What are stretch marks?
W początkowej fazie zwaną fazą zapalną, pojawiają się tzw. wrzecionowate pasma, z początku w kolorze ciemnoczerwonym – dochodzi do zerwania włókien kolagenowych oraz obrzęku w skórze właściwej. Faza zapalna może trwać nawet do sześciu miesięcy. W fazie zanikowej rozstępy rozjaśniają się i bledną, przyjmując postać pomarszczonych jaśnieszych pasm widocznych na skórze. Stretch marks are one of the most common skin defects of aesthetic nature – they are a big problem for many people. They arise as a result of weakening of the skin or its excessive stretching – which breaks or damages elastin and collagen fibers. In the skin, they are responsible for maintaining its elasticity, creating a structure of strands closely connected to each other. In the initial phase called the inflammatory phase, so-called fusiform bands appear, initially dark red in color – resulting in collagen fibers rupture and swelling in the dermis. The inflammatory phase can last up to six months. In the atrophy phase, the stretch marks become lighter and pale, taking the form of wrinkled lighter bands visible on the skin.
Causes of stretch marks:
- Sudden increase or decrease in body weight
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes in the body
- Growing too fast in puberty
- Long-term treatment with corticoids
- Connective tissue disorder
- Genetic Factors
How to deal with stretch marks?
The best effects are achieved when taking therapeutic and preventive measures in the first stage of the appearing of stretch marks. Then you can reduce their formation and improve the quality of collagen-elastin structures. Don’t wait and go to a cosmetologist to prevent their formation!
Existing stretch marks can be clearly reduced by several methods. The border line between stretch marks and healthy skin becomes invisible, the stretch itself is leveled to a condition where it is difficult to distinguish it from healthy, normal skin.
Acid peeling for stretch marks- is this a good solution?
One of the methods to fight stretch marks is acid peeling (chemical peel). Natural mono acids are used in HealthyBeauty to treat a wide variety of skin problems, including eliminating stretch marks.
The chemical substance (acid) acting on the tissue causes its remodeling to the structure of healthy skin. Stimulated to regenerate, the skin rebuilds the correct collagen network, and thus causes stretch marks to disappear. New structures and created elastyl joints cause softening and regeneration of the skin where the stretch mark is located. The border line between damaged skin and healthy tissue is difficult to grasp, making the deep stretch marks no longer visible.
What type of acid is used for stretch marks:
Glycolic (hydroxyacetic) acid – is the simplest of alpha-hydroxy acids, thanks to its molecular structure it is colorless, odorless, it dissolves in water perfectly. It is easily absorbed into the skin. It reduces wrinkles and scars, as well as stretch marks – quickens cell renewal processes by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. In addition, it affects the bonds between skin cells, “loosening” them so that dead and calloused cells are removed along with skin impurities. Cleansed and stimulated to rebuild your skin now gains radiance, evens out the color and so the stretch marks become less visible.
Lactic acid – it works by intensively stimulating the production of ceramides, i.e. organic lipid compounds found in the stratum corneum (upper layer of the skin). Ceramides, among other functions, are responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, but their number decreases with age. Lactic acid stimulates the production of collagen by fibroblasts, thanks to which wrinkles are reduced, the skin becomes more elastic, soft and renewed.
Pyruvic acid – an extremely strong acid with a tiny molecular structure. It penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, making the skin firm, rejuvenated and more elastic. The acid also has a moisturizing and bactericidal effect, however, when using it, you should keep high sun protection.
Lactobionic acid– delicate in action and safe to use in summer, does not require using sun protection. In addition to many advantages, it also stimulates fibroblasts, so that they are stimulated to produce collagen. If you choose to do peeling with acid for stretch marks, lactobionic acid will intensify the regeneration of elastin fibers, lightening stretch marks and smoothing skin color.
Are there any contraindications for such treatments?
Of course, just like everything has to be approached wisely, so does also acid treatments for stretch marks. Here are some contraindications, which exclude the patient from the procedure:
- Active skin diseases of a bacterial or fungal background as well as inflammation
- Rosacea
- Herpes, psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune skin diseases
- Taking certain medications (e.g. retinoids)