What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are lines found on the skin that develops because of the tissue right below are torn, due to over-stretching or rapid expansion. They may develop during various stages of our life. Moreover, contrary to popular believes, they do affect both men and women.
Men will develop stretch marks possibly due to extreme changes in weight and also through engaging in muscle and body building activities. On the other hand, women usually get stretch marks during pregnancy and through weight flux and hormonal changes as well.
Stretch marks develop when the dermis, which is the middle layer of our skin, gets stretched to the point that its elasticity starts to break down. This then causes some form of microscopic bleeding plus inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Thus, the affected part appears to have some raised lines, which are symptoms of newly formed stretch marks. Depending on your natural skin tone, stretch marks usually start out as reddish to dark brown or even pinkish in color. Later on, it turns into purple.
The epidermis, which is the outer layer of our skin, stretches as well. It thus becomes a bit translucent so we can see the formation of stretch marks with our naked eye. As our skin recovers, scarring takes place and causes the appearance of light-colored lines that we typically call stretch marks. The once raised marks flatten and fade into a hue that is several shades lighter than your natural skin tone.
The general affected parts are normally appearing at abdominal area, breast area, thighs, lower back and hips. The breast area of a woman during her pregnancy also experiences expansion, because the mammary glands are preparing itself for breastfeeding after a few months. The activation of the milk-producing glands within the breast is known to cause hormone changes. The hormone changes are often accountable also for the stretch marks, as fluid builds heavily inside the breasts, stretching the skin.
Around 75% to 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. The sustained hormonal levels as a result of pregnancy usually means stretch marks may appear during the sixth or seventh month, primarily during the 3rd trimester, as that is when skin tends to be subjected to higher levels of stretching forces. Often, of all the factors involved in stretch mark development, the only one over which an individual can retain control is that of diet.
For prevention or removal of stretch marks, various treatments are available, including laser treatments, prescription retinoid and natural techniques.
- Removal through laser is used in which the old stretched skin is removed and the new skin grows at its place.
- For prescription retinoid, one of the most popular product and insist upon by most mothers is the Pigeon Body and Stretch mark Cream.
- For natural methods, exercising regime and some diet plans will help you to get rid of the irritating reddish scars from your body.
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