Stretch marks closely resemble scars. In fact, stretch marks are the most common types of skin lesions. About 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks. They also affect 70% of adolescent females and about 40% of young males. In medical terminology, stretch marks are called striae. Mature stretch marks are devoid of color, and newer stretch marks are often red or purplish in color.

Stretch marks develop when the skin is excessively stretched, damaging the collagen fibers and proteins in the underlying skin layer called the dermis. Scientists believe that shattering of collagen leads to dilation of small blood vessels (called capillaries) that results in red or purple-colored early stretch marks. Inflammation and collagen remodeling may lead to the loss of pigment-producing, melanocyte cells or obscuring of melanin pigment. Over time, this lack of pigment results in the white or hypopigmented scars that most people associate with mature stretch marks. Stretch marks are a form of leukoderma.

Causes of Stretch marks

Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its' elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the skin causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the top layer of skin.

Symptoms of Stretch marks

The evolution of a stretch mark includes:

The skin is stretched beyond its capacity as in pregnancy and obesity.
The underlying tissue tears.
The body responds by forming scar tissue
The fresh stretch mark looks pink, red, brown or purple, over time, the colour fades & the stretch mark becomes a shimmering, silvery line.
The silvery line may look slightly indented.
The scar is permanent.

Guidelines to get rid of stretch marks:

Brush your skin with a loofah or skin brush when you shower to stimulate circulation.
Massage cocoa butter into the stretch marks.
Use vitamin E oil on your stretch marks. Massage it into your skin after a shower.
Talk to your doctor about using tretinoin cream on stretch marks.
Eat foods high in vitamins A, E and C or take supplements in addition to your diet.
Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids, which help make cell walls. Essential fatty acids can be found in many vegetables, vegetable oils and fish oils.
Add foods or supplements to your diet that are high in zinc , which is good for the skin, and silica (beets, brown rice, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables and whole grains), which helps form collagen, the supporting fibers in the skin.

Tips for Preventing stretch marks:

The only way to avoid Stretch marks is Preventing them.

Eat sensibly to avoid gaining excess body fat.
Massaging your body with olive oil or Vitamin E may help.
Eat a highly nutritious diet to maintain the health of your skin.
Wear a supportive maternity bra throughout pregnancy.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for your overall health and well-being.
Avoid Hormone Based Medicines. It is suggested that certain harmone based medication such as steroids can cause Stretch marks
Consider using creams that include centella asiatica extract, alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and collagen-elastin hydrolysates.

|| Home || Contact Us ||