Stretch marks on the chest during and after pregnancy: how to get rid of them

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August 24, 2010

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The time when a woman is expecting the birth of her baby is the most wonderful time. She changes before our eyes: she becomes more beautiful, charming, softer and begins to glow from within.

But her body experiences severe stress during this period.

During what period of pregnancy do stretch marks occur?

Striae on the chest can appear during different periods of pregnancy - it all depends on the elasticity of the skin. If the skin stretches well and has sufficient elasticity, then stretch marks do not appear at all, regardless of how much excess weight was gained and whether prevention was performed.

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Basically, the phenomenon in question begins to appear at 3-4 months, when the woman’s body weight increases significantly and the skin is stretched. Often, stretch marks begin to appear after childbirth, during breastfeeding.

Conditions leading to striae

Where do stretch marks come from? The properties of human skin are similar to those of rubber. The skin has elasticity, elasticity, stretches and returns to its usual state. During pregnancy, it becomes thinner and tears begin to form. This is how stretch marks appear.

The main reasons leading to stretch marks during pregnancy:

1. During pregnancy, a woman's hormonal levels change, which leads to stretching of the skin and the formation of tears in the middle layer.
2. Genetic predisposition. Girls often inherit their skin type from their mothers.
3. Smoking abuse before and during pregnancy.
4. Women under 18 and over 30 are at risk of getting stretch marks on the skin.
5. Sudden weight gain during pregnancy.
6. The delivery of oxygen to connective tissue is reduced by a sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to the formation of stretch marks. Therefore, pregnant women should move more and walk in the fresh air more often.
7. Weakness of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and chest muscles. In particular, stretch marks appear on the mammary glands after the first weeks of childbirth.

It is known that there is a hereditary predisposition to stretch marks, so if your mother or grandmother had such skin defects, you need to start prevention as early as possible.

Interesting! Prevention reduces the likelihood of stretch marks by 80%.

Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy?

You can get rid of stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy if they are at the initial stage of appearance (bright pink or reddish in color). To do this, you can use special creams developed for expectant mothers, homemade masks, light peelings, and self-massage.

In addition, you need to monitor your weight so that a sudden jump does not provoke stretching of the skin.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks or stretch marks are healed damage to the surface layers of the skin that differ from it in color and to the touch. They are formed due to microdamage to the stratum corneum and epidermis during strong stretching of the inner layer - the dermis (which is much more elastic than others). This happens during pregnancy, with intense weight gain, and hormonal fluctuations. The first to suffer is thin and delicate skin (on the chest, abdomen, thighs), which contains few elastic fibers.

Stretch marks can form already in the early stages of gestation. At this time, the level of pregnancy hormones increases significantly, and the breasts become very full. The process is triggered by increased concentrations of the hormone progesterone. It also slows down the production of collagen and elastin, attracting fluid into the intercellular space.

Striae can be recognized at the very beginning of their formation. The skin becomes sensitive, pink, often itchy, and slightly raised above the rest. After some time, stretch marks look like whitish stripes on the chest or pink thin scars. With significant damage, bluish scars may form. They are not as elastic as the rest of the skin because they are made of connective tissue.

Stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy: how to get rid of them

As soon as stretch marks on the chest begin to appear during pregnancy (this can be noticed by the fact that the area of ​​skin where the stretch mark will soon appear begins to turn pink, itch and itch), you need to act immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the more positive the result will be.

You need to moisturize your skin well with creams, lotions, and oils. However, before using the above remedies, you must check each of them for an allergic reaction.

An excellent remedy for stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy is morning and evening massage:

• heated palms, apply circular strokes to moistened skin from the nipple to the shoulder, while holding the breast with your free hand.
• From the outer contour to the center, move in a circular motion, again, using warmed palms, lightly pressing on the mammary glands.

Note! Stretch marks on the breasts that appear during pregnancy can heal and turn white. Such stretch marks are eliminated with the help of cosmetology immediately in the postpartum period.

Modern cosmetology presents the following methods for eliminating stretch marks: chemical and laser peels, laser resurfacing and nanoperiolation, microdermabrasion, fractional phototeriolisis.

Prevention

In order not to guess what to do with the resulting stretch marks and how to treat them, it is worth, first of all, to think about preventive methods that will allow you to prepare your breasts for the birth of your baby and resist the hated scars on the delicate skin of the female breast. Preventive treatment aimed at preventing the formation of stretch marks is the best protection against cosmetic negative consequences after the birth of a child.

Important!

If at some stage of pregnancy the skin of the breast begins to itch, itch, and a woman scratches the skin in her sleep against her will, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment for stretch marks. This is how the skin reacts to the stretching of existing skin cells.

Creams for stretch marks on breasts during pregnancy

Shilajit is considered one of the most effective remedies for stretch marks . It is necessary to mix 1-2 g of the product with baby or any other fatty cream to the desired consistency and leave to brew for 15 minutes.

Apply the prepared mixture to clean, steamed skin using circular movements, moving clockwise. Do this procedure at night. With regular use, stretch marks become less visible, and after 1-2 months (depending on the depth of the stretch marks) they disappear completely.

It is important to know! Real mumiyo is produced in Altai and is sold in the form of a thick black mixture. You should not buy mumiyo, which is sold in pharmacies in the form of tablets, since there is very little mumiyo itself, and it will not help you get rid of stretch marks.

You can prepare other homemade creams for stretch marks:

1. Mix baby cream (200 g), aloe juice (2 tbsp), orange or tangerine essential oil (5-6 drops). Let it brew and can be used twice a day.
2. Mix olive oil with orange or tangerine essential oil, add cinnamon. Use twice daily.
3. Coconut oil mix with aloe and essential oils. Can also be used twice a day.

   

Many cosmetic lines for expectant mothers produce ready-made creams. The most effective of them are shown in the table.

Cream against stretch marks on the chest should be used only after the body has had an allergic reaction to the product and after consultation with a specialist.

The body of a pregnant woman is not predictable, so any ingredient present in the composition can cause negative reactions. It is worth choosing a cream with a natural composition; chemical components should be present in a minimum amount.

Causes of stretch marks

Stretch marks, or, scientifically, stretch marks, appear as a result of internal micro-tears in the skin. They are classified as atrophic scars, which look like narrow, sunken, wavy lines. Hairs do not grow in these areas and pigment is not formed.

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Stretch marks, as we have already found out, appear as a result of internal microtraumas of the skin due to overstretching. They occur for various reasons, but during pregnancy most often due to such reasons.

Weight gain

During pregnancy, women can gain weight from 3-6 to 30 kg. The norm is 1 kg for each month of pregnancy. But even with minimal weight gain, the skin experiences stress. And as the volume of the body increases, the skin stretches, which can lead to the appearance of stretch marks.

Hormonal imbalance

Waiting time for a baby is responsible in every sense. While the expectant mother is preparing for the birth of her child, serious changes are occurring in her body. All processes are aimed at creating the best conditions for the growth and development of the fetus. Metabolic processes accelerate, the rate of cell division increases. Often the body does not have time to adapt to rapidly changing changes.

Genetic predisposition

As we said above, scientists believe that a hereditary factor is often to blame for the appearance of stretch marks.

Insufficient skin hydration

Unfortunately, many women take stretch marks lightly. But in vain. To help the skin be more elastic, effective and regular hydration and nutrition is necessary.

Skin care during pregnancy

Weakness of the abdominal muscles

Pregnancy is not a disease. Don't forget about fitness and sports. However, before you start exercising, consult your doctor.

1. Weight control. Monitor your weight gain to avoid excessive bulking. This advice is especially relevant in the second trimester, weeks 17–18, when the fetus begins to grow rapidly and the scales arrow steadily moves to the right. You should not eat for two, indulge in flour and sweets - this will not benefit either you or your unborn child.

2. Motor activity. Pregnancy is not a reason to give up physical activity: playing sports will help keep muscles toned, help maintain skin elasticity and saturate the body with oxygen. Before visiting the gym or swimming pool, consult your doctor.

3. Bandage. From about 20–22 weeks, make it a rule to wear a prenatal bandage, which will relieve the load on the lumbar region and prevent overstretching of the skin. Choose the model that suits you with the help of a consultant in a specialized store.

4. Massage and remedies for stretch marks. Daily self-massage using special products will help increase skin elasticity.

Olive oil and its properties for stretch marks on the chest

Olive oil contains a rich source of vitamins and microelements, polyunsaturated fatty acids, well moisturizes and nourishes the dermis, helps it produce collagen, as a result of which the skin becomes elastic and smooth.

Olive oil should be rubbed into the skin with massage movements 1-2 times a day until it is completely absorbed. You can add a couple of drops of any essential oil to the product in question. Essential oils of rose, bergamot, lavender and rosemary are especially good for eliminating stretch marks.

For a better effect, you should choose high-quality directly pressed oil. It can be either rubbed into the skin or consumed orally regularly (1-2 tsp per day).

Prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy

Cosmetologists advise starting prevention six months before conception. Moisturize the skin, take care of the variety. Drink vitamins. It would be nice to take a massage course. This is ideal. But not everyone gets pregnant as planned. Therefore, the most realistic advice is to start prevention as early as possible, as soon as you find out that you are expecting a baby.

• Food and water

Proper nutrition is beneficial not only for the breast, but also for the baby. Enrich your diet with protein, it helps maintain skin elasticity. Control your weight. Take the vitamins your doctor recommends. Hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking up to 2.5 liters of water per day.

• Mode

Sleep, walks, and sports (as far as the position allows) give the body the opportunity to rest and restore its strength, including the skin.

• Top loess

The breast skin needs to be “walked” without clothes for at least 20–30 minutes a day. This includes gentle hardening, natural massage, and free access to oxygen. Take off your clothes and give your skin a rest. You can combine a “walk” with sleep or exercise.

• Bra

The first bra appeared in foggy England back in 1886. I wonder what the phlegmatic gentlemen were thinking about when they created this item? A pregnant lady should pay the same close attention to her underwear:

• buy a bra of the right size;
• choose wide harnesses;
• do not buy models with underwires;
• a good bra has no internal seams;
• insist on natural fabric.

The same can be said about the bandage when it comes to stretch marks on the abdomen.

• Cosmetics

Olive and corn oils are breaking all records for positive reviews in the prevention of stretch marks. Just lightly rub the oil into the skin, perform the procedure after a shower. In addition to olive and corn, experienced mothers praise wheat germ, almond, hazelnut, rosewood, and grape seed oils.

It is useful to add solutions of vitamins A and E to the oil, but vitamins increase the risk of allergic skin rashes. If you are treating stretch marks as a nursing mother, remember that the medicinal mixtures should not come into contact with the nipples and areolas, and the baby may not like the unusual smell.

• Massage

Massage your breasts after a shower with vegetable oils. Skin prone to stretch marks does not like additional stretching, so proceed with extreme caution.

Young stretch marks are pink or even red. Of course, this is a fresh injury! Over time, stretch marks age and become flesh-colored. Young stretch marks are easier to cure; white scars are difficult to remove. The sooner you start, the greater the chance of getting rid of stretch marks.

A mixture of oils for therapeutic and preventive massage

• almond oil (30 l);
• wheat germ oil (15 ml);
• avocado oil (15 ml);
• lavender oil (2 drops);
• carrot seed oil (2 drops);
• geranium oil (2 drops);
• calendula oil (2 drops);
• neroli oil (4 drops).

Mix the oils well and rub gently into the skin twice a day, preferably after a shower.

Homemade masks for stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy

1. Coffee mask with mumiyo . To prepare one of the most effective masks you will need: mummy 1 tsp, ground coffee 1-2 tsp, orange or eucalyptus essential oil - 5-6 drops, baby cream, warm water - 1 tsp. Dissolve mumiyo in 1 tsp. warm water, add coffee, essential oil. Cream is necessary to combine the ingredients, so its amount is added by eye. Apply the mask onto warm skin using active movements. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Apply 2 times a week.
2. Fresh grapes perfectly moisturize and nourish the skin. It is necessary to apply the grape pulp to the affected area of ​​the skin and leave to absorb for 20-30 minutes.
3. A mask made from sour cream and oatmeal also has a good effect. Sour cream moisturizes the skin well, and oatmeal provides a gentle peeling, eliminating dead cells. Ingredients: oatmeal – 2 tbsp. l., fat sour cream - 2 tbsp. l. Pour hot (0.5 cup) water over the flakes and let them swell; drain off excess water. Add 2 tbsp to the cooled mixture. l. sour cream and leave for 30-60 minutes, but preferably overnight. Remove the mixture from the refrigerator, bring to room temperature and apply to skin. After 15-20 minutes, rinse with cold water.

   

Important to remember! Homemade masks should be done regularly, at least 2 times a week. It is good to combine them with creams and massage.

How to maintain the beauty of your breasts?

Waiting for a baby is a very special period during which your entire body, including your breasts, needs special care. Breast swelling is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Already in the first weeks, large metamorphoses occur in the breasts: the small ones increase in size, the large ones become very lush. In this regard, there is a risk of losing its original shape.

The chest does not have its own muscles, and the ligaments stretch during pregnancy and lactation, so at this time it needs support more than ever - in the literal and figurative sense of the word. A properly selected bra protects the breasts from injuries, stretch marks, relieves stress from the spine and provides optimal support during pregnancy and lactation. Today there is a huge selection of bras for every taste and color - from elegant lace models to seamless sports underwear that “grows” with the breasts.

A good bra, first of all, should be made of natural, “breathable” fabric, because during pregnancy, blood circulation becomes more intense, which often results in increased sweating. You will have to give up the “bones” - they impede the flow of blood and lymph from the mammary gland. The more your breasts grow, the more important wide straps and multi-level fasteners become for you. And don’t forget that a properly selected bra also has a cosmetic effect - maintaining muscle and skin tone, it prevents the formation of stretch marks.

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The bra should have comfortable cups that match the shape of your breasts. It is very undesirable to have internal seams - the sensitivity of the breast skin increases during pregnancy, and the seams can cause irritation. If the bra straps cut into your shoulders, if it “wrinkles” or “creeps” up your back, it means you have chosen the wrong size. The straps should be wide, soft, elastic, and adjustable in length. Some models have padded straps or special small pads that reduce pressure on the shoulders. The fastener should be multi-level, since during pregnancy not only the volume of the mammary glands increases, but also the volume of the chest as a whole.

In order to correctly determine your bra size, you need to know two measurements: chest circumference (measured under the breasts) and breast volume (measured at nipple level). You can choose the right bra size (chest circumference) and cups (chest volume) using the size chart, or you can simply consult with a store sales consultant who will select the right size based on your parameters.

Hygienic bra inserts can significantly make life easier, not only for a nursing mother, but also for those pregnant women who experience abundant colostrum at the end of pregnancy. By absorbing secreted milk or colostrum, special liners ensure clean and dry laundry.

The effectiveness of massage for stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy

Regular breast massage helps to sufficiently increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin, stimulates blood circulation, helps get rid of congestion in the skin, preventing stretch marks from appearing.

When performing breast massage yourself, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• all movements should be soft and smooth;
• movements always go clockwise;
• massage is performed only on moistened skin.

For massage it is necessary to use various oils and fatty creams. Cedar oil is considered ideal for breast massage, as it helps the skin recover faster.

What to do if stretch marks have formed in the chest area?

Having found out why stretch marks appeared in the breast area during pregnancy or after childbirth, you should think about how to get rid of them. There are different methods and means, and it is better to use several of them at once to quickly achieve the desired effect. Stretch marks respond well to treatment during pregnancy, so you should try to get rid of them without necessarily resorting to radical methods yet. It should be borne in mind that at home they can only be made less noticeable, but specialists offering services in beauty salons can completely eliminate the problem.

If you want to try to remove stretch marks on the chest after childbirth on your own, then creams are recommended as the most effective means. They can be purchased at a cosmetic store or made by yourself. The composition plays the greatest role, since it is its components that affect stretch marks. Shilajit, shea butter, elastin, collagen, almond oil, and other ingredients will help get rid of the defect. At least one of them should be part of the product, or better yet several. It is important to ensure that the components do not cause an allergic reaction, since during pregnancy it can be dangerous for the mother and unborn child. Therefore, to remove stretch marks, you need to buy only proven and high-quality creams. You should not save on this, since either you will not be able to get rid of the defect, or you will have to face negative consequences.

Also, to remove stretch marks, you can use essential oils, whose positive effects have been proven more than once. Although they act slowly, they will certainly help, if not get rid of stretch marks, then make them almost invisible. In addition, the condition of the skin will be significantly improved, which will have a positive effect on the appearance of the body. However, it should be remembered that oils that remove stretch marks are not recommended for use undiluted. It is better to add them to creams or ointments during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Rose and neroli oil, which strengthen the epidermis, will help get rid of the defect. Also effective against stretch marks are lavender and ylang-ylang oils, which also smooth and moisturize the skin. You can buy them in specialized stores at an affordable price. Doctors recommend using them together with tangerine oil, which is excellent for scars, acne and stretch marks. You need to mix the products one to one, plus add a hypoallergenic cream.

Compresses and wraps are popular among women, as they help make stretch marks invisible in a short time. The ingredients used are seaweed, salt, lemon juice, alcohol, medicinal clay, dill and others. Materials for the procedure to eliminate stretch marks can be purchased at the pharmacy. The higher their quality, the more likely it is that the compresses will really help get rid of the problem.

How to prevent stretch marks from appearing on the chest (prevention)

During pregnancy, it is necessary to take preventive measures to prevent stretch marks. To do this, you must first of all monitor your weight. It should not increase quickly and exceed the norm. In order to gain weight gradually and not go beyond the norm, it is recommended to follow a special diet.

The diet should contain all the necessary vegetables and fruits, lean meat, cereals rich in vitamins and microelements. Consumption of harmful foods (smoked meats, sweets, sauces, etc.) should be kept to a minimum.

You should also engage in moderate physical activity. Yoga, swimming, and walking in the fresh air are very beneficial for expectant mothers.

All of the above methods also serve as prevention; they can and should be used even in the absence of stretch marks.

Do not be afraid of the appearance of stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy. There are many methods to prevent their appearance, such as: moisturizing the skin, massage, using homemade masks and creams, ready-made creams for stretch marks.

In addition, you need to control your weight and exercise. If stretch marks do appear, they can be removed during the postpartum period using various cosmetic procedures.

Stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy and how to get rid of them, watch this video:

This video will tell you how to get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy:

Pharmacy guarding beauty and health

In addition to hand-made medicinal cosmetics and proven procedures to improve breast elasticity, it is worth trying special pharmaceutical remedies for stretch marks. The table below shows the most effective ones.

All of the listed remedies and methods work well in combination for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks on the chest in the initial stage. Old deep scars are more difficult to remove and are often only possible using salon hardware procedures.

Prevention methods

Preventive measures are primarily aimed at reducing tension and nourishing the epidermis, both from the inside and at the cellular level. Therefore, from the moment of conception, you should follow some recommendations for caring for the skin of the mammary glands:

1. The choice of bra should be based on maximum support for the mammary glands. Wide straps, precise cup sizes and skin-friendly fabric will help you maintain your shape.
2. Optimal weight gain for each trimester. Excess body weight leads to the appearance of stretch marks, so you need to control this indicator.
3. Physical activity recommended for pregnant women (yoga, swimming pool) saturates the body's cells with oxygen, increases tone and has a positive effect on the body as a whole. Thus, stretch marks on the pectoral muscles may appear to a lesser extent.
4. The diet during the 9-month period should contain the maximum amount of vitamins and microelements in order to provide nutrients not only to the growing fetus, but also to the needs of one’s own body.

Adequate rest is not the last factor in maintaining tone; sleep patterns and daily activity are a very important indicator. At night, the epidermis restores its protective properties, regenerating the structure of the skin.