Everything You Need to Know
About Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are narrow, jagged streaks that develop on the skin due to rapid hormonal changes and growth. You probably developed yours during puberty or pregnancy, or after drastically losing or gaining weight. Like scars, these marks are permanent. But this doesn’t mean you can’t make them less noticeable. From gels and creams to laser treatment, there are various ways to make your stretch marks fade. Similarly, though, there are many misconceptions about dermal scarring that could hinder you from getting the results you want. It pays to know what exactly stretch marks are, and why and how they develop before you get any treatment.

The Science Behind Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, medically known as striae distensae, is our skin’s natural response to rapid growth or sudden stretching. When the skin is stretched beyond its normal tugging and pulling capacity, its elastin and collagen fibers begin to break down. In turn, the skin loses the capability to bounce back from growth and stretching; it will eventually tear and scar.

Stretched Too Far, Too Fast:
The Causes of Stretch Marks​

Since stretch marks form if the skin is stretched too far over a short period, you can pinpoint their cause to one or more of the following events in your life:

Stretch Marks Don't All Look Alike

Stretch marks can appear almost anywhere on your body, but it tends to be concentrated around the stomach, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Their color or appearance also varies depending on how long you’ve had them, which color or type of skin you have, and what caused them. They can be:

With time, stretch marks become less noticeable and end up blending into the color of your skin. Some people, however, feel distressed about the way their stretch marks make their skin look, especially when they’ve only just noticed these jagged streaks for a few months or years. So, even if dermal scarring isn’t harmful or painful (except the fact that it can be itchy), many people turn to various treatment options to address their concerns.

Make the Marks Less Noticeable

Making your stretch marks less noticeable doesn’t require invasive medical treatment. The following options can help improve the color, texture, and overall appearance of stretch marks:

Retinoid Cream

Cream products that contain retinoids like tretinoin help reduce the appearance of stretch marks that are less than a few months old. Tretinoin helps rebuild the collagen fibers in your skin, making the jagged streaks look more like your normal skin.
Tretinoin, however, can irritate the skin. It makes your skin extra-sensitive to UV rays, so make sure to apply sunscreen or SPF moisturizer in skin areas where you use retinoid cream. It's best to consult with your doctor to know if retinoid cream is the most suitable option for you.

Essential Oils

Plant oils that contain linoleic acid or omega-6 fatty acid help protect and repair skin. They also promote skin elasticity, making them an ideal option to achieve lighter stretch marks.
Another plant extract that's helpful in making your marks less noticeable is Centella Asiatica. It boosts cells in your skin that produce collage and build up skin tissues. In many parts of Asia, people use it to help heal wounds or scars.
No matter which essential oils you use, make sure they are diluted to avoid skin irritation. You can consider using oil products that combine essential oils with carrier oils.

If you do seek treatment for your stretch mark woes, know that treatment options are often only partially effective. They only improve the appearance of the marks, so they become less apparent. They don’t remove the streaks completely.

Prevent the Stretch marks If You Can

Of the many causes of stretch marks, some are manageable, such as weight gain and steroid creams:

Stretch marks are completely normal. But if having them on your thighs, stomach, or arms bothers you, there are ways to improve their appearance — you just have to pick one that best suits your needs. 

Contact us today at click@vitamaxprime.com to know more about stretch mark treatment. 

 

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