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Stretch marks are scar-like imperfections of the skin, usually found on areas of the body where growth or weight gain occur quickly. One of the most common and visible locations is on the breasts.

These skin imperfections can make women feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with their appearance. Despite the appearance of stretch marks on breasts, there are several ways to prevent these marks or reduce the visible signs. Below are a few tips on how to get rid of stretch marks on breasts.

The skin is integral to the protection of the tissues below the surface of the skin. It is made of numerous layers including the dermis and epidermis. The dermis is the deeper layer and is made of collagen and elastin to maintain flexibility and help with expansion and contraction of the fibers.

When there is expansion in the tissue below the dermis, most commonly associated with puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain, often the dermis is not prepared for this rapid growth. This causes tears or rips in the dermis. It is these rips that we see and know as stretch marks.

The initial rips in the dermis begin as dark red or purple marks. Women with darker skin or heavier pigment in the skin will have increased visibility of their marks. Over time, the lines fade to lighter pigments and are generally considered to be permanent scars. Using adequate preventative measures can help minimize these tears or to reduce the marks if they are already visible.

Causes Of Breast Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can occur on any part of the body that experiences rapid growth. Generally, women gain weight in the same basic locations of the body. The breasts are often the first place that the marks are noticed.

During pregnancy, the breast tissues expand due to weight gain and the preparation of the mammary glands. This is most commonly noticed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Women may also notice stretch marks during adolescence when a growth spurt and hormones increase the size of the breasts.

As mentioned previously, weight gain is often a common cause of stretch marks on breasts. Weight loss can also increase stretch marks or the visibility of existing marks, as the skin is not able to respond to the change quickly enough. Individuals that use hormones to increase their physical performances may also notice changes in the size of the breasts and stretch marks resulting from these changes.

Stretch Marks On Breasts – What Are The Options?

 
It is important to understand that while there are very good options for how to get rid of stretch marks on breasts, these treatments will not succeed in completely removing the blemishes. Treatment and prevention of stretch marks, however, can go a long way to lessen their visibility.

Moisturize For Healthy Skin

Treating existing stretch marks can be done through creams or lotions that contain essential vitamins. Although dermatologist believe this doesn’t actually prevent stretch marks, it may help diminish their appearance. At the very least, it keeps the skin moisturized and looking healthy.

Just above the dermis of the skin is the epidermis. There are multiple layers of skin within the epidermis, and the further the layers are from the dermis, the less availability of nutrients and moisture. The layer that we feel on the outside of our bodies requires the most help from us, as it does not get many benefits from the layers below.

Moisturizing the skin is integral to keeping the skin pliable and healthy. Using lotions that include vitamins and nutrients will help to renew the skin tissues from the damage that occurs from day to day activities.

Moisturizers with vitamin E, collagen, or aloe are excellent for this purpose. Applying lotions to the breast area after a shower is especially important, as hot water will wash away the body’s natural oils.

Eat Healthy For Resilient Skin

What you put in your body is even more important than what you apply on your skin. A healthy diet can give the body the building blocks necessary to create new cells and tissues needed for healthy skin, effectively rebuilding and maintaining the skin from the inside out. While this will not remove stretch marks, it can help prevent their severity or reduce the signs of them.

When shopping for healthy foods, lean towards items that are a good source of vitamin A, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Low fat dairy products are a good source of vitamin A, while blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate, strawberries or grapes are all laced with skin friendly antioxidants.

Essential fatty acids such as omega 6 and omega 3 are needed for healthy skin cell structure. Walnuts, flax seed oil, healthy oils or fish are all excellent sources.

Dermatologists Recommend…

Cosmetic products with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) can help with breast stretch marks. AHA is the same ingredient used in chemical peals, but are at reduced concentrations in cosmetic products (usually 10 per cent or less). AHA products are thought to penetrate the outer layer of the skin producing an exfoliating effect while encouraging collagen production in the dermal layer. This fades the stretch marks and smooths the skin of the affected area.

A dermatologist may also prescribe some effective medications. The most common are prescription creams that contain compounds such as retinoic acid and tretinoin. Retin-A is one of the most popular over-the-counter creams that was originally developed to treat acne. Retin-A and similar creams work best for newer (less than a year old) stretch marks.

Like AHA but stronger, these prescription creams work by drying and exfoliating the affected area which will fade red-purple marks and decrease their size. AHA creams should not be used while breast feeding.

For more effective treatment or severe cases, there are laser surgery treatments, microdermabrasion treatments, and other surgeries that may be available. There are risks and elevated costs associated with these treatments, so be sure that you are aware of all aspects of the procedures before continuing.

Diminish Stretch Marks With Make Up

Another option to reduce the visibility of breast stretch marks is to use makeup to conceal the blemishes. Much like makeup is used to hide blemishes on the face, it can also be used to conceal stretch marks. In such a visible location as the breast line, makeup can easily cover the areas that are most obvious.

To Recap…

Apart from cosmetic treatments, the best way to avoid breast stretch marks is to avoid rapid weight gain or loss. This may not always be possible in cases of adolescence and pregnancy.

Nevertheless, using a regiment of moisturizers, sun screen, and a balanced diet, individuals not only increase their chances of avoiding or reducing the signs of stretch marks, but they benefit from healthy beautiful skin.

If you do end up with stretch marks on breasts and you want help in reducing their appearance. Consult a dermatologist for the best treatment for you.

 

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