Red stretch marks: how to get rid of them?

Stretch marks are marks found in almost everyone; for many people, they are a cosmetic concern. They can appear at different stages of life, but it is important to understand that they can be prevented and treated. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain it all in the following article.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are marks that appear on the skin; they have a linear appearance and can be red or white in colour. They appear when collagen and elastin fibres break due to excessive stretching, as happens during pregnancy, adolescence, intense muscle development or sudden weight changes.

How stretch marks form

The stretching that leads to a stretch mark causes small tears in the dermis and triggers an inflammatory response. In this inflammatory phase, itching and discomfort may appear; stretch marks usually have a reddish appearance. After some time, this inflammatory response ends and the so-called scarring phase begins, when the stretch mark takes on a whitish appearance.

Types of stretch marks

• Red or purplish stretch marks: These are newly formed stretch marks and can be treated; they can be corrected.
• White stretch marks: These are already scar-like; they are more difficult to treat, but their appearance can be improved a little (in some cases).

If we take into account the process of stretch mark formation, it is clear that prevention is essential to avoid them appearing. In addition, treating them early (in the first phase) is essential to help guarantee the success of red stretch mark treatment.

Red stretch marks: how to get rid of them?

What removes red stretch marks?Red stretch marks are the first stretch marks to appear, especially in areas such as the legs, buttocks, hips, thighs or abdomen. Fortunately, these early stretch marks can improve and, in many cases, disappear completely if treated in time and with the right products. Some tips for removing red stretch marks and preventing them from appearing are:

• Moisturise the skin properly and use firming active ingredients.
• Keep your weight stable.
• Do toning exercises.
• Aesthetic treatments such as microneedling, fractional CO2 laser, radiofrequency and IPL, and chemical peels.
• Use specific products that prevent and treat stretch marks, applying them with circular massages to improve circulation and skin elasticity. Depending on the stage of life when they appear, we may use one product or another.

Treatment for red stretch marks

Once stretch marks appear, it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible. Basically, it will consist of improving their appearance and making them as unnoticeable as possible, as it is difficult to make them disappear completely. That is why it is so important to treat them when the stretch mark is red or purplish, as white stretch marks are more difficult to treat.

Fortunately, removing red or purplish stretch marks is possible by using specific skincare products. Below, we show you our favourites:

Pranarom Aceite Rosa Mosqueta

Rosehip oil is a plant oil obtained from the seeds of the Rosa Rubiginosa plant. It is very popular for getting rid of red stretch marks thanks to its moisturising, regenerating and antioxidant properties. That is why we recommend Aceite Rosa Mosqueta de Pranarom, a product to apply morning and/or evening, or alternating with another treatment product to prevent and treat existing red stretch marks .

Elancyl Gel-Crema Correctora Intensiva de Estrías

It is a stretch mark treatment product that acts on existing stretch marks, whether red or white. Although it is more effective on the former, as these are recently formed. It does this by improving skin texture and elasticity thanks to its active ingredients:

• AHAs, which help renew the skin, smooth it and improve texture.
• Bakuchiol, which stimulates skin renewal, improving the appearance of stretch marks.
• Hydroxyproline, which regenerates and stimulates collagen production.

This product can be a great ally for fading red stretch marks, even the most stubborn ones or during the post-partum period (it is suitable during breastfeeding).

Trofolastin Antiestrías

Another effective ally is the Crema Antiestrías de Trofolastin, formulated with centella asiatica, vitamin E and coconut butter. These ingredients help improve skin elasticity, prevent the appearance of stretch marks and reduce their visible appearance, especially during pregnancy or weight changes.

How to prevent stretch marks from appearing

Elancyl Prevención Estrías

This stretch mark cream provides a great deal of moisture and elasticity to the skin, increasing collagen fibres. This helps prevent the formation of stretch marks. It does so thanks to its composition rich in hydroxyproline, organic silicon, panthenol, sweet almond oil and safflower oil.

As this is a preventive method, we will use Elancyl Prevención Estrías alongside slimming diets, during adolescent development, if we do a lot of sport that will significantly build and increase muscle mass, or during pregnancy (from the fourth month of pregnancy).