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Stretch marks actually form when
the skin is not elastic enough to stretch and therefore tears and forms
a scar.
Stretch marks are not something that only happens to women. Many
teenagers get them from growth spurts and bodybuilders get them from
weightlifting. Stretch marks, those fine lines that generally start out
reddish and become pale over time, can appear on just about any part of
the body. They commonly occur after pregnancy or a sudden weight gain.
The Formation of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks don't form just because the skin stretches. Most women
believe that they get stretch marks during pregnancy because their body
expands. This is only partly true. Stretch marks actually form when the
skin is not elastic enough to stretch and therefore tears and forms a
scar. This inelasticity of the skin is believed to be caused by certain
hormones, called glucocorticoids, that don't allow the dermis to make
more collagen and elastin. When the skin makes enough collagen and
elastin to allow the skin to stretch, no stretch marks appear.
Skin Care and Avoiding Stretch Marks
Stretch marks not only form in women during pregnancy, in teenagers when
they rapidly gain weight and height, and in bodybuilders, but also in
some medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and in people using
steroid creams over a long period of time. The damage caused by stretch
marks can be minimized and sometimes avoided by regular good skin care,
good hydration, and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Treating Stretch Marks
Before trying a product that claims to treat stretch marks, consult with
your doctor or a dermatologist. While there are many products out there,
there is no proven treatment for stretch marks. The effectiveness and
duration of many treatments, especially those using oils and creams,
depend largely on the severity and age of the stretch marks, as well as
a person’s commitment to following through on daily treatment. Vitamin C
and E creams, retionoids, cocoa butter, raw shea butter, wheat germ oil,
and other preparations are said to help. Chemical peeling and laser
treatments are also being explored as options. Regardless, if you have
severe stretch marks, don't get disheartened. Remember that they fade
away over time.
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