Stretch marks on the breast: causes and how to deal with them

Stretch marks usually appear on the arms, thighs, or stomach. But these unsightly reddish white streaks can also appear on your breasts. Even though they are not visible from the outside, stretch marks on the breasts can still reduce your self-confidence. What causes it and how to solve it? Check out the following reviews.

Stretch marks on the breasts appear due to stretching of the breast skin

Stretch marks on the breasts are also called striae. This condition usually occurs when the volume of the breasts increases so that the skin around the breasts stretches and causes the appearance of streaks. Initially these strokes will be pink in color then they will turn red or purple, and over time they will turn white or gray if not treated properly.

Although not dangerous, stretch marks can reduce the confidence and beauty of your skin.

Causes of the appearance of breast stretch marks

To overcome the appearance of strecth marks, you need to know the factors that cause it. Here are some factors for the appearance of stretch marks on the breasts.

1. Pregnancy

The period of pregnancy encourages the body's production of hormones that stimulate body weight to gain weight rapidly. The body will also store more fat in the breasts in preparation for breastfeeding the baby. This causes the skin on the surface of your body to stretch further and creates stretch marks on your breasts

2. Losing or gaining weight

Breasts are made up of fatty tissue that can shrink or enlarge according to your daily diet. Your breasts can get bigger when you eat foods high in calories and fat, so the skin in that area will stretch even more. Sudden weight loss can also reduce the size of the breast tissue, which can increase the risk of developing stretch marks on the breasts.

3. Puberty

During puberty, teenage girls' bodies will increase the production of sex hormones which causes enlarged breasts and the appearance of strech marks.

4. Heredity

The connective tissue under the skin determines the elasticity of your skin. Having weak connective tissue can result in loosening of the body tissues so that stretch marks can appear on the breasts. Biologically, the strength of the connective tissue structure of the skin can be passed on from parent to child genetics.

5. Lack of fluids

According to the Healthy Guidance, a body that lacks water causes dry or scaly skin that can put you at risk for stretch marks. Breast skin can also be affected by a lack of water content in the body.

6. Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome occurs when the body begins to overproduce the hormone cortisol. This indirectly causes the appearance of red streaks that often appear on the skin of the body where fat collects, such as on the breast.

7. Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes the body to fail to produce collagen, which builds the connective tissue of the skin. This causes the body's skin to stretch easily and stretch marks appear.

8. Unhealthy lifestyle

Lack of exercise can cause connective tissue to weaken and increase the risk of skin aging and stretching quickly, resulting in scarring of the skin. Smoking habits and frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages also affect a person's risk of developing stretch marks.

How to deal with stretch marks on the breast

There are many ways you can treat stretch marks, both at home and by a medical professional. Check out the following tips.

1. Massage the breast

Gently massage the area where the stretch marks appear in a circular motion. Do it 2 times a day, to be precise when you wake up and at bedtime for 90 seconds.

By massaging, the blocked nutrients around the breasts will move smoothly and restore the areas where there are creases. This method can be done while the strokes are still pink.

2. Drink enough water

This is important because having enough water in your body at all times will keep your skin hydrated, leave your skin in better condition and will reduce the appearance of scuffs. It is recommended that you drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day to keep your body healthy.

3. Regular exercise

Apart from maintaining your weight, exercise will also tighten your skin. You can do any sport, even a leisurely walk. Do it every day for at least 30 minutes.

4. Use a moisturizer

Moisturizers can help maintain the skin's natural moisture and reduce stretch marks on your breasts slowly. In addition to the moisturizing lotions sold in stores, you can also make your own at home, such as from egg whites, aloe vera, or a mixture of olive oil and white sugar.

However, it should be noted that changing types of moisturizer can make your skin more irritated (rash or itch). If irritation occurs, it's best to temporarily stop using the moisturizer for 2 or three days until the irritation gets better.

5. Laser therapy

This treatment is very effective in reducing breast wrinkles, but the cost is certainly more expensive than the treatments you can do at home. Usually, this therapy is done when the streaks are purple or white, because they are difficult to remove.

This therapy uses light rays to break down scar tissue and stimulate the damaged tissue. Another advantage that you can get from this therapy is to improve blood flow, provide energy to surrounding cells, including collagen-producing cells, and stimulate the immune system.