What are stretch marks? How can teens get rid of stretch marks? Discover effective solutions and expert insights to address this common skin condition.

Understanding Stretch Marks: Causes and Prevalence

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are fine lines or scars that develop on the skin when it undergoes rapid growth or stretching, often during puberty or pregnancy. These marks can appear reddish, purplish, or indented, with a different texture compared to the surrounding skin.

Stretch marks are a normal and common occurrence, affecting the majority of people, particularly during significant physical changes. They are not exclusive to any one group and can be experienced by individuals of all ages, genders, and body types. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks, such as:

• Rapid weight gain or growth, often seen during puberty
• Obesity or significant weight fluctuations
• Bodybuilding and muscle growth
• Prolonged use of steroid-containing skin creams or ointments
• Long-term oral corticosteroid therapy

Addressing Stretch Marks: Treatments and Remedies

While stretch marks can be a source of concern for many teenagers, there are several approaches to diminish their appearance and promote skin health. It’s important to note that most treatments are not recommended for teens, as their skin is still developing and new marks may continue to appear.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies that may help reduce the visibility of stretch marks include:

• Using moisturizing oils or creams, such as cocoa butter or vitamin E, to hydrate the skin
• Applying over-the-counter treatments containing ingredients like retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids
• Incorporating a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support skin health, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and protein

Medical Treatments

For more severe or persistent stretch marks, medical professionals may recommend the following treatments:

1. Prescription creams or ointments containing retinoids or corticosteroids
2. Microdermabrasion, a gentle exfoliation technique to smooth the skin’s surface
3. Laser therapy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks

It’s important to note that these medical treatments are generally not recommended for teenagers, as their skin is still developing and new stretch marks may continue to appear. Instead, the best approach is often to be patient and allow the natural fading process to occur over time.

Concealing Stretch Marks: Cosmetic Solutions

For those who wish to temporarily conceal the appearance of stretch marks, there are several cosmetic options available:

• Using self-tanning products or body makeup to match the skin tone and blend the stretch marks
• Wearing clothing with more coverage, such as board shorts or rash guards, to hide stretch marks on the buttocks, upper thighs, and chest

It’s important to note that these solutions only mask the appearance of stretch marks and do not address the underlying skin condition. They should not be considered a long-term solution, but rather a way to boost self-confidence in the short term.

Preventing Stretch Marks: Healthy Lifestyle Choices

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent stretch marks, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help minimize their occurrence:

1. Maintain a balanced diet and exercise routine to manage weight and muscle growth in a gradual, sustainable manner
2. Stay hydrated and moisturize the skin regularly to support its elasticity
3. Avoid prolonged use of steroid-containing skin products or medications, unless prescribed by a healthcare professional

By understanding the causes, seeking appropriate treatments, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, teenagers can take proactive steps to manage the appearance of stretch marks and promote healthy skin during this important phase of life.

Coping with Stretch Marks: Embracing Self-Acceptance

It’s important to recognize that stretch marks are a natural and common occurrence, and that they do not define a person’s worth or beauty. Embracing self-acceptance and cultivating a positive body image can be a powerful tool for teenagers dealing with this skin condition.

Encourage teens to focus on the overall health and well-being of their body, rather than solely on its appearance. Surround them with supportive communities and resources that promote body positivity and self-love.

Remember, stretch marks are a normal part of the human experience, and with the right mindset and support, they can be embraced as a natural manifestation of growth and change.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

If stretch marks are causing significant distress or discomfort, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who can provide personalized guidance and treatment options.

These specialists can assess the individual’s skin condition, provide advice on managing stretch marks, and recommend appropriate medical interventions if necessary. They can also address any underlying health concerns that may be contributing to the development of stretch marks.

By working closely with healthcare professionals, teenagers can develop a comprehensive and tailored approach to addressing their stretch marks and promoting overall skin health.

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 protect a teenager from stretch marks during a period of rapid growth

How to protect a teenager from stretch marks during a period of rapid growth. Why do they appear and how to deal with them.

The scars that appear on the body of children during their growing up can scare parents. Stretch marks, as they are often referred to, are reddish-purple streaks that can last a lifetime. Why they appear, is it possible to avoid this, how to get rid of them – these questions are asked most often by parents, and then by grown-up children. Oksana Cherepanova, a pediatrician at the Center for Sports Medicine of the GAUZ TO “Multipurpose Consultative and Diagnostic Center”, helped to deal with them.

– The son at the age of 12 was 164 cm tall, at 13 – 176 cm – then the first red stripes appeared on the lower back, back. On the recommendation of the doctor, they used a cream with collagen, but it did not help. At the age of 14 – 184 cm. Stretch marks appeared even on my knees,

– said reader Lyudmila Gladkikh.

Another Tyumen woman told how she noticed red stripes on the sides of her growing daughter. First of all, as the specialist recommends, you need to contact a specialist: a pediatrician, an endocrinologist.

– It is important to find out the cause of their occurrence, since striae, as they are correctly called, can also be a sign of serious diseases, –

the interlocutor stressed.

– Most often, stretch marks are localized on the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, as well as the inner and outer thighs. Teenage girls are at risk for stretch marks on their breasts. But on the back, neck and arms – a rarity. Such localization of scars can indicate diseases, and they should be paid attention to in the first place.

Photo by Ekaterina Khristozova

Where it is thin – there it breaks

The World Health Organization defines the age of a teenager from 10 to 19 years old as a transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. It is at this time that a lot of changes (physical, intellectual, emotional, personal and social) occur with the child.

– Growth spurt is an early sign of growing up, which can be accompanied by the appearance of stretch marks. They appear when the skin does not keep up with the growth of the rest of the body and does not have enough collagen and other substances in order to fight the resulting damage.

Oksana Cherepanova explained.

The pediatrician named the most common causes of stretch marks:

rapid growth,





which causes tearing of the skin due to overstretching. Vessels, collagen and elastic fibers are torn, a “failure” appears in the skin, which is filled with connective tissue, that is, a scar.

Lack of muscle mass



occurs in children with low physical development, so the best prevention here is a healthy diet and systematic physical education and sports.

Violation of the hormonal background.



It is during adolescence that major hormonal changes occur.

Heredity.

There is a genetic predisposition to the appearance of stretch marks. If the parents had them, it is important to carefully monitor the health and physical fitness of the child.

Sudden weight gain or sudden weight loss.

Children’s skin is much more elastic than adult skin, and even extreme weight changes can often go unnoticed. However, with a combination of several factors (for example, weight loss against the background of reduced immunity), stretch marks may appear.

Reduced immunity.

May be the result of a serious illness.

Photo by Ekaterina Khristozova

Stretch Mark Prevention

Is it possible to protect your child from this disadvantage? According to the expert, it is possible to reduce the risk of striae formation by means of prevention. In this case, difficulties may arise with a genetic predisposition or concomitant disease, but there is still a chance to decently reduce the likelihood of their occurrence if you can follow some recommendations.

How to get rid of scars

There are a lot of ways to remove stretch marks from the skin, but in order to effectively combat the deficiency, it is important to take into account many factors – from possible contraindications to the age of stretch marks. Oksana Cherepanova mentioned salon procedures, traditional medicine methods, creams and massages.

Among the procedures offered in beauty salons, the following are common and allowed for teenagers today:

• Wraps are effective with kelp, honey, chocolate, cocoa and grapes. Recommended for very fresh and small stretch marks. This is one of the most popular procedures, as it causes only pleasant sensations and can give pleasure from aromas.
• Peeling with fruit acids. Most effective for fresh striae. As for chronic striae, the effect is achieved by a large number of procedures or a combination of different procedures.
• Mechanical peeling is considered one of the most effective types and can have a positive effect in the fight against old stretch marks.

– Please note that salon procedures are not cheap, and you may need several sessions, –

emphasized by the pediatrician.

Photo by Ekaterina Khristozova

ethnoscience

Several options are offered by traditional medicine. Some procedures can be done at home:

• Wrapping – when kelp sheets, cocoa, essential oils are used.
• Rubbing with natural oils. For this, anise, sandalwood oil, as well as oils of cinnamon, patchouli, rosemary, fennel, bergamot, lavender, lemon, ginger, grapefruit and orange are suitable.
• Peeling with exfoliating agents. The most affordable peeling at home is a product based on ground coffee.

– It should be remembered that the above procedures may be contraindicated for your child due to increased trauma or if there is an allergic reaction to the components,

– said Cherepanova.

Massage

To combat stretch marks on the skin of a teenager, the following types of massage are effective: pinch with oils, honey, hardware, vacuum cupping. You should not take on a massage on your own. It is important to understand that a positive effect is possible if the procedure is performed by a specialist.

Gels and creams

Gels, creams and ointments for stretch marks can be very effective if the right product is chosen. There are several main types of funds.

For prevention, gels and ointments are suitable, which are aimed only at increasing the skin’s resistance to damage due to nutrients.