What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks (or striae) refers to: discolored, slightly sunken (or depressed), scar-like lines in your skin. They appear when your skin promptly stretches or shrinks.

Stretch marks usually appear on your:

  • Abdominal area (stomach/belly portion).
  • Thighs.
  • Hips.
  • Breasts (boobs).
  • Upper arms.
  • Lower back.
  • Buttocks (butt).

Who do stretch marks affect?

Anyone can get stretch marks. Someone more likely to develop stretch marks if:

  • Pregnant women/females
  • Suddenly gain or shed a lot of pounds.
  • Muscles get bigger rapidly through bodybuilding or weightlifting.
  • Experiencing a growth spurt during adolescence.
  • Have a family history of stretch marks (or genetics).
  • Suffering from Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
  • Been on prednisone long term.

How do stretch marks affect my body?

Stretch marks don’t hurt, but they can impact a person’s mental health. They can make someone worry about how others look at them. They can also affect how a person thinks, and behavior. Individuals may experience stress, anxiety and depression.

What are the symptoms of stretch marks?

Stretch mark manifestations may comprise:

  • Sunken lines in an individual’s skin.
  • Discoloration (red, pink, blue, black, purple or brown).
  • Skin gradually becomes glossy and appears streaked in silver or white.
  • Itchiness.
  • Irritation.

What causes stretch marks?

When your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks, it causes the elastin as well as collagen in your skin to break. Elastin’s primary role is to permit your skin to stretch. Collagen’s main role is to offer structure, strength and support to your skin. As your skin heals, stretch marks appear in areas/portions where elastin breaks.

How can I reduce my risk of developing stretch marks?

Individual can’t do anything that guarantees that they won’t develop stretch marks. But a fusion of hydration, diet and exercise/physical exertion can help lessen your risk.

Hydration

Sip a lot of water. Water helps keep your skin soft, so you’re less likely to develop stretch marks.

Drinking caffeine can also elevate your risk of developing stretch marks. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or soda pop, it’s a good idea to consume as much — or more — water.

Diet

It’s also an amazing idea to eat foods that enhance healthy skin, comprising foods:

  • Rich in zinc, for instance, nuts or fish.
  • High in vitamins A, C and D, such as carrots, citrus fruits (lemon, oranges) and milk.
  • Treasure trove – protein, such as lentils, beans, broccoli, lean beef and chicken.

Exercise

Exercise increases circulation and helps your body synthesise collagen. Increased circulation and collagen help your skin stay strong and stretchy.

Management and Treatment

How are stretch marks treated?

In general, treating stretch marks is tough. Treatment improves the appearance of stretch marks, but they may not vanish completely. Addressing your stretch marks when they first appear yields amazing results. Older, deep stretch marks may be more challenging to treat.

Treatment options comprise:

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing refers to a type of surgery. Your healthcare provider/medical professional directs short, concentrated, pulsating beams of light on your stretch marks. The laser removes layers of your skin very accurately, which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers to create smoother skin.

You should see an immediate difference post treatment. Your skin may continue to improve for up to a year, and the improvement may last for several years.

Side effects may comprise the appearance of small white bumps on your skin (milia), swelling, dark portions of skin (hyperpigmentation) and light portions of skin (hypopigmentation).

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion refers to a type of surgery. Your healthcare provider utilises a specialized instrument to scrape away your stretch marks. The process enhances your skin contour and results in smooth new skin.

It will likely take at least 14 days (or two weeks) for your skin to heal. You should see full, complete results several weeks or months post the procedure.

Side effects may comprise – milia, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, swelling and enlarged pores.

Microneedling

During microneedling, your healthcare provider pokes your skin with thin needles. The tiny punctures stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers to create firmer skin. Most individuals require between three and six treatments to see results.

Some individuals see full, complete results within four to six months. But it may take longer for some others.

Side effects may comprise irritation, discoloration, swelling and flaky skin.

Retinol

Retinol comes from vitamin A. It’s an ingredient in a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) anti-aging skin care creams because of its ability to improve wrinkles, skin texture as well as your skin’s hydration levels.

Retinol creams may need at least six months of regular usage prior you see noticeable results.

Side effects may comprise: dry skin, irritation, discoloration and light sensitivity.

Fibroheal Silk and Soft Moisturizing Cream 

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