On some women the bra marks may be permanent. Women presenting for breast reduction surgery often have severe grooving in the shoulders associated with the enormous weight of the breasts pulling the straps into the shoulder areas. These marks are often helped greatly by the breast reduction surgery.
The short answer is yes but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Some red marks and indentations or imprints from your bra are common. We are made of soft, squishy stuff so a little bit of marking is normal. But if you have bruising, broken skin or chaffing, then it's a little more serious.
Exfoliator and Moisturizer
To remove the dead skin and lighten the marks created by your bra straps, use an exfoliator scrub. This should help to reduce the appearance of the indentations. A moisturiser can also work to reduce the visibility of indentations by dealing with the dry, red skin caused by chafing.
These dark spots are usually caused by the underwire of bras and shoulder straps that apply too much pressure on the skin, resulting in what we also call a bra burn.
They occur as a result of the pressure and friction exerted by the bra straps or underwires on the skin. These marks can be more prominent for individuals with sensitive skin. But if you experience unavoidable itching, bruising, and pain, then it is a sign to consider a solution.
The rigorous task of lifting and supporting pendulous, heavy breasts over the course of many years, or prolonged use of narrow bra straps tends to focus the weight-bearing load at the upper ridge of the shoulder, causing a permanent pitting defect in the adipose.
Opt for seamless bras to simply make your bra lines vanish. Are you still stuck with your same old cut-and-sew type bra cups? It's time you move on to laser-cut cups to keep bra lines at bay. Lace trims, satin bows, and rhinestones are commonly used to accessorize bras.
However, if your bra doesn't fit correctly… it can be painful and affect the muscle tissue,” says Montes. “Underwires that dig into your ribs, excessively tight shoulder straps, and binding bands can cause bruising and chaffing and damage the shoulder and breast muscles over time.”
Acne can pop out anywhere on the body, including the breasts. Although pimples tend to be harmless, having acne on parts where you don't want them to be can feel irritating. "Boobne" is a common skin problem frequently caused by friction from using dirty and sweaty sports bras.
Costoclavicular syndrome, sometimes referred to as bra strap syndrome, can be caused by tight straps that pinch and dig into your shoulders. This can contribute to pressure on your shoulders and resulting pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
You can easily avoid bra strap marks by applying a generous amount of sunscreen before you head out. Take a scoop of yoghurt and mix it with one spoon of turmeric to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat it for a week to see visible results.
Bras that are too tight may cause your breasts to spill out of the top and sides, accentuating the line between the bra and your skin. It can also cause these lines in the shoulder strap area and back clasp region if the bra is too tight.
In some cases, however, sleeping in a bra can be a good idea. Bigger breasts can drag and pull sideways when a woman lies down, contributing to stretch marks as well as crease marks between the breasts over time so the extra support can prevent stretch marks that may naturally happen during your sleep.
This dark patch is called acanthosis nigricans (AAY-can-THO-sis NIG-ruh-cans), or AN. It is usually a sign that your body is making extra insulin that it cannot use well. So the insulin builds up, and as a result, you may get a dark area of skin. We call this insulin resistance.
She points out that this means the common misconception that going braless for an extended period of time makes your breasts sag is, in reality, the opposite: "Women who have gone long periods without wearing a bra often report that this leads their breasts to being firmer, rounder, and perkier over time," she says.
As a general rule, Thirdlove recommends washing your bra at least once every week or two. Of course this depends on how many bras are in your rotation — if you're wearing a different bra everyday, you probably don't have to wash them all once a week.
“All the dead skin cells, oils and sweat trapped under your bra make for a cesspool of bacteria and yeast,” Dr. Vij explains. “Not washing frequently enough can lead to stains and persistent odors on the bra — as well as skin irritation, rashes or local skin infections from yeast or bacteria.”
Madeline Miller, a product specialist at The Laundress, agrees and recommends washing bras every two to three wears. "In general, fine lace lingerie can be laundered less often if it's used for 'special occasion' wear, while everyday synthetics and cottons can stand to be washed on a regular basis."
Ultimately, the answer to the question "to wear or not to wear a bra" is up to you. There is no evidence that bras are good or bad for your health. If you are at risk for ptosis, it may be worth finding a comfortable, supportive bra. If you have any concerns about your breast health, reach out to a healthcare provider.
According to Dr Tanaya, aka Dr Cuterus, wearing or not wearing a bra does not have an impact on health, as it is more of a “fashion statement”. She explains in an Instagram video that it is a personal choice, even though many people may feel that the piece of clothing can make their breasts and nipples appear “perky”.
This can be caused by irritation or dry skin, especially in runners. But, unfortunately, it could be from something more serious. If you are finding brown stains in your bra, you really need to see your doctor. A number of things could be causing this, such as blocked ducts, changes in some cells, or even an infection.
Permanent Shoulder Grooves
This is a common symptom of macromastia. If you have permanent shoulder grooves in combination with chronic pain, you may be more likely to qualify for insurance coverage.
If you're a C cup or larger, your bra straps may have created grooves on top of your shoulders. Well, if not corrected, these can become permanent, actually deforming the shoulders' muscle fascia, explains sports physiotherapist Deirdre McGhee, Ph.