Stretch marks, or striae, are a specific pathology of skin tissue manifesting as characteristic scars. Typically, these scar-like changes occur due to microtrauma of the epidermis against a background of collagen protein deficiency, which gives skin its elasticity. Sometimes the causes of stretch marks may be related to hereditary factors and certain endocrine diseases.
Many people believe that stretch marks are exclusively a women’s condition, having no relevance to men. We should immediately note that this opinion is mistaken and likely formed because the resulting striae cause women more cosmetic concerns than they do men.
Indeed, due to a number of factors related primarily to childbearing function, stretch marks form much more frequently in women than striae in men. Notably, a similar pattern is also observed in childhood and adolescence: statistical research results show that stretch marks occur more often in girls compared to the appearance of striae in boys. However, for men who take care of their appearance, the problem of eliminating striae is no less concerning than it is for women: each stretch mark is a cause for worry.
Striae in men can appear on various areas of the body.
These typically include:
Below are the main causes of striae formation in men.
Sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. Most often, striae occur in men leading inactive lifestyles whose diet is abundant in excessive amounts of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. This, in turn, leads to obesity and skin stretching under the pressure of fat deposits.
Rapid increase in muscle volume due to intensive physical exercise. As a rule, stretch marks form in men engaged in bodybuilding and other activities involving constant heavy lifting. Intensive muscle growth is also promoted by anabolic drugs popular among bodybuilder athletes. Muscle mass gain should be controlled; otherwise, skin stretching, its micro-tears, and consequently the appearance of striae are inevitable.
Prolonged treatment with hormonal medications based on glucocorticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.). Under their influence, specific obesity develops, accompanied by the formation of striae, not only in men but also in women.
Age-related changes in hormonal balance, which can lead to the appearance of stretch marks in adolescent, mature, and elderly men.
Hereditary genetic predisposition. It has been scientifically established and confirmed in practice that children and grandchildren of people suffering from stretch marks are most susceptible to developing striae.
A number of endocrine diseases that can cause obesity with accompanying development of striae.
It is impossible to eliminate old stretch marks at home. Until recently, effective removal of these striae in men was practiced only using such serious cosmetic procedures as laser/chemical peels or abdominoplasty (excision). Such stretch mark treatment is accompanied by pain and carries a certain degree of health risk for patients.
A radical improvement in the situation regarding elimination of old stretch marks in men was achieved only after the introduction into cosmetic practice of such an innovative biomaterial as COLLOST® collagen gel based on natural collagen.
Collagen therapy is a currently widely used method that allows removing striae in men without any problems. It consists of intradermal injection of COLLOST® gel into the stretch mark area. Under the influence of COLLOST® gel on the striae, healthy tissue restoration occurs.
COLLOST® collagen gel has the following main advantages:
Based on numerous patient reviews and official trial data, the removal of stretch marks in men using COLLOST® gel surpasses all other methods of cosmetic treatment of striae in effectiveness.
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