Whoever does not have stretch marks should raise their hand! Stretch marks are a normal phenomenon even for men. We are going to present to you the different causes of stretch marks for men, as well as different solutions to reduce them!
What are stretch marks?
We all have these small white or pinkish, more or less visible, lines on our body: stretch marks. They look like small scars and are due to a spontaneous tear, they are located in the deep dermis, between the epidermis and the hypodermis.
Harmless, stretch marks are only the consequence of a rupture of collagen and elastin within the dermis, they mark the lesion of the elastic fibers. Stretch marks are like a scar in length. Stretch marks appear first as red stretch marks because they are inflammatory, then, over time, they become white, slightly pearly. And contrary to a widely held belief, they affect both men and women. However, for men, their hair makes stretch marks less visible.
Depending on their cause of appearance, stretch marks for men can be located in different areas of the body: buttocks, pectorals, hips, stomach, flanks or thighs.
How do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks for men can appear for several reasons. It can be hormonal, genetic, during puberty or when taking certain medications or following a weight or muscle gain. Whatever the cause, they all look more or less the same.
Hormones
In some people, the amount of cortisol in the body varies and increases. They have Cushing’s syndrome. Produced by the adrenal glands, this hormone (also called stress hormone) directly influences the structure of the skin. Indeed, if the cortisol level increases, then the production of collagen and elastin decreases, resulting in cracks in the dermis: stretch marks.
Genetic factors
Genetics also comes into play. The thinner the skin is, generally with an insufficient quantity of elastic collagen and elastin fibers, the greater the risk of stretch marks. On the other hand, the color of the skin does not affect.
Puberty
During puberty, the growth is not linear but staggered. It is not uncommon to see a teenager grow about ten centimetres in a few months. This causes great fatigue, but also great skin tension. And if the skin tension is too brutal, then stretch marks appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and back.
Taking certain treatments
When excessive corticosteroid-type medications are taken, then there can be abnormal functioning of the adrenal glands, just like Cushing’s syndrome. The consequences are therefore the same stretch marks.
Weight gain
This is the most frequent reason for the presence of stretch marks for men. During weight gain, the volume of the body increases more or less brutally, generally on the stomach, hips but also the buttocks. The faster the weight gain, the more the skin is subjected to strong stretching. If this stretching is too intense, i.e. the weight gain is too rapid, then the dermis cracks and stretch marks appear in the areas subjected to these strong stresses. These stretch marks are much finer than when they are due to a hormonal problem.
Muscle gain
The practice of a sport in an intense way, in particular bodybuilding, with an important and fast weight gain, can also cause tears of the dermis. Just as with weight gain, muscular development generates an increase in body volume. When this increase is important, the skin is subjected to strong stretching and the dermis ends up cracking in certain places. Stretch marks then appear. The areas most subject to these variations for men are located on the upper body, particularly on the torso, pectorals, and shoulders. As with those due to weight gain, they are much thinner than stretch marks caused by hormonal imbalance.
The solutions to eliminate stretch marks for men
Simple solutions to do at home
To keep your skin supple and promote the regeneration of these cells still red after the tearing of the dermis, hydration is very important. So remember, gentlemen, to moisturize yourself after your workout. First of all, you should consume enough water daily (1.5 to 2 liters), but also apply moisturizing cream regularly. With these preventive gestures, you will reduce the risk of the appearance. However, some stretch marks may appear, so it is important to act as quickly as possible, when they are still red, to reduce them as much as possible.
Indeed, as soon as stretch marks appear, it is important to apply anti-stretch mark oils. To do this, as soon as you notice a new stretch mark, apply the oil to your skin and massage it for a long time to promote its penetration. Do not hesitate to repeat these gestures several days in a row. These products stimulate the metabolism of the fibroblasts, and thus activate the synthesis of new skin.
Treatments by dermatologists
Dermatologists offer several treatments to diminish the visual effect of stretch marks. Indeed, it should not be forgotten that they can never completely disappear. If you are prepared to pay a fairly large amount of money, you can have them significantly reduced. Then call on a professional stretch mark treatment specialist such as a dermatologist.
The different solutions to reduce them are generally pulsed light, laser, radiofrequency or ultrasound.
Pulsed light
Pulsed light does not only act on the hair, but it also helps to reduce stretch marks by acting on pigmentation. However, the results are only effective if this technique is used on stretch marks that are still red. A minimum of 5 sessions is required.
The laser
This laser technique is applied to older stretch marks when they are no longer bulging and purplish, but white. A dermatologist will perform the different sessions, which will be sufficiently spaced out to avoid the risk of burns. Each session is followed by the application of a healing cream.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency makes it possible to treat sagging skin by heating the dermis in depth. The doctor carries out circular movements, with the radiofrequency emitting head, to reach temperatures between 39 and 42℃, in the most homogeneous way possible. This heat once maintained, will stimulate the fibroblasts. Thus the production of elastin and collagen will begin. The results are visible after the 3rd session, it generally takes 5 to 6
Ultrasound
This treatment is based on the same principle as the radiofrequency treatment. Under the heat, collagen, and elastin fibers contract. Only, the temperature will be around 55° with ultrasound, compared to 42° with radiofrequency. Ultrasounds heat up much more and in the form of micro-impact points. These points of impact are targeted by the professional and create a new lesion. This lesion sends a very strong message to the body to repair the fibers in the treated area. This treatment usually requires only one or two sessions.
Also read: How do you get rid of stretch marks?
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