Is stretching inevitable for all bodybuilders? Find out how professional athletes prevent stretch marks on the skin. Stretch marks on the skin can appear in adolescents, women after pregnancy, with disorders in the hormonal system and in athletes. Initially, these stripes have a purple or reddish tint, after which they turn white and no longer change color. In places where stretch marks appear, the skin is devoid of pigments and is not able to tan under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which makes them even more noticeable against the background of a dark body. Today we will talk about the causes and methods of dealing with stretch marks in bodybuilding.
Mechanisms for the formation of stretch marks on the skin
Stretch marks on the skin appear when the skin is stretched or the dermis is torn. In theory, they can appear in any area of the body, but in practice they are formed where the maximum amount of subcutaneous fat is contained - the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In relation to bodybuilders, this is most often the outer surface of the arm and delta. It is in these places that athletes experience a significant increase in muscles during high-intensity training.
The skin becomes thinner and takes on a characteristic pinkish tint, and itching is also possible in these places. Over time, stretch marks turn white and usually this process takes about one and a half years. By and large, stretch marks are microtraumas of the skin and tissue located under it. The body quickly increases its size, and the skin does not have time to stretch, which leads to internal micro-damage to tissues. The body makes an attempt to eliminate these injuries and fills the injured areas with connective tissue that is outwardly different from the skin. Certain hormonal medications, such as corticosteroids, can also lead to stretch marks.
If stretch marks begin to appear on your body, therefore, the work of the synthesis of collagen and elastin is disrupted. It is these substances that are responsible for the condition of the skin. Stretch marks are not a health hazard unless they are caused by hormonal imbalances. In this case, they should be diagnosed and eliminated.
A decrease in the elasticity of the skin and its thinning in athletes may be associated with a change in hormonal balance associated with the use of certain drugs or after a significant change in the nutritional program. More precisely, it is not the changes in the diet or the use of drugs that lead to the appearance of stretch marks, but the subsequent jump in body weight.
For this reason, stretch marks often appear during the period of muscle gain or drying. It is with the risk of stretch marks that all recommendations for a gradual decrease in body weight are associated, amounting to no more than 2-3% within a month. Also, in bodybuilders, stretch marks can occur when training sessions are abruptly stopped or when their intensity increases significantly after a long pause.
Prevention and treatment of stretch marks in bodybuilding
It should be said right away that it is quite difficult to deal with stretch marks and the best option is to prevent their occurrence. However, some methods of preventing the occurrence of stretch marks can be used to combat them, and very effectively. The main means of prevention are:
- Apply special oils, creams or tonic for stretch marks to problem areas of the skin;
- Drink at least two liters of water daily to maintain water balance;
- Reduce the use of foods containing salt and preservatives;
- Take vitamin and mineral complexes - focus on zinc, copper and vitamins C, B5, E;
- Use plant extracts or essential oils that improve blood flow - the best option is to add these substances to the water when bathing;
- Use a pinch massage.
In addition, you can use various exfoliating scrubs. This is a fairly effective way not only to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks, but also to combat them. You can prepare a scrub yourself, for example, using the following recipe:
- Salt - 1 glass;
- Sugar - 1 glass;
- Oil (best palm) -? glasses.
At the time of taking water procedures, wipe problem areas with this composition, and after taking a shower or bath, smear them with cream. A contrast shower is also an excellent prophylactic agent. There are also medications that can be used to prevent and combat stretch marks. Let's note the most effective of them:
- Aekol is a solution for external use containing vitamins E and A. It is used to stimulate regeneration processes in the skin.
- Contractubex is a gel used to fight scars and stretch marks.
- Strataderm - the cream is created on the basis of silicone and helps to optimize collagen synthesis in problem areas of the skin.
- Aevit is a preparation for internal use, which contains vitamins A and E.
In conclusion, it is worth saying a few words about the most popular ways to eliminate stretch marks used in cosmetic surgery.
Laser resurfacing
The areas with stretch marks are exposed to a laser beam, which reaches the deepest layers of the skin and destroys the fibers of the stretch marks. In places of treatment, the skin becomes bright red, as after a burn. On average, the skin completely recovers after this procedure within a few months.
Chemical peeling
Special acids are applied to the skin, burning everything, including the upper layers of the epidermis. It is necessary to warn that this procedure is quite painful.
These are the main causes and methods of dealing with stretch marks in bodybuilding. Remember that it is always easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later.
For more information about the causes of stretch marks and how to get rid of them, see this video:
