70 percent of all women in the world have them: stretch marks. Nobody likes them and everyone seems to be constantly asking themselves how to get rid of them.
A stretch mark is a scar
And scars form when the skin is injured and then repairs itself. In the case of stretch marks, the injury is caused by the skin stretching or shrinking too quickly. This can happen, for example, when you build muscle, gain weight quickly, or lose weight suddenly. The sudden change causes collagen and elastin, which support the connective tissues under the skin, to be destroyed. As the skin heals from these injuries, it creates scars that we call stretch marks. Not everyone develops these narrow “bands” on their skin. Fluctuating hormone levels seem to play a role. And women have it much more often than men. This is because women’s connective tissue is more elastic than men’s. And that, in turn, has something to do with pregnancy.
Stretch marks can vary in appearance
Stretch marks can look very different from person to person. Some people develop a few long, thin, and light lines, while others stretch marks appear widespread. In fair-skinned people, the lines are usually reddish or purple at first and fade to white over time. In people with darker skin, stretch marks tend to look lighter than the usual skin tone, even in the early stages. Bright red, red, or purple stretch marks are new and still trying to heal themselves.
This is the type of stretch marks that doctors say are easier to treat with oils, creams, or even lasers. The white stretch marks have already developed into fully developed scars, which makes treatment considerably more difficult. Early stretch marks can feel slightly raised and itchy. Over time, the color fades and the narrow bands sink below normal skin level. If you run your finger over a stretch mark that has already healed, you will often feel a slight indentation. Stretch marks are not a health problem at any stage. They are natural and harmless.
But for women who want it to fade, if not go away, it might be of interest to know that the window for effective medical treatment isn’t that big. Stretch marks are not a health problem at any stage. They are natural and harmless. But for women who want it to fade, if not go away, it might be of interest to know that the window for effective medical treatment isn’t that big. Stretch marks are not a health problem at any stage. They are natural and harmless. But for women who want it to fade, if not go away, it might be of interest to know that the window for effective medical treatment isn’t that big.
Pregnancy is the most common cause of stretch marks
Stretch marks are medically referred to as striae gravidarum, actually stretch marks. The reason for this is that the female connective tissue under the skin is more elastic and prone to stretching, primarily because this is the only way a woman’s body can withstand the bulging and stretching of pregnancy. As the fetus grows inside the womb, not only do the breasts (to prepare for milk production) enlarge, but also the thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks. In addition to the stretching of the skin in these regions, the altered hormonal balance in women during this time is obviously also responsible for the stretch marks that appear later. Researchers believe pregnancy hormones decrease skin’s elastin levels and destroy collagen.
Also Read: Scars, Can They Be Completely Removed? Keys To Make Them As Little Noticeable As Possible
Even teenagers and bodybuilders know stretch marks
As is well known, children seem to grow surprisingly fast in their youth and tomorrow they no longer fit into the clothes that were bought for them today. However, the rapid and dramatic growth spurt during puberty can also have consequences for the body’s own clothing, namely the skin. The skin must stretch or shrink to accommodate rapid body shape changes. Bodybuilders are also familiar with the subject of “stretch marks”. With them, different parts of the body can quickly grow and shrink again through training or non-training. Stretch marks on the skin are also the result here. However, skin type and genetics also play a not inconsiderable role in the development of stretch marks or stretch marks.
Some creams can also cause stretch marks
Creams or ointments high in corticosteroids can be purchased over the counter. Corticosteroids are contained in cortisol but also in various sex hormones. If these products are applied to the skin for too long or too intensively, they can break down the connecting fibers there. This also causes stretch marks to form. Anyone who uses a corticosteroid ointment or cream should speak to their doctor or pharmacist about the safe dose. Taking oral corticosteroids such as prednisone can have a similar effect. Prednisone is converted to prednisolone in the liver and helps primarily against rheumatic diseases or chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
Stretch marks cannot be prevented
Despite promises to the contrary, stretch marks cannot be prevented – provided the skin is stretched. Because if the skin stretches for the first time for the reasons described above, cracks and injuries will inevitably develop, which then also scar. So the only way to prevent stretch marks is to either not get pregnant or to avoid major fluctuations in weight or muscle size. The skin can only be cared for BEFORE stretching so that it is a little better prepared for greater stress in the future. Contrast showers are perfect for this (alternately turn hot five times and cold five times in the morning), which train the blood vessels and promote blood circulation. Massages are also possible during the shower, for example with a peeling glove, good for tightening the connective tissue. What also better prepares the skin for stretching is exercise. Swimming, cycling, yoga and walking are perfect for preventing stretch marks. Finally, plucking massages are recommended. The previously well-oiled skin is carefully pulled up and rolled between the fingers before going to bed.
Losing weight doesn’t help with stretch marks
Just because rapid weight gain causes stretch marks doesn’t mean shedding the pounds will make them disappear. When the fat melts, the previously stretched skin doesn’t magically disappear at the same time.
Stretch marks affect the ego. think positive!!!
While they are a little itchy and, at worst, can become infected, stretch marks pose no threat to your physical well-being. Of course, they can always be a sign of a more serious problem, but the only real harm they can do is to your ego . The best thing to remember is that anyone can get them, and that’s why they’re perfectly normal! Body positivity is also popular with both sexes when it comes to stretch marks. Let go of your ego and love your skin the way it is. Only those who proudly “market” their skin give others the opportunity to accept it.
Also Read: Stretch Marks: 9 Natural Treatments To Reduce Them Or Make Them Disappear
