry (tension without shortening or lengthening) then in the push-up position on the ground, legs well stretched, toes on the ground to lift the body, abdominals contracted, position yourself on the forearms, head facing down: hold the position for at least 30 seconds.