What causes stretch marks in children and teens. How can stretch marks be prevented during puberty. Are there effective treatments for stretch marks in adolescents. What are natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Can stretch marks fade over time without treatment.

What Are Stretch Marks and How Do They Form?

Stretch marks are fine lines that appear on the skin when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. They commonly occur during periods of rapid growth or weight gain, such as puberty. While skin is generally quite elastic, excessive stretching can disrupt the normal production of collagen, the primary protein responsible for skin’s structure and elasticity.

When the skin is overstretched, it may develop these characteristic marks, which initially appear as reddish or purplish lines with a different texture from the surrounding skin. Over time, stretch marks often fade to a lighter color and become less noticeable.

What causes stretch marks to form?

• Rapid growth during puberty
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Pregnancy
• Bodybuilding or intense physical training
• Use of corticosteroid medications

Who Is Most Likely to Develop Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a common occurrence, particularly during adolescence. While they can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks:

• Teenagers experiencing growth spurts
• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• Bodybuilders and athletes undergoing rapid muscle growth
• Pregnant women
• People using steroid-containing skin creams or oral corticosteroids for extended periods

It’s important to note that stretch marks are not exclusive to any particular gender. While they are more commonly reported in girls and women, boys and men can also develop stretch marks, especially during periods of rapid physical change.

Common Areas Where Stretch Marks Appear

Stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body, but they tend to be more prevalent in certain areas:

• Breasts
• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Abdomen
• Arms
• Lower back

The location of stretch marks often corresponds to areas of the body that experience the most growth or stretching during puberty or weight gain.

Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent stretch marks entirely, there are several measures that may help reduce their likelihood or severity:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Gradual weight gain or loss is less likely to cause stretch marks compared to rapid changes.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep skin elastic and supple.
3. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming foods rich in vitamins C, D, E, zinc, and protein can support skin health.
4. Use moisturizers: Keeping skin well-hydrated may help improve its elasticity.
5. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help maintain skin elasticity and promote overall skin health.

Is it possible to completely prevent stretch marks? Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed method to prevent stretch marks, especially during periods of rapid growth like puberty. Genetics also play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to developing stretch marks.

Treatment Options for Stretch Marks

For those seeking to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, several treatment options are available. However, it’s important to note that most treatments are more effective on newer stretch marks rather than older, faded ones.

Medical Treatments

• Prescription creams: Retinoid creams or other topical medications may help improve the appearance of stretch marks.
• Microdermabrasion: This technique involves gently removing the top layer of skin to stimulate collagen production.
• Laser therapy: Various types of laser treatments can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
• Chemical peels: These treatments use acidic solutions to remove the top layer of skin, potentially improving the appearance of stretch marks.

Are these treatments suitable for teenagers? Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons do not recommend these treatments for teenagers who are still growing, as new stretch marks may continue to form. Additionally, these treatments can be expensive and are typically not covered by insurance.

At-Home Remedies

For those looking for more accessible options, several at-home remedies may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks:

• Moisturizing creams and oils: Regular application of moisturizers can help improve skin elasticity and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
• Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and may improve the texture of stretch marks.
• Vitamin E oil: Some people find that applying vitamin E oil to stretch marks helps improve their appearance.
• Aloe vera: Known for its skin-soothing properties, aloe vera may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
• Cocoa butter: This natural moisturizer is often used to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Do these home remedies guarantee results? While these remedies are generally safe to try, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to be consistent with application for the best possible results.

Coping with Stretch Marks: Practical Tips and Strategies

For many individuals, particularly teenagers, stretch marks can be a source of self-consciousness. Here are some practical strategies to help cope with and minimize the appearance of stretch marks:

Camouflage Techniques

• Self-tanners: Some people find that sunless self-tanners can help cover up stretch marks. However, it’s important to note that regular tanning or tanning beds are not recommended, as stretch marks are less likely to tan and may become more noticeable.
• Body makeup: Using body makeup matched to your skin tone can help conceal stretch marks temporarily.
• Strategic clothing choices: Wearing clothing that covers areas with stretch marks can help boost confidence. For example, board shorts or rash guards can provide coverage for stretch marks on the buttocks, upper thighs, and chest.

Emotional Coping Strategies

Dealing with stretch marks isn’t just about physical appearance. It’s also important to address the emotional impact they may have:

• Practice self-acceptance: Remember that stretch marks are a normal part of growth and development for many people.
• Focus on overall health: Instead of fixating on stretch marks, concentrate on maintaining overall skin health and body wellness.
• Seek support: If stretch marks are causing significant distress, consider talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.

How can teenagers develop a positive body image despite having stretch marks? Encouraging a focus on body functionality rather than appearance, promoting diverse representations of beauty, and fostering self-compassion can all contribute to a healthier body image.

The Role of Time in Stretch Mark Appearance

One of the most important factors in dealing with stretch marks is patience. Over time, many stretch marks naturally become less noticeable without any treatment:

• Color change: Fresh stretch marks often appear red, pink, or purple. With time, they typically fade to a lighter, silvery hue that blends more with the surrounding skin.
• Texture improvement: While new stretch marks may feel raised or bumpy, older marks often become smoother and less textured.
• Width reduction: Some stretch marks may become narrower over time, making them less prominent.

How long does it take for stretch marks to fade? The fading process can vary significantly from person to person. It may take anywhere from several months to a couple of years for stretch marks to noticeably fade. Factors such as skin type, the location of the marks, and individual healing processes all play a role in determining how quickly stretch marks will fade.

When to Seek Professional Help for Stretch Marks

While stretch marks are generally harmless and do not require medical attention, there are instances where consulting a healthcare professional may be beneficial:

• Rapid or extensive development of stretch marks without an apparent cause
• Stretch marks accompanied by other skin changes or symptoms
• Significant emotional distress or impact on quality of life due to stretch marks
• Interest in exploring medical treatment options for aesthetic reasons (for adults)

Who should you consult about stretch marks? Dermatologists and plastic surgeons specialize in skin care and can provide expert advice on managing stretch marks. For teenagers, it’s often recommended to consult with a pediatrician or family doctor first, who can provide guidance and referrals if necessary.

What to Expect During a Professional Consultation

When seeking professional help for stretch marks, you can expect the following:

1. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will examine the stretch marks and surrounding skin.
2. Medical history review: They may ask about recent growth spurts, weight changes, or medication use.
3. Discussion of treatment options: For adults, various treatment possibilities may be presented, along with their potential benefits and risks.
4. Addressing concerns: The provider can answer questions and provide reassurance about the nature of stretch marks.

Remember, for most teenagers, the best approach is often to be patient and allow time for the stretch marks to fade naturally. However, if stretch marks are causing significant distress, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for support and guidance.

Myths and Facts About Stretch Marks

There are many misconceptions surrounding stretch marks. Let’s debunk some common myths and highlight important facts:

Myth: Only overweight people get stretch marks

Fact: While weight gain can lead to stretch marks, they can occur in people of all body types, especially during periods of rapid growth like puberty.

Myth: Stretch marks only affect women

Fact: Both males and females can develop stretch marks, although they may be more commonly reported in females.

Myth: Expensive creams can completely eliminate stretch marks

Fact: While some creams may help improve the appearance of stretch marks, there is no product that can completely eliminate them once they’ve formed.

Myth: Tanning can hide stretch marks

Fact: Tanning can actually make stretch marks more noticeable, as they often don’t tan as readily as surrounding skin.

Myth: Stretch marks are a sign of poor health

Fact: Stretch marks are a normal part of growth and development for many people and do not indicate poor health.

Are there any benefits to having stretch marks? While stretch marks are often viewed negatively, they can be seen as a natural part of the body’s growth and change. Some people view them as a sign of their body’s resilience and adaptability.

Future Developments in Stretch Mark Treatment

As dermatological research continues to advance, new treatments for stretch marks may become available in the future. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Advanced topical formulations: Scientists are working on developing more effective creams and gels that can penetrate deeper into the skin to promote collagen production and skin repair.
• Stem cell therapies: Research is being conducted on the potential use of stem cells to regenerate damaged skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
• Combination therapies: Studies are exploring the effectiveness of combining different treatment modalities, such as laser therapy with topical treatments, for enhanced results.
• Genetic research: Understanding the genetic factors that contribute to stretch mark formation may lead to more targeted prevention and treatment strategies in the future.

What potential breakthroughs can we expect in stretch mark treatment? While it’s difficult to predict specific breakthroughs, ongoing research in skin regeneration and wound healing may lead to more effective treatments for stretch marks in the coming years. However, it’s important to approach any new treatments with caution and to consult with healthcare professionals before trying them.

In conclusion, stretch marks are a common and natural occurrence, especially during periods of rapid growth like puberty. While they may be a source of concern for some individuals, it’s important to remember that they are harmless and often fade over time. For those seeking to reduce their appearance, various treatments and coping strategies are available. However, the most important approach is often patience and self-acceptance, recognizing that stretch marks are a normal part of many people’s growth and development.

Stretch Marks (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth

en español: Estrías

Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are fine lines in the skin that happen when quick growth or weight gain stretches the skin (like during puberty). Skin is usually fairly stretchy, but when it’s overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the tissue in skin) is disrupted. As a result, the skin can develop stretch marks.

At first, stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that can look indented and have a different texture from the skin around them. Stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time.

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most people. People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders can get stretch marks because of the quick body changes that can come with bodybuilding. People who use steroid-containing skin creams or ointments (such as hydrocortisone) for more than a few weeks also may get stretch marks. So might people who have to take high doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer.

How Can I Get My Stretch Marks to Go Away?

A
dermatologistor plastic surgeon are doctors who can help treat stretch marks. They specialize in caring for the skin. To reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they might use prescription creams, microdermabrasion, and laser treatment. But doctors don’t usually recommended these for teens because they’re still growing. So new stretch marks might appear and existing ones will probably fade a bit over time. Also, these treatments can be expensive and usually are not covered by insurance.

How Can I Make Stretch Marks Less Noticeable?

Here are some things to consider if you want to make stretch marks less noticeable:

• Some people find that sunless self-tanners can help cover up stretch marks. This isn’t true with regular tanning or tanning beds, though: Stretch marks are less likely to tan so may end up looking more obvious. Plus, the sun and tanning beds do more harm than good when it comes to the long-term health of your skin.
• Try using body makeup matched to your skin tone to cover stretch marks.
• Wear board shorts or rash guards. Bathing suits with more coverage work well for hiding stretch marks on the buttocks, upper thighs, and chest.

Many creams and other skin products claim to get rid of stretch marks, but the truth is that most don’t work and are costly. Usually, the best thing to do is be patient because stretch marks often fade with time. If they still bother you when you’re an adult, you can ask your doctor or see a specialist for treatment.

Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

Date reviewed: November 2020

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Stretch Marks – Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Home | Patients and Families | Health Library | Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. When a person grows or gains weight really quickly (like during puberty), that person may get fine lines on the body called stretch marks.

Stretch marks happen when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it’s overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form.

If you’re noticing stretch marks on your body, you’re not alone. Most girls and women have them, usually on their breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. Many women get them during pregnancy. Stretch marks are more common in girls, but guys can get them, too.

People who are obese often have stretch marks. Bodybuilders are prone to getting stretch marks because of the rapid body changes that can go with bodybuilding. People who use steroid-containing skin creams or ointments (such as hydrocortisone) for more than a few weeks may also get stretch marks. So might people who have to take high doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer.

At first, stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that can look indented and have a different texture from the skin around them. Stretch marks often turn lighter and almost disappear over time.

Making Them Less Noticeable

Here are some things to consider if you want to make stretch marks less noticeable:

• Some people find that sunless self-tanners can help cover up stretch marks. This isn’t true with regular tanning or tanning beds, though: Stretch marks are less likely to tan so may end up looking more obvious. Plus, the sun and tanning beds do more harm than good when it comes to the long-term health of your skin.
• Try using body makeup matched to the tone of your skin to cover stretch marks. Although some manufacturers make these cover-up products water-resistant, makeup may not be the best solution if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the water.
• Wear board shorts or rash guards. Bathing suits with more coverage are popular with many athletes because they protect against the sun and don’t ride up when a person moves. But these suit styles also work well for hiding stretch marks on the buttocks, upper thighs and chest.

Tons of creams and other skin products on the market claim to get rid of stretch marks, but the truth is that most don’t work and are costly.

You can’t make stretch marks go away completely without the help of a

dermatologist
 or plastic surgeon. These doctors may use one of many types of treatments — from actual surgery to techniques like microdermabrasion and laser treatment — to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

These techniques are expensive and are not usually covered by insurance. Doctors don’t usually recommended them for teens because they’re not done growing so new stretch marks might appear and existing ones will probably lessen over time.

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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Stretch marks – the whole truth – articles from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Clinic “Mother and Child” Togliatti

What is it

Stretch marks are also called striae. They appear in any area of ​​the body, but more often occur in those places where there is a large amount of fat. The most common locations are chest, abdomen, underarms, shoulders, hips, back and buttocks.

Stretch marks look like stripes on the skin, and over time their color changes. “Fresh” stretch marks are pinkish-red in color, the skin on them is slightly convex. Gradually, the striae increase in length and width, become bluish-violet, and eventually become discolored. This happens because at first there are still blood vessels inside the striae, which is why initially the stretch marks have such a bright color. Then the blood supply at the site of the stretch marks stops, the vessels become empty, the resulting skin defect is filled with connective tissue and the stretch marks become white. Since there is no pigment in the connective tissue, even under the influence of sunlight, the stretch marks remain white. Moreover, against the background of tanned skin, they become more noticeable.

Why they occur

It seems that the reason for the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy is clear at first glance: the expectant mother’s belly grows, the skin stretches, and stretch marks form. Why, then, do they not occur in all expectant mothers? And is their appearance associated with weight gain? After all, it has been noticed, for example, that the likelihood of stretch marks does not depend on the size of the abdomen during pregnancy.

Stretch marks may appear in a woman with a small tummy, while a woman expecting twins will bypass this problem.

Why is this happening? Several factors come into play here. Yes, indeed, one of the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks is weight gain, but it is not so much the number of kilograms gained that is important, but how quickly a woman gained them: the faster the expectant mother gains weight, the higher the risk of stretch marks. That is why even with a small increase in weight, stretch marks can appear. The second reason for stretch marks is hormonal imbalance. During pregnancy, the amount of estrogen and cortisol decreases, resulting in a violation of the synthesis of skin and connective tissue proteins – collagen and elastin. Namely, with the help of these proteins, our skin can stretch well and restore its elasticity.

If there is not enough collagen and elastin, then the skin becomes brittle and thins faster, eventually, it breaks in some areas, and then scar connective tissue is formed in the places of tears .

And here is how the body of the expectant mother will behave during pregnancy: whether there will be sharp jumps in weight and hormonal imbalance (which means that stretch marks will appear or not, it is impossible to predict).

What to do?

Let’s just say that There is no 100% effective treatment for and prevention of stretch marks. For example, most creams, lotions, gels for the prevention of stretch marks simply contain moisturizing ingredients and help soften the skin, but do not affect the balance of hormones. Therefore, these remedies cannot prevent the appearance of stretch marks if hormonal disorders have occurred. Yes, and after childbirth, various laser procedures, peelings and resurfacing will not get rid of stretch marks at all, they will simply make them more invisible.

But this does not mean that we should give up and do nothing. You can do just a lot of things: even if you do not achieve a 100% effect, there will still be benefits.

– Monitor the nutrition of the and avoid sudden weight fluctuations. Do not forget to eat protein foods – protein, together with zinc and vitamin C, stimulates the production of collagen, which gives the skin elasticity. If you don’t feel like meat yet, include fish, dairy products and legumes in your diet – these are also sources of healthy protein.

– Avoid sweets – sugar slows down collagen renewal, the skin loses elasticity and water, becomes dry, sluggish, its elasticity decreases.

– From the first days of pregnancy constantly nourish and moisturize the skin . To do this, use creams, gels, lotions with collagen, elastin, as well as vitamins C and E . The main thing is that these drugs must be approved for use during pregnancy. Before you buy this or that product, carefully read the instructions and the composition of the drug. Find out the mechanism of action of biologically active substances of a cosmetic product from a sales assistant. If you still have doubts, consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Look into your wallet and make a choice.

– If finances allow, do salon procedures for body moisturizing that are allowed during pregnancy (seaweed wraps, for example), if not, limit yourself to ordinary skin moisturizing, it is also effective.

– Regularly take a contrast shower : it tones and firms the skin, and the problem areas receive the blood flow they need. You can massage individual parts of the body alternately with cold and warm jets. Just don’t aim the jet directly at your stomach.

– After showering, don’t dry your body, just pat it dry with a towel. You can do light pinching self-massage using moisturizing creams or natural vegetable oils (such as olive or linseed). Massage promotes the removal of excess fluid and activates the work of blood vessels – they quickly carry nutrients throughout the body. Important: when massaging the abdomen and chest, massage only the sides, thighs and legs.

– Swim : the contrast of water and air temperature, active physical activity also contribute to the prevention of stretch marks.

– During pregnancy , wear special bras, they will support the enlarged breasts and will not allow the skin to overstretch.

Even if stretch marks appear, don’t get upset. It has been noticed that if you immediately start a set of preventive measures (moisturizing the skin, proper nutrition, water procedures), then often stretch marks do not spread further. And if you start prevention from the first days of pregnancy, they may not appear at all.

REMINDER for moms

Start attacking stretch marks as early as possible: the younger they are, the less money and time it will take to eliminate them.

1. Watch your diet, try not to gain weight suddenly.
2. Daily moisturize and nourish the skin, not only the abdomen and chest, but also the thighs, buttocks, legs.
3. Lead an active lifestyle: walk in the fresh air, play sports, swim.
4. Take a contrast shower, do self-massage.
5. Wear the right underwear: a maternity bra is especially necessary for expectant mothers with large breasts

Note:

Stretch marks cannot be predicted. Even if during the last pregnancy there were no or, on the contrary, there were stretch marks, then there is no guarantee that the situation will repeat itself in the next pregnancy

You can make a composition for stretch marks yourself.

Here are the oils that will suit you:

• Jojoba oil is the most effective remedy: it is used for the prevention and elimination of skin stretch marks during and after pregnancy, as well as for weight gain and sudden weight loss.
• Essential oil of rosewood – helps to increase skin elasticity, also helps to dissolve small scars.
• Almond oil – especially effective for the care of areas of the body where skin elasticity is reduced.
• Grape seed oil – has a strong regenerating effect, improves skin elasticity.
• Peach oil – has a regenerating, softening effect on the skin, restores elasticity, rejuvenates sagging skin.

You can use any combination of these oils, such as jojoba + almond oil, or jojoba + grape seed oil.

Before using any oil, read the instructions, pay attention to contraindications. Try the oil or formulation on a small area of ​​your skin and see how it reacts throughout the day. If you experience discomfort or allergies, discard this remedy.

Make an appointment

to the doctor – Brezgunova Svetlana Leonidovna

Clinic “Mother and Child” Tolyatti

PregnancyPregnancy managementGynecologyChildren’s hospitalPregnancy diaryOperative childbirthPregnancy planningPreparation for operative childbirthPreparation for partner childbirthBaby care programMom’s school programsSchedule of childbirthPhysiological pregnancyFitness for pregnant women

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How to captivate children with stretching? – European Gymnastics Center

Trainer of the European Gymnastics Center Lokomotiv Anastasia Dolzhenkova talks about the benefits of stretching for children, and how to make this part of the workout enjoyable and interesting.

“Stretching has many health benefits for children. It improves the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, strengthens muscles and articular ligaments, forms the correct posture, gait, increases the range of motion, thereby reducing the risk of injury, removes stiffness in the body, relieves physical and mental overwork, which is especially characteristic of school children. For girls, good flexibility is also grace and plasticity.

Doctors prescribe general developmental exercises for flexibility to children from infancy as exercise therapy. For example, back riding on a fitball, stretching your arms back; hanging on straight arms, holding the hands of a doctor / parent; lying on your back bend back with an emphasis on straight arms.

As the child grows older, the exercises gradually become more difficult. In training, we do stretching with children, even in the youngest group, but, of course, these exercises are not at all associated with strong and painful stretching of the splits, as in rhythmic gymnastics or ballet. In general, it is important to note that at our Center we only give children the intensity of stretching that is good for their health. In professional sports, on the contrary, excessive stretching can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Since flexibility exercises require patience and perseverance, they are the least popular among children. Although some children, on the contrary, love twine. But these are mostly those who have good muscle elasticity from birth.

But, despite the complexity of stretching, it is of great benefit and cannot be avoided in training. In order to make this process the least painful and interesting, we use various game methods.

The first way is to distract children’s attention with the help of associations and talking about topics that are interesting to them. For example, when we pull a straight twine, we say that we are building a house for a dog. When we make bends in the fold, we make pies, when we make a bridge, we build a bridge for cars, and when we do the “ring”, we reach for the sun, resting on our hands like a cat, etc. You can think of anything.

The second way is to perform exercises with objects: balls, cubes, jump ropes.

The third way is flexibility exercises on gymnastic modules and a combination of stretching with other tasks so that the child can switch attention.

Also, trainers choose an individual dosage of exercises, since flexibility is an innate quality that varies from person to person. Some children are able to sit on the twine without much effort and pain, others have to work hard on stretching in order to achieve even the slightest change. The manifestation of flexibility depends on the anatomical structure of the joints, the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, muscle tone, age, the general functional state of the body, and external conditions.

Some more important stretching rules for children:

In younger children, we do not perform stretching that causes pain, since the articular apparatus is not yet fully formed.