What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are among the most annoying imperfections experienced by women and men suffering a a sudden weight loss that puts stress on the elasticity of the skin, which cannot keep up with such loss.
The same effect also occurs during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, which is the period when the baby's growth is at its peak, hence leading to an inexorable increase in the size of the abdomen.
Stretch marks look like scars, which can be either longer or shorter and up to half a centimetre wide. At their onset, they appear reddish in colour, then begin to turn purplish - as if after a traumatic event - then pinkish and, finally, pearly white tending to grey.
During these phases a real flaking of the collagen fibres takes place, as they can no longer hold together a part of the dermis that therefore starts sagging. In the first phase, when they still appear pinkish in colour, it is easier to counteract them, as there are still parts of 'active' collagen and elastin present, which respond better to the application of products dedicated to counteracting this blemish.
Stretch marks can be prevented, especially during pregnancy, when the skin of the abdomen is bound to stretch as the baby grows.
This makes it possible to intervene in time with natural products such as snail slime, which is also excellent for pregnant women as it has no contraindications.
Common causes of stretch marks
As already said, the main cause of stretch marks is excessive stretching of the skin which, within a short time, undergoes a sort of trauma, just as it does during pregnancy.
The incidence of stretch marks, also known as striae, is not the same for all women. Much depends on the skin type, the elasticity it is capable of, the weight stress it is able to withstand and also the type of diet.
The incidence of stretch marks, also known as striae, is not the same for all women. Much depends on the type of skin, the elasticity it is capable of, the weight stress it is able to withstand and also the type of diet.
A skin affected by stretch marks is unable to replace the damaged fibroblasts: the production of collagen and elastin, in particular, is inhibited by that of cortisol. The latter is produced by the adrenal glands under conditions of high stress, anxiety, depression and hormonal imbalances.
And pregnancy is no doubt a condition that brings some anxiety, a good deal of stress and also inevitable hormonal imbalances.
The combination of these conditions can be a very certain cause of the appearance of stretch marks, not only on the abdomen but also on the breasts, as the body prepares for breastfeeding. In the process, also hips and buttocks undergo a weight gain.
The breakdown of protein fibres can also be caused by vitamin deficiency, the advent of menopause, hormonal imbalances concomitant with adolescence and puberty, but also by certain pathologies related, for example, to thyroid malfunction or Cushing's disease.
Avoiding the breakdown of fibroblasts and connective tissue is possible first of all through prevention but also by using creams enriched with completely natural substances, such as snail slime.
Skin types and stretch marks
Not all women are affected by stretch marks in the same way and, as mentioned before, much depends on everybody's skin type, lifestyle, diet and hormonal situation.
Men are affected to a lesser extent, but even for them there is a remote possibility of developing them over time, especially in relation to obesity and any sudden weight loss.
Stretch marks in both men and women, however, are not only dependent on this and even if one loses weight relatively quickly they do not necessarily appear. Why?
The reason for this lies in a genetic predisposition of certain skin types that tolerate the stretching of tissues well and are therefore able to counteract this blemish excellently.
There is also a type of heredity that goes back to the ethnicity group or territorial origin. It is known, in fact, that women living in the East are much less prone to the formation of striae and that this is not only due to the fact that they tend to be thin.
Women who follow a correct lifestyle are less likely to develop stretch marks but, being aware of how to prevent them, plays a key role too.
How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
First of all, it is important to drink plenty of water, as a sufficiently hydrated skin is certainly more elastic and can better cope with the changes the body undergoes.
One must also try to make the epidermis more elastic by using creams such as those containing snail slime rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and hyaluronic acid. These creams naturally stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. During pregnancy, it is good to use these portentous natural substances several times a day until completely absorbed.
Snail slime on stretch marks, and generally on skin blemishes such as wrinkles, scars, dry and dull skin, can be used as an adjuvant.
It can be used as an adjuvant in exfoliating, smoothing and regenerating treatments, which is what you need in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks, especially those that have formed recently and are predominantly red or purplish in colour. As an adjuvant, snail slime also acts on the reduction of the white ones that have formed over a longer period of time.
Before using cosmetic products of any kind, including snail slime ones, during pregnancy it is always recommended to seek the advice of your gynaecologist.
These Nuvò Cosmetic products are dermatologically tested.
With the consent of your doctor, products based on snail slime - even pure - are to be applied directly to the abdomen, especially before stretch marks appear.
A gentle circular massage is performed so that the product can begin to act in the subcutaneous area.
