Stretch marks are not all the same: the colours indicate different stages of severity. Intervening to reduce them is possible: the sooner you do it, the better your chances of success.
They are one of the 'signs' of pregnancy, but not only: stretch marks can also be found on the skin of those who have never had children, but perhaps have undergone a drastic weight-loss diet. We are used to thinking of them as having whitish streaks, but this is not the case: stretch marks can have different colours and, depending on their appearance, have different characteristics.
The different colours of stretch marks (and what they mean)
Stretch marks are almost always the result of changes in body volume and weight: in 'stretched' skin from pregnancy or weight gain, there is a pulling of the capillaries and less oxygen reaches the skin, while collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis break down. The streaks that form as a result of this, which are more abundant and more likely if the skin is not very elastic, appear mainly on the belly in the case of pregnancy, but also on the thighs, buttocks, hips and breasts. However, they do not always have the same colour:
- the purple stretch marks are the very first stage: the skin has not yet furrowed but is in the process of doing so, and is purplish because the processes of injury to the elastic fibres have begun and there is initial inflammation of the tissue, while the epidermis is reducing in thickness
- the red stretch marks are the next stage: the connective damage has occurred, the striae are more or less thin, well demarcated and run parallel, in between stretches of healthy skin, even for several centimetres. Reddened by erythema from local inflammation, palpating them makes them appear flaccid, a sign of the loss of elasticity of the skin.
- the white stretch marks are the most advanced stage: the appearance is similar to a scar, because in the affected portion of the skin the blood no longer circulates and so there is no more production of melanin (stretch marks never tan!), the hairs atrophy and there may be a slight depression of the skin.
How to treat stretch marks
Prevention is the best weapon: maintaining an elastic skin with a healthy lifestyle (e.g. with an adequate intake of fluids to keep you well hydrated) is the first rule, as is avoiding gaining too much weight and then having to lose weight. Lskin hydration is essential during pregnancy, but even with all the best precautions it is possible that stretch marks cannot be avoided: many appear during puberty, for example, due to sudden changes in the physique and hormonal balance.
When stretch marks are purplish or redIt is still possible to prevent them from remaining permanent: for example, the blood flow in the treated area increases and the fibroblasts produce more elastic fibres and collagen, which benefits the skin structure, which is strengthened. If stretch marks are now white, you can work with the icoone handpiece that incorporates an LED light source and laser: the light enhances the effect of microstimulation and has a direct positive effect on the fibroblasts, which are stimulated to produce more collagen. To repair, like a meticulous tailor, all the 'tears' in the skin.
In particular with the programme 'Bioyoung' we can achieve tissue regeneration and oxygenation, stimulating collagen production and thus improving the appearance of skin quality.
Every sign of time on the body is certainly synonymous with an experience, but trying to improve oneself and never underestimating oneself is certainly the ideal way to feel comfortable and to enhance oneself!
