What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks appear on people who gain or lose weight rapidly. These appear to be thin, stretched tissue where the epidermis is normal while the dermis which gives skin its strength and elasticity have become thinner and broken. Initially, there will be reddish-purple marks caused by the small blood vessels that show through the skin. Later, these purple marks will fade to white due to the contraction of the blood vessels (MayoClinic).
What type of people is affected by stretch marks?
Pregnant women are prone to have stretch marks. During pregnancy, stretch marks appear on the abdomen and breast due to hormonal changes. Collagen ligaments of the pelvis are softened by these hormones so the tissues stretch easily during childbirth. As tissues soften, skin collagen softens too allowing the easy formation of stretch marks.
Check Out This Video on What Causes Stretch Marks
Some women are more prone to get stretch marks because of weaker collagen than others. Women who have stretch marks have greater chances of having weak pelvic floor ligaments.
Bodybuilders and yo-yo dieters also obtain stretch marks on the upper arms, chest, and thighs.
Teens that undergo puberty are also prone to getting stretch marks son their backs.
How are stretch marks connected with body stress?
Research has linked glucocorticoids, a group of steroids, to formation of stretch marks. Cortisol is the most common glucocorticoid. The body tends to increase weight when there are increased levels of cortisol in the body. The body responds to the stress experienced by releasing more cortisol. In addition to pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, and weightlifting, excessive caffeine intake, smoking, and improper nutrition are additional causes of body stress.
Stress is handled by the body by going into a “survival mode” where the body stores fat easier. This condition can result to an extreme amount of weight gain in a short amount of time which results to stretch marks in the middle layer of the skin.
What are the wrong notions about stretch marks?
The name given to stretch marks is the culprit behind the misnomer with it. Stretch marks are skin tissue that has affected the epidermal layer of the skin and are not skin stretched skin. This shows differently with different people because of genetics and lifestyle. Elasticity of the skin is affected by these factors.
How to prevent or remove stretch marks?
There is no sure way in preventing stretch marks, but the way a person lives can aid people in preventing them. Eight cups of unsweetened water should be drunk daily. Their diet should be composed of fresh vegetables and fruits which are rich in antioxidants. Berries and leafy greens should be part of their diet. Exfoliate and moisturize the skin regularly with skin-protecting antioxidants. These include cocoa butter and shea butter.
What stretch mark therapy options are there?
Treatments in prevention, reduction, and removal of stretch marks have proliferated the market with over the counter and available by prescription only types of stretch mark creams. Some experiment with exfoliation or chemical peels. Those who can afford undergo laser or light therapy.
Resources To Help You Remove Stretch Marks
Here are some ways to help you get on the right track. Check them out:
- Check Out The Best Stretch Mark Creams on the market.
- Learn MORE about natural stretch mark therapy options. Get the Ebook Here.
- Find out more about Microdermabrasion for stretch marks.
- Explore Cocoa butter products for your stretch marks.
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