Find Best Dentist

If you are wondering what causes stretch marks, be aware that they are not caused because of dry, irritated skin or a need for special supplements.  Stretch marks are formed by the rapid stretching of the skin due to rapid growth (common in adolescence) or weight fluctuations.  Surprisingly, studies indicate that 75% – 90% of females get stretch marks to various degrees as a result of being pregnant alone. Stretch marks can occur in individuals of all ages and nationalities. We need to recognize that stretch marks are a common part of the growth process.

Stretch marks are also referred to as striae distensae. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings include striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae. The good news is that you can get rid of them to a certain degree though.

Stretch Marks and the Female Anatomy

Women often experience  stretch marks on various parts on their body during the teen years and during pregnancy. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, and their unfortunate name, the stretch mark cause is not over-stretched skin. Women who are pregnant often experience stretch marks as the skin stretches at a rate too fast for the skin to keep up with. Overweight situations and weightlifting can also lead to stretch marks as the body rapidly puts on additional weight.

Pregnant with Stretch Marks

The period when you are pregnant is a time when your body changes rapidly – both weight and shape. The colateral damage from pregnancy like stretch marks are common in many females with up to 90% forming some degree of skin damage. Stretch marks show up as red or purplish streaks developing on your body, most commonly on your stomach and breasts. The time of pregnancy is truly a special time in a woman’s life, but this one aspect of child-bearing, however, can cause real self esteem issues.

Prevent Stretch Marks

An increase in weight and weight loss can also change the seriousness of your stretch marks. It is important to keep yourself hydrated, as this will help provide elasticity to your skin and allow it to stretch further without damage. If you are experiencing a significant weight gain or loss, you can take a proactive approach by using stretch mark cream products to help prevent the development of the marks.  

Also, weight lifters, especially men, are prone to stretch marks appearing on their upper arms and shoulder areas when muscle mass is built up quickly. A good stretch mark cream can give the skin additional flexibility and help in the prevention of stretch mark development.

Teenagers are often prone to stretch mark development because of their rapid growth spurts that happen throughout adolescence. A natural approach to helping prevent stretch marks is to maintain healthy skin.  This involves drinking lots of liquids and taking skin supporting supplements such as vitamin E.  

Despite a number of activities leading to the development of stretch marks, weight gain and loss is still the primary cause. But fear not, there is still hope! A stretch mark prevention program consisting of stretch mark cream, drinking lots of water, and controlled weight changes can help reduce stretch mark development. A little focus on prevention now can help your self-esteem on those future trips to the beach.

Stretch Mark Removal System

Rapid weight change during periods such as puberty or pregnancy is the common cause in the development of stretch marks. However, you may be questioning what exactly is the cause of stretch marks and how to reduce stretch marks appearance if they develop. As a general rule, stretch marks are formed on the body in regions that store large amounts of fat, and and develop in the dermis skin layer.

Stretch Marks Defined

Stretch marks are caused by actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface. These marks are created by your own body to heal those tears. The fact is that stretch marks are essentially scar tissue formed by the body to heal damage caused by expanding skin that is too thin.

Known by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically show up after rapid weight gain or loss. Stretch marks are most common in pregnancy and the teenage years, when growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body. The reality is that almost 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks.

A little known fact is that the annoying stretch mark is really the most common form of skin lesion. Stretch marks, or Striae, are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank. Be aware that stretch marks are totally normal and aren’t considered a medical concern. The dilemma is that they can become an appearance issue and affect a person’s self esteem.

Preventing Stretch Marks – Your First Line of Defense

A secret to prevent stretch marks from developing is to maintain moisture in the skin during times of weight gain or loss. This will help reduce stretch marks and for those that do appear, fade faster. A regimen of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils into the skin ,such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E, will help fade stretch marks from your high risk areas.

The Art of Stretch Mark Removal

The act of massaging the stretch mark affected location is key and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process. Exfoliation of the area will also help stretch marks removal by shedding dead skin cells and allowing the stretch mark cream to penetrate more effectively into the damaged skin. A warning is warranted though – be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive. Moderation is the key to helping remove stretch marks permanently!