Stretch Marks and Doing Something About Them

Stretch marks are a form of scarring that appear when the normal production of collagen is disrupted from rapid growth of the skin. This type of skin growth can occur with weight gain, pregnancy, puberty, bodybuilding, intense physical activity and heavy use of steroid-containing skin creams or ointments.

Appearing as reddish or purplish lines, they may also be indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. They will be empty and soft to the touch.

There are three different layers of human skin: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer) and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). The dermis is where stretch marks occur. This middle layer helps the skin retain its shape. Continuously stretching this layer results in certain parts becoming overstretched, losing elasticity and causing the connective fibers within to break. This results in stretch marks.

Stretch marks are more common in women than men. Most women have them on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. They can also be found on the abdomen, upper arms and underarms. They cause no health risk and do not interfere with the body to function and repair itself.

Some say our skin structure is genetically determined and we are predisposed to developing stretch marks. Although others say there are ways to prevent them.

Certain actions may help in the prevention of stretch marks but these actions, as of yet, have not been scientifically proven: massaging skin with a massage brush or glove to increase circulation; applying moisturizing cream daily to keep skin supple; and eating foods high in vitamins C and E, zinc and silica.

Water intake may also be important in preventing stretch marks. It helps keep skin soft, which is less likely to develop stretch marks.

Drinking caffeine may increase your risk or stretch marks. If you do drink caffeine, balance the fluids by drinking more water-as much water as caffeinated beverages.

There are also ways to make stretch marks less noticeable: using sunless tanning treatments; using body makeup; wearing clothes that cover them; and seeing a dermatologist.

Methods claiming to remove stretch marks include laser treatments, dermabrasion and topical applications. The degree of success with any of these will be impacted by your age, skin tone and diet. Likewise, these methods are not guaranteed.

Fortunately, stretch marks more than likely will turn lighter and almost disappear over time. Nevertheless, this fact can be little consolation if wanting to wear clothing that show off certain body parts.

Resources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/stretch_marks/article.htm