What women do, fighting to preserve their own attractiveness... And, perhaps, the most terrible thing that they still have to fight is stretch marks, scientifically called stretch marks, that appear on the chest. Of course, stretch marks also appear on other parts of the body (buttocks, tummy, thighs). However, it is the stretch marks on the chest, which make us forget about the seductive neckline, that most worry women. After all, every woman wants to have attractive breasts. And unpleasant stretch marks do not add to the attractiveness of a woman’s breasts at all. Striae form due to excessive weight gain/loss. Stretch marks often appear after childbirth or breastfeeding. Of course, having discovered stretch marks on their chests, women strive to find effective, effective means to get rid of unattractive stretch marks, returning their breasts to their original beauty. Modern cosmetology has a considerable range of creams (Mamma comfort, Chicco, Mustela, Vichy, Pregnacare, Clarins) that remove stretch marks.
Despite the achievements of modern medicine, it is extremely difficult to get rid of old stretch marks. However, by starting treatment immediately after stretch marks appear, before they turn pale, while the stretch marks have a reddish tint, it is quite possible to remove them. Regular use of special creams, for example Sanosan, Avent, Lierac, Elancyl, will help not only eliminate newly appeared stretch marks and prevent the formation of new ones.
What are stretch marks
Striae are formed as a result of the replacement of normal structures of the epidermis and fiber with connective tissues. Their appearance is preceded by microtraumas caused by excessive stretching of the upper layer of skin. Often, defects are localized in the hips (on the inner and outer surfaces), buttocks, abdomen, chest, shoulders (on the inner surface).
Stretch marks are strips of skin up to 5 mm wide and up to 10 cm long. Immediately after the appearance of stretch marks, they have a bright red, sometimes blue-violet tint. Over time, they become white, even shiny (pearly). Blue and red stretch marks are permeated with blood vessels, in this state they can be significantly influenced and their size reduced. White stretch marks are practically not corrected, and over time they become like scars. The surface of the stretch marks may sink or protrude above the rest of the skin. Damaged areas do not cause pain.
Causes of stretch marks on the chest
Often stretch marks form with sudden significant fluctuations in weight. This may be due to hormonal imbalances or due to rapid changes in body weight. The main reasons for the formation of stretch marks can be represented by three points:
- Excessive stretching of the epidermis.
- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Flabbiness of the muscle frame (to resist excessive tissue stretching, the muscles must be toned).
In addition to obese people, stretch marks on the chest can form in the following groups of people:
- Teenagers. During puberty, when teenage girls begin to rapidly grow breasts, stretch marks may form. This process is due to the fact that the muscles do not have time to increase to support the breasts, as a result of which the epidermal tissues are torn.
- Pregnant and lactating women. Many representatives of the fair sex gain excess weight during pregnancy, which directly affects breast enlargement, because it consists of adipose tissue. In addition, the mammary gland is prepared for lactation; an abundant supply of nutrients “fills” the breasts. Striae after childbirth are formed as a result of milk flow. During the feeding process, the breasts empty almost at lightning speed. This fluctuation in volume provokes skin stripes. After a period of breastfeeding (BF), stretch marks may also appear, since the epidermis does not have time to recover from the breasts, which have sharply decreased in volume.
- Losing weight. As a result of a sudden loss of extra pounds, both young girls and older women are at risk of developing crimson-colored stretch marks.
- Athletes. The breasts can significantly decrease in volume due to a sharp decrease in the muscle frame. Such a jump may occur due to the cessation of intense sports training.
- Genetically predisposed. Stretch marks can appear in girls due to the fact that from birth they have very thin skin that is prone to injury. Scientists have proven that northern women are more susceptible to this type of defect than southern women.
And the girl has matured
Stretch marks will not slow down to appear even if a teenager gains weight too quickly. This is not uncommon among girls: it seems like just yesterday she had a big face - skin and bones, and then suddenly in a matter of months it became rounder and acquired feminine shapes. The skin could not withstand such pressure - it cracked, and ugly stretch marks spread across it. By the way, stretch marks appear especially often on the chest - after all, in this area, volume can increase quite significantly in a short period of time, even if other parts of the body have hardly changed.
Removing existing stretch marks is time-consuming, troublesome and expensive. Therefore, it is better to simply not give them a chance to arise. And to do this, you need to adhere to certain rules that help reduce the risk of stretch marks. This is especially true for those teenagers who grow too quickly, as well as those whose parents also got stretch marks at a young age. Hereditary predisposition, although not a 100% threat, is still a significant risk factor, because weak connective tissue can be inherited.
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Prevention methods
It is possible to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the chest using the following preventive measures:
- Care. The décolleté area needs special moisturizing and nourishing care. Products should contain components such as collagen, elastin, and natural plant oils. Nourishing creams and oils should be applied regularly. There are also special cosmetics for the prevention of stretch marks.
- Water balance. To maintain balance, you need to drink at least 2 liters of clean water per day. Dehydrated skin is more easily injured.
- Proper nutrition. The diet should be dominated by fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
- Balanced diet. When losing weight, you need to ensure that the weight decreases gradually. It is considered comfortable for the body to lose weight from 200 g to 1 kg per week, depending on the initial weight.
- Cold and hot shower. This procedure is an effective prevention of stretch marks. The shower should start with warm water and end with cool or cold water.
- Massage. Mainly using the Garcia method, it is not difficult to master, but regular procedures are the key to healthy breast skin.
- Linen. The bra must fit your breast size exactly. The underwear should tightly surround the glands, without pressing or rubbing. A bra during breastfeeding should be made only from natural fabrics.
- Sport. Health-improving gymnastics, moderate physical activity at home or in the gym, strengthen tissues. Choose a sport that you like, it could be Pilates, stretching, swimming or simple morning exercises. It is important to exercise regularly.
- Wraps. In this case, mud and algae wraps work well.
Methods for treating stretch marks on the chest
Unfortunately, treating stretch marks is long and painstaking work. Success depends entirely on the regularity of events. Newly formed stretch marks can be removed at home using pharmaceutical or cosmetic products, using traditional methods. The latter include the preparation of homemade creams, masks, scrubs, and body wraps. It is almost impossible to remove old stretch marks using the measures listed above. Salon procedures have been developed for this purpose. Maximum results can be achieved using a whole range of measures.
Cosmetical tools
There are products on the cosmetics market aimed at getting rid of and preventing stretch marks. They can be purchased in many mass markets of decorative cosmetics. It is better to choose products for stretch marks on the chest with a natural composition. The list of components should include vitamins A, E, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, natural oils and extracts. It is important to give preference only to proven brands, otherwise it is better to purchase pharmaceutical products.
Salon treatments
The range of salon procedures is very wide, which allows you to choose a technique that will most effectively solve the problem of skin defects, depending on the size, depth and age of stretch marks. The procedures are highly expensive, and the principle is true: the older the stretch marks, the more expensive their treatment will be, but this does not mean that the salon cannot select effective methods at an affordable price. Popular procedures for getting rid of stretch marks:
- Wrap. This procedure nourishes tissue directly through the skin. The wrap can be done at home, but the salon procedure differs in the preparation for applying the product and its composition, which includes a balanced vitamin and mineral complex. The duration of a salon wrap is from 30 minutes to an hour. For a noticeable effect, 10-15 procedures are necessary.
- Ultrasonic exposure. A painless and effective way to get rid of stripes is regular ultrasound. The procedure improves blood flow in tissues and accelerates the process of skin regeneration. Ultrasound treatment is effective for young stretch marks.
- Chemical peeling. The procedure is very effective, but expensive and painful. Using a special chemical composition, the upper layers of the epidermis are burned, skin regeneration processes are launched, resulting in the formation of new smooth skin without stretch marks. This procedure requires long-term rehabilitation.
- Laser peeling. An equally painful procedure, similar to chemical peeling. The burn is carried out by the action of a laser. The opinions of specialists in this field are divided into two opposing categories. Some believe that laser peeling is the most effective procedure against stretch marks, while others are categorically against treating the skin in this way. If the stretch mark is younger than 5 years, then 3-5 procedures will be needed to get rid of it; if the strip is older, about 10 visits to the beauty salon will be needed.
- Microdermabrasion. A more gentle but painful procedure. The skin is exposed to a stream of air containing small solid particles. Thanks to this influence, surface scrubbing and micro-polishing of the epidermis occurs. The procedure is effective for fresh strips.
- Mesotherapy. It is an injection procedure during which a composition rich in vitamins and minerals is injected under the skin. The quick desired result can be obtained in combination with other methods, this could be plasma lifting or microcurrents.
- Collagen injections. The procedure compensates for the lack of collagen protein; its small amount is the root cause of the formation of stretch marks.
- Microcurrent therapy. The skin is exposed to current pulses. At the cellular level, the procedure improves blood circulation, increases metabolic processes, and tissue tone. For a visible effect, it is necessary to conduct 8-10 sessions at monthly intervals.
- Ozone therapy. The influence is carried out through an ozone-oxygen mixture. The procedure stimulates blood flow and lipid metabolism. To achieve the desired result, ozone therapy should be performed once a week. This technique is often recommended to be combined with breast massage and the use of gels and creams at home.
- Surgical intervention. If none of the salon procedures helped achieve the desired result, experts often recommend surgical intervention. During surgery, the affected areas are removed. Such an event is not always justified. Often the operation provokes the appearance of new stripes. Very deep stretch marks are a contraindication to this procedure. In this case, no specialist will undertake the removal of stretch marks on the chest.
Pharmacy products
One of the most effective remedies against stretch marks on the chest is Contractubex gel. It is positioned as a drug for getting rid of scars. The main active ingredient of the gel is liquid onion extract. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic effects. In combination with excipients, Contractubex gel has regenerating properties. It counteracts the formation of fibroblasts - connective tissue cells, which prevents the appearance of scars, including stretch marks. The gel is highly effective and affordable.
A product called Clearvin has proven itself well as a cream for stretch marks on the chest. This budget pharmacy product has a completely natural herbal composition, including neem (margosa), known for its antiseptic properties, lodhra - fights scars and stretch marks, amla (emblica) - contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis. The cream fights not only with stretch marks, it generally improves skin tone, evens out and improves its color, eliminates acne and acne marks.
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Traditional methods
The advantage of traditional methods is their accessibility. But you shouldn’t expect instant results from procedures at home. Only fresh stretch marks respond well to influence. White stripes cannot be completely removed with home remedies. Below is a list of popular and effective folk methods, recipes for remedies and methods for using them at home.
Algae wraps:
- Brew dry kelp in hot water, set aside to allow the seaweed to infuse.
- Wash and warm up your breasts a little; a warm shower, bath or compress will do.
- Apply seaweed evenly to skin.
- Wrap the upper body with cling film.
- Tie a shawl or other warm fabric on top.
- Wrap yourself in a blanket or blanket.
- After half an hour, wash off the algae with running water.
- Afterwards, use a nourishing cream.
Homemade lotion:
Components:
- dry rosemary herb - 2 tbsp. l.;
- water – 1 l;
- alcohol – 2 tsp;
- salt – 2 tsp;
- juice of half a lemon.
Mode of application:
- Boil the herb in water.
- When the infusion has cooled, add lemon juice, alcohol and salt, stir until the crystals are completely dissolved.
- Wipe your chest with a cotton pad.
- Store the product in the refrigerator and apply chilled.
- The lotion can be used as a stand-alone product, or it can be used to complete wraps, masks, and compresses.
Contrast compress:
Components:
- salt – 1 tsp;
- juice of a quarter of a lemon;
- a plate of hot water (about 40°C);
- a plate of cold water;
- pure natural fabric.
Mode of application:
- Dissolve salt crystals in hot water.
- When cold, add lemon juice.
- Dip a piece of natural fabric, alternating plates.
- After each dip, apply the cloth to clean breast skin for 10 seconds.
- Repeat the action 8-10 times.
Homemade cream:
Components:
- mumiyo – 1 g;
- water – 3 ml;
- baby cream – 100 ml.
Mode of application:
- Dilute the mummy in water, mix with baby cream until smooth.
- Store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator.
- Apply to clean breasts daily.
Scrub:
Components:
- coffee grounds - 1 tbsp. l.;
- honey - 1 tbsp. l.;
- essential oil – 2 drops.
Mode of application:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Apply the scrub with light massaging movements onto clean, steamed skin.
- Leave the composition for 10 minutes, then rinse with running water.
- Complete the procedure with a nourishing cream or anti-stretch mark remedy prepared with your own hands.
- Scrub no more than once a week.
Mask:
Components:
- oatmeal – 2 tbsp. l.;
- fat sour cream - 2 tbsp. l.
- boiling water – 100 ml.
Mode of application:
- Brew the flakes and let them brew for 15 minutes.
- Then drain the excess water, add sour cream, mix until smooth.
- Place the resulting mixture in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.
- Apply to clean skin after bath or shower for 15 minutes.
- Afterwards, remove the mask and treat your skin with lotion or cream.
- Apply the mask every 2-3 days.
Oils for stretch marks on chest
Another popular way to combat stretch marks is the use of essential oils. The following oils are used for this purpose:
- Rose. Returns firmness and elasticity to the skin and has a calming effect.
- Neroli. Gives the skin smoothness, tenderness, velvety, and generally strengthens the skin.
- Lavender. It deodorizes well, has an anti-inflammatory effect, slows down skin aging, and stimulates cell regeneration.
- Ylang-ylang. Smoothes the epidermis, helps restore water balance, restores elasticity, and makes the skin soft.
- Mandarin. Tones tissues, has an antiseptic effect, eliminates scars, stretch marks, and removes marks from pimples and acne.
- Geranium. Controls metabolic processes in cells, tones and softens the skin well.
It is important to note that oils cannot be used in their pure form. They must be added to creams and other cosmetics in a certain proportion. For 10 ml of product you need to add no more than 5 drops of one oil or a mixture of several. To prepare homemade care products, use vegetable oils such as sunflower, olive, sea buckthorn, and almond. To 20 ml of this base, add 3 drops of a mixture of lavender, lemon and juniper oils. Apply the finished product to steamed skin with gentle massaging movements.
Salon procedures for the treatment of stretch marks
Do stretch marks go away after childbirth? This question worries pregnant women and those who are just about to give birth equally. Cosmetologists answer this question positively and offer a number of salon procedures as a solution:
- Dermabrasion is one of the most effective salon procedures that helps to finally get rid of stretch marks. Before the procedure, the cosmetologist applies a stimulating cream with a high content of vitamin C to the patient’s skin. The main process consists of burning out areas of skin with stretch marks using a laser. 3 months after dermabrasion, the dermis in this place is completely restored. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period after dermabrasion is at least 2 weeks. At this time, redness and swelling of the skin may be observed, and sunbathing is strictly prohibited. The cost of one session is from 30 thousand rubles;
- acid peeling - the use of trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to completely exfoliate the upper layer of the dermis. The procedure allows you to even out stretch marks and make them less noticeable. Acids stimulate the production of collagen and the growth of new skin cells. The procedure is quite dangerous and requires extreme care from the doctor. If the acid lingers on the skin for even a few extra seconds, a burn cannot be avoided. The cost of the procedure is from 3 thousand rubles;
- mesotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting vitamin C and hyaluronic acid into the skin. These substances stimulate collagen production and make connective tissue much softer. The procedure will only help with fresh stretch marks; old stretch marks can no longer be removed cosmetically. The cost of mesotherapy is 2 thousand rubles per session;
- bioskingetting is a progressive way to combat stretch marks. The essence of the method is that the skin in the area of stretch marks is injured and opened. The epidermis reacts to this action, beginning to renew itself. Along with the wound, the stretch marks also heal. Despite the progressiveness, the result will not be noticeable immediately. In some cases, several procedures may be needed at once. The cost of one session is from 3 thousand rubles.
Before undergoing procedures, ask your doctor about contraindications. If you have at least one of them, it is not worth risking your health.
Stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy and lactation
Not all methods of getting rid of stripes are suitable during pregnancy and lactation. To remove stretch marks on the chest without harm to the mother and baby, it is necessary to give preference to folk remedies, pay more attention to water procedures and massage to maintain muscle tone. Recipes that contain essential oils, honey and coffee should be excluded. Their aroma lingers on the body, which can cause the baby to refuse breastfeeding. The child may also have an individual intolerance to other components, so you need to carefully monitor the baby’s condition.
There is a separate line of cosmetic products for stretch marks marked “for nursing” or “for pregnant” women. In this way, manufacturers of children's products guarantee the safety of using the remedy for stretch marks. Almost all salon procedures for getting rid of stripes on the chest are contraindicated during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Tips and tricks
It should be remembered that, unlike other places, stretch marks on the chest are more difficult to remove, since the skin here is thinner and more sensitive. Many methods are not suitable for pregnant women or during breastfeeding, so it is better to use traditional methods. Even if there are no stretch marks during pregnancy or during breastfeeding, it is still better not to neglect prevention - they can appear at any time. If stretch marks make themselves felt, cosmetologists advise you to do the following:
- carry out daily massage: make circular massaging movements without strong pressure from bottom to top. This will improve blood circulation and help activate metabolic processes;
- all movements, be it applying a cream, scrub or massage, must be performed from the bottom up, so as not to once again stretch the skin of the chest, which is already stretching down;
- if there are no contraindications to performing various procedures, then it is better to get rid of the problem comprehensively, combining salon procedures with home remedies - this will significantly speed up the process;
- Even in the early stages, getting rid of stretch marks on the chest is quite difficult, so you need to be patient and not stop achieving your goal.
