Causes of weak connective tissue

The most important facts

As soon as connective tissue loses its firmness and elasticity, the skin sags, resulting in connective tissue weakness . This can lead to conditions such as rosacea, hemorrhoids, cellulite, and stretch marks, which particularly affect women. The cause is usually a combination of natural skin aging and reduced collagen production . However, other factors can also contribute to weak connective tissue.

Connective tissue: Definition

Connective tissue is found in all organs of the body and permeates not only muscles, fascia, and organ membranes, but also the outer layers of skin . It consists primarily of connective tissue cells, the so-called fibroblasts and fibrocytes , and a ground substance (intercellular matrix). This matrix is ​​composed of a swelling substance with embedded fibers, namely collagen and elastic fibers. Collagen fibers are the most important building block, keeping the connective tissue firm and elastic. Connective tissue performs many supportive functions and ensures that everything in the body stays in its proper place.

Connective tissue weakness – these are the causes

Besides genetic predisposition, increasing age also plays a crucial role. However, there are many other factors that further contribute to connective tissue weakness . Over the years, connective tissue loses strength and stability, which is why visible signs appear. Stretch marks, spider veins, and varicose veins are typical symptoms of weak connective tissue and a decreasing collagen content. While women are more frequently affected due to hormones and the female anatomy, men can also suffer from cellulite and stretch marks . The following are possible causes of weak connective tissue:

• Hormonal fluctuations and physical changes
  (such as pregnancy or menopause)
• Diseases
• Unbalanced diet
• Overweight
• Medications
• Smoke
• Sunbathing without UV protection
• Natural skin aging
• Lack of exercise

Symptoms of weak connective tissue

The symptoms can manifest in a wide variety of ways and areas. However, weak connective tissue can generally be identified by the following signs and conditions :

• spider veins
  These are small, dilated veins. They appear bluish or reddish through the skin.
• varicose veins
  An existing weakness in the connective tissue leads to slack vessel walls, which is why the venous valves no longer close properly and, as a result, the veins are visible through the skin.
• Cellulite
  This form primarily affects women and is characterized by visible dimples in the skin, such as on the thighs.
• Stretch marks
  Stretch marks appear on the thighs, abdomen, hips, or upper arms, often due to overstretching of the skin or hormonal changes. These areas of skin appear as bluish-white streaks, which typically fade somewhat over time.
• Couperose
  These are dilated blood vessels that appear as redness on the face.
• Hemorrhoids
  Hemorrhoids are varicose enlargements of the veins in the rectum, in the area of ​​the anus. The resulting symptoms are primarily anal bleeding, anal leakage, and severe itching.

However, you can strengthen and tighten your connective tissue with certain measures. Besides improving your skin and appearance, this also has a positive effect on your well-being and health.

Reference: Vladimir Floyd