Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks. Stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, and can develop during rapid muscle growth from body building. Between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. Stretch marks are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (e.g. puberty) or weight gain (e.g. pregnancy), and anabolic steroid use. Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back.

Stretch marks occur in certain areas of the body where skin is subjected to continuous and progressive stretching. The glucocorticoid hormones responsible for the development of stretch marks. Stretch marks may show up as reddish or purplish lines that may appear indented and have a different texture from the surrounding skin. Stretching plays more of a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run. Stretching alone is not the cause. Various treatments are available for the purpose of improving the appearance of existing stretch marks. Chemical peel can be used to address unwanted stretch marks, and there are new advances in laser surgeries. The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet.

Tretinoin is another approach to the treatment of early stretch marks. There have been claims that this produces improvement. Topical retinoids are effective treatments for mild to moderately stretch marks. Use of a pulsed dye laser has shown to increase pigmentation in darker skinned individuals with repeated treatments A new modality, fractional laser resurfacing, offers a novel approach to treating striae. Using scattered pulses of light only a fraction of the scar is zapped by the laser over the course of several treatments. Drink plenty of water. Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. Avoid caffeine. Creams and other skin products on the market that claim to eliminate stretch marks.

Stretch Marks Remedies Tips

1. Drink plenty of water. Proper water intake keeps your skin soft.

2. Apply pure vitamin E oil locally to prevent or reduce stretch marks.

3. Exercise daily to keep your skin supple and free from toxins.

4. Apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil, or vitamin E oil to affected areas to help the healing process.

5. Eat a well-balanced nutrient rich diet.

6. Massaging on the stretch marks serves as an excellent home remedy for stretch marks removal.

7. Avoid stress as much as possible when pregnant.

8. Take some cocoa butter and apply it on your stretch marks.

Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape.

Lerry Bogan writes articles for feet care and beauty tips.

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