What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch Marks are scar formation in the middle layer of the skin, dermis, which appear initially as red or purple lines, eventually fading to a lighter, faded color. It is a type of scarring which occurs when the skin is overstretched and collagen production is disrupted. They occur in both men and women, predominantly in women, particularly during adolescence and pregnancy. Stretch marks usually occur on the abdomen, thighs and breasts.
What causes Stretch Marks?
There are a number of theories as to the causes for stretch marks:
Pregnancy
As a woman’s body increases to accommodate her child during pregnancy, stretching of the dermis often results in stretch marks on the breasts, abdomen, hips and thighs.
Adolescent Growth Spurts
Rapid growth during adolescence, resulting in weight gain over a short period of time can result in the formation of stretch marks in both male and female adolescents.
Obesity
Rapid weight gain at any age can lead to the overstretching of the dermal layer in the skin resulting the stretch marks.
Body Building & Muscle Gain
Athletes and body builders can also develop stretch marks as a result of increased muscle bulk and the performance of constant repetitive exercises to targeted areas of the body.
Increased Glucocoids
Glucocoids are hormones released into the bloodstream during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, during weight lifting, and as a result of Cushing’s disease. Glucocoids can interfere with the formation of collagen and elastin fibers which are required to keep the skin taut during growth.
Click Here to Reduce and Prevent Stretch Marks
Prevention of Stretch Marks
The occurrence of stretch marks can be minimized by a healthy diet, including drinking adequate water and appropriate levels of exercise to keep circulation working well.
Keeping the skin supple and moist with moisturizers is also beneficial to help keep the skin healthy.
There are stretch mark prevention creams available with ingredients known to be beneficial in minimizing stretch marks.
Treatment for Stretch Marks
Laser Surgery is used to treat existing stretch marks, especially newer ones that are still dark in color. The treatment involves are series of sessions and can be quite expensive.
Microdermabrasion is also used as a stretch mark treatment. It involves an abrasive action on the skin to assist in the removal of scarred skin tissue.
Massaging creams are now available to treat stretch marks. They contain ingredients that are absorbed into the skin to treat the cause of the stretch marks. Some of those ingredients include Vitamin E, cocoa butter, and retinol A. These creams treat both the upper and middle layers of the skin to stimulate collagen growth.
Mail this post
