Facts on Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are the bane of many otherwise healthy complexions. Armed with knowledge about stretch marks, women and men prone to developing them can be better prepared to prevent their appearance or reduce their severity. Remember that pregnant women or those who are nursing should ask their doctor, midwife or homeopath about the safety of various treatments.

Causes

There are a myriad of causes for stretch marks, but the primary one, and the toughest one to fight, is genetics. Other than that, stretch marks usually make an appearance when the body experiences hormonal fluctuation, such as during rapid weight gain. Thus, pregnant women, weight-lifters and teenagers undergoing growth spurts are typical victims of stretch marks.

Effects

Stretch marks appear as red or purple gashes that, in time, typically fade to thin silvery or gray lines. They may also be white. They typically cluster in patches around the breasts, backs of the knees, buttocks, thighs, stomach or upper arms. The skin affected by stretch marks may become dry or itchy and lack elasticity.

Treatments

There are many treatments on the market for preventing, reducing or removing stretch marks, which have met with varying degrees of success. Stretch mark creams, both over the counter varieties and those available by prescription only, are a common treatment. Other people try exfoliation or chemical peels. More extreme measures include laser or light therapy.

Misconceptions

The key misconception regarding stretch marks concerns their name. The fact is, stretch marks are not stretched skin. They are scar tissue that has affected the epidermal layer of the skin. This scar tissue appears differently in different people due to the skin's overall health and elasticity as well as genetic and lifestyle factors.

Prevention/Solution

Although no strategy guarantees the prevention of stretch marks, there are certain lifestyle habits that can help people beat the odds. People should regularly drink at least eight cups of unsweetened water every day. They should eat a diet consisting of many fresh vegetables and fruits, most notably the berries and leafy greens packed with antioxidants, said to protect the skin against damaging environmental elements. Moisturize and exfoliate the skin regularly, especially with products containing cocoa butter or shea butter. ies with skin-protecting antioxidants

References

• Stretch Marks: Facts, Myths and Logical Thought