When skin gets stretched, some stripes or streaks occur on them. This can be found in different parts of the body and breasts are also no exception to this. Generally, they appear to have pinkish, red, or purple color in the initial stages but later they fade and become pale or white color. These are harmless but don’t look good because of which people often try out ways to get rid of them. We will see more about it in the next sections.
Causes of Stretch Marks:
Here are the various reasons for the appearance of stretch marks on the breasts:
1. Change in Weight: When the weight increases then the fat tissue becomes noticeable in the breast due to increase in its size. Similarly, when there is a decrease in the fat tissue, loss of collagen occurs leading to a decrease in the elasticity of the skin, and the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Pregnancy: It is a common reason for stretch marks. The increased estrogen levels during 6 weeks in pregnancy trigger breast growth. This causes an increase of up to 2 cup sizes.
3. Puberty: Reaching puberty leads to changes in hormone levels which causes breast tissue growth. This stretches the skin resulting in stretch marks on the hips, butt, thigh, apart from the breast.
4. Corticosteroids: These are available in the form of pills, creams, or lotions which cause stretch marks by reducing the ability of the skin to stretch.
5. Genetics: Certain genetic issues leading to Marfan’s syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can result in stretch marks because of the rise in cortisone levels in the body.
6. Health Conditions: Persons having adrenal gland disorders can also get stretch marks on their breasts due to a rise in cortisol hormone.
7. Bodybuilding: Intense workouts can increase the chances of stretch marks due to the rapid increase in muscle mass in the arms and shoulders.
Various Types of Stretch Marks:
Here are the different types of stretch marks:
- Striae Rubrae: They are pink or red in color.
- Striae Albae: These stretch marks are white.
- Striae Gravidarum: When stretch marks appear due to pregnancy, they are referred to as Striae gravidarum.
- Striae Nigrae: People having a darker skin complexion often have this type of stretch mark which is dark grey or black color.
- Striae Caerulea: This also appears in the case of the people having darker complexion and is dark blue or purple color.
- Striae Atrophicans: This generally occurs because of Cushing’s syndrome, after a surgery or when you have been using corticosteroids for a longer time.
Treatment of Stretch Marks on The Breasts:
Here are some ways of getting rid of the stretch marks:
1. Exfoliating:
A brush with soft bristles or an exfoliating scrub can be used for exfoliating. This will enhance the production of collagen, resulting in a better appearance of the skin. While doing so, make sure to use a single product instead of multiple products on the skin to avoid irritation. Start by doing it on alternative days.
2. Keeping The Skin Hydrated:
The most important way of doing it is to drink enough water. Avoid too much coffee as this will increase the stretch marks. You can have herbal tea or other beverages free from caffeine to hydrate the skin so that the chances of developing stretch marks are reduced.
Besides this, use pure cocoa butter or shea butter on the skin as these are nourishing formulas and have vitamin E which is good for keeping the skin healthy.
[ Read: How to Use Aloe Vera for Stretch Marks ]
3. Massaging with Almond oil:
Use almond oil to massage the stretch marks. This will enhance the blood flow and the production of collagen, resulting in fading away of the stretch marks. This needs to be done at least for 30 seconds continuously for better outcomes.
4. Using Prescription Formulas:
These include creams and gel formulas for treating stretch marks. For example, Topical or oral tretinoin has synthetic vitamin A and is generally prescribed by doctors. These having concentrations of more than0.05 percent are seen to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by 47%.
Other formulas include silicon or collagen-based gels, creams having 20 percent glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid-containing creams, creams having 10 percent ascorbic acid, or creams with at least 0.05 percent retinoic acid. All these stimulate the production of collagen and cause the growth of cells. They are safe but some might experience slight irritation and sensitivity.
[ Recommended: How to Use Coconut oil for Stretch Marks ]
5. Laser Resurfacing Therapy:
Research conducted in 2017 shows that this procedure is 50-75% effective in reducing stretch marks. The process involves the use of a skin-safe laser for breaking down the scar tissues and stimulating them to repair themselves. This results in better blood flow to the area.
6. Diet:
This forms one of the basic and most important ways of enhancing skin appearance. So try to have a healthy and balanced diet that can provide the skin with all the essential nutrients to keep it hydrated and healthy.
7. Exercise:
This will help you to maintain an optimum weight, so stretch marks won’t appear due to an increase or decrease in weight. Consistent exercise is needed to witness the benefits.
Final Words:
When stretch marks appear on the breast on any part of the body, it is an indication that something has changed but it is nothing very serious. You must identify the reason and get it corrected using natural ways. But while doing this, you should understand that it takes time to get the stretch marks to vanish and can’t happen overnight. So practicing them patiently is the solution. In extreme cases, you can consult a dermatologist and opt for topical creams.
You Might Also Like
- Stretch Marks on Shoulder: Causes and Treatment
- Home Remedies for Stretch Marks – 8 Easy to Remove Stretch Marks
- 7 Best Cream For Itchy Stretch Marks
- Essential Oils for Hair Loss: Benefits and How to Use
- Can I Use Hair Serum and Oil Together?
- How to Use Olive Oil for Hair Growth? Benefits and Uses
- 7 Everyday Uses For Patchouli Essential Oil
