Stretch Mark Removal System

Stretch marks are most prevalent during puberty and pregnancy – times when the body undergoes rapid weight changes. But you may be wondering what exactly causes stretch marks and how to reduce stretch marks appearance after they have formed. In general, stretch marks form in those body areas that store large amounts of fat, and they occur in the dermis, the skin layer which determines its shape.

Stretch Mark Basics

Stretch marks are caused by actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface. These tears are a response from your own body to try to heal the damaged skin. The fact is that stretch marks are essentially scar tissue formed by the body to heal damage caused by thin skin stretched beyond its limits.

Recognized by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically show up after a period of rapid weight gain or loss. Stretch marks are most common in pregnancy and the teenage years, when periods of rapid growth and increased levels of steroid hormones cause major changes throughout the body. The reality is that almost 90% of females who are pregnant get stretch marks.

An interesting fact is that stretch marks are the most common types of skin lesions. Stretch marks, or Striae, are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank. You need to know that stretch marks are totally normal and are not a medical concern. The issue is that they can become an appearance issue and affect a person’s self esteem.

Preventing Stretch Marks – Your First Line of Defense

A secret to preventing stretch marks from developing is to keep the skin moisturized during periods of weight gain or loss. This will aid in the reduction of stretch marks and for those that do appear, repair themselve quicker. A regimen of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils into the skin ,such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E, will help fade stretch marks from your susceptible areas.

The Art of Stretch Mark Removal

The act of massaging the stretch mark affected location is critical and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process. Exfoliation of the area will also help stretch marks removal by shedding dead skin cells and allowing the stretch mark removal cream to penetrate more effectively into the damaged skin. A word of caution is warranted though – be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive. Moderation is the key to helping remove stretch marks permanently!

Stretch marks are also referred to as striae distensae. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings include striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae. The good news is that you can get rid of them to a certain degree though.

Stretch Marks and the Female Anatomy

Females often experience  stretch marks on a  number of parts on their body during puberty and pregnancy. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, and their unfortunate name, the cause of stretch marks is not over-stretched skin. Women who are pregnant often experience stretch marks as the skin stretches at a rate too fast for the skin to keep up with. Obesity and body building can also lead to stretch marks as the body rapidly increases in size and weight.

Pregnant with Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a time when your body is changing quickly – both weight and shape. The badges of honor from pregnancy like stretch marks are common in many women with up to 90% developing some form of skin damage. The first signs are red or purplish streaks forming on your body, predominantly on your abdomen and breasts. Being pregnant is truly a special time in a woman’s life, but this one aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed.

Preventing Stretch Marks

An increase in weight and loss of weight can also change the seriousness of your stretch marks. It is critical to keep yourself hydrated, as this will help provide elasticity to your skin and allow it to stretch further without damage. If you are experiencing a significant weight gain or loss, you can take a proactive approach by using stretch mark cream products to help prevent the development of the marks.  

Also, bodybuilders, especially men, are susceptible stretch marks appearing on their upper arms and shoulder areas when a large amount of muscle is built up quickly. A good stretch mark removal cream can provide the skin additional flexibility and help deter stretch mark development.

A segment of the population especially prone to stretch marks is teenagers who experience rapid growth as they become young adults. A natural approach to helping prevent stretch marks is to maintain healthy skin.  This involves drinking lots of liquids and taking skin supporting supplements such as vitamin E.  

As you can see, the cause of stretch marks clearly relates to a rapid change in weight. But fear not, there is still hope! A stretch mark prevention program consisting of stretch marks cream, drinking lots of water, and controlled weight changes can help reduce stretch mark development. A little focus on prevention now can help your self-esteem on those future trips to the beach.