Why Stretch Marks Occur and How to Treat Them

Pregnancy is one of the reasons why stretch marks occur

Stretch marks are scar-like lines that develop as the skin rapidly stretches and contracts. In fact, statistics indicate that up to 90% of people have stretch marks.

Stretch marks, also known as striae, frequently develop after pregnancy, puberty, and weight changes.

Stretch marks are perfectly safe and don't require medical attention. Some people decide to embrace their stretch marks because they are completely at ease with them. I love that! However, some people might not like how they look and work to get rid of them. By doing this, individuals may feel more at ease with their appearance, which could boost their self-esteem.

Read on to find out what causes stretch marks, who is at risk, and (if you choose to) how to treat them, no matter how you feel about stretch marks.

How Stretch Marks Appear

Stretch marks can vary in appearance. Depending on where they are located on your body, how long you've had them, and what caused them, they can differ.

Depending on your skin tone, stretch marks may be pink, red, blue, purple, or dark brown. They may also look as bright bands or streaks on the skin that gradually turn a lighter shade. Stretch marks can occasionally appear sunken or depressed.

Stretch marks might be slightly elevated and irritating when they initially appear.

They can show up anywhere on the body, including the breasts, hips, buttocks, and the abdomen. Stretch marks frequently disappear with time. However, they might never completely vanish.

Stretch Marks: Risk Factors and Causes

Stretch marks are a result of the skin's abrupt stretching and contracting.

According to Susan Massick, MD, a dermatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Westerville, stretch marks can develop when the skin spreads out so quickly that the crucial proteins that give the skin strength and flexibility, collagen and elastin, break.

Stretch marks may develop as a result of the skin's healing process.

The following are typical risk factors for stretch marks:

  • Pregnancy

  • Puberty-related growth spurts

  • rapid gaining or losing of weight

  • Weightlifting or bodybuilding

  • using steroids

  • surgery to expand the breasts

Dr. Massick asserts that this holds true for both anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders and weight lifters and prescription steroids used to treat ailments including connective tissue disease and specific types of arthritis.

Stretch marks can develop after applying topical steroids to places like the armpit, inner thighs, and groin to treat skin disorders like eczema.

Stretch marks can develop as a result of repeated usage of steroids, according to Amy Kassouf, MD, a dermatologist from the Cleveland Clinic in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Stretch marks may also be more likely in those with specific hereditary conditions. Stretch marks are a typical symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. According to Dr. Kassouf, persistently high cortisol levels can weaken the elastic fibers in the skin, resulting in stretch marks. Stretch marks can develop as a result of the weakened skin caused by the connective tissue illnesses Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Stretch mark treatment

Your physical health is unaffected by stretch marks, and they frequently go away on their own with time and no treatment. It's vital to remember that there is no quick fix for getting rid of stretch marks if they make you feel self-conscious about your look.

None of the treatments are guaranteed to work, according to Kassouf.

Nevertheless, you might want to try the following choices if you want to reduce the visibility of stretch marks.

Retinoid Prescription Cream

Despite a paucity of data, some studies indicate that retinoids, particularly prescription-strength tretinoin, may enhance the look of stretch marks that are younger than a few months.right up arrow

The idea is that by rebuilding collagen, tretinoin can make stretch marks look more like normal skin.

The impacts might not even be visible to the naked eye, Kassouf cautions.

Be cautious to tell your dermatologist if you have any negative effects from using tretinoin, as these include discomfort, irritation, and dryness.

Microneedling

You can receive microneedling in your dermatologist's office. Thin needles are used to prick the skin, causing minute wounds that encourage the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin.

Although it can take longer, it normally takes three to six sessions spread out over several months to produce a discernible effect. Inflammation, swelling, discolouration, and dry skin are a few negative effects that some people have experienced after microneedling.

Skin Resurfacing with Laser

In order to reduce the visibility of stretch marks, a doctor performs this technique by directing concentrated, pulsating beams of light into your skin. To encourage the creation of collagen and provide the area a smoother appearance, a laser carefully eliminates layers of skin or makes tiny, invisible holes in the skin. 

Swelling, milia, and discolouration are examples of possible side effects. 

Laser Vascular Therapy

Your doctor can suggest a vascular laser that particularly targets the blood vessels that cause stretch marks if the stretch mark is red or purple in color. Temporary soreness and bruising in the treatment region are possible side effects. Usually, results are visible one to two weeks following treatment.

Natural Treatments for Stretch Marks

Although several household remedies are advertised as stretch mark treatments, the truth is that none of them have been scientifically confirmed to be effective.

The idea is to underpromise and provide more in terms of cosmetic procedures and other interventions, according to Massick. "The great majority of home remedies, over-the-counter products, and other treatments promoted on social media tend to overpromise and underdeliver."

And while it's a popular misconception that chemicals found in kitchen cabinets like cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil make stretch marks appear less noticeable, research indicate this isn't the case. 

But if you want to, you can give them a try. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises using them as soon as stretch marks form and rubbing the product into the skin each day for a few weeks if you decide to do so. 

The AAD also points out that while self-tanner might help conceal stretch marks, tanning in the sun may make them more noticeable. Just keep in mind that this will not eliminate stretch marks; it will just conceal them. 

In the end, if a pricey lotion, cream, or gel is advertised as being a cure-all for stretch marks and it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

No matter what they offer, home cures can't increase collagen or heal damaged elastin in your skin. Massick advises saving your money and avoiding putting time or attention into them.

How to Deal with Stretch Marks Peacefully

Stretch marks can occasionally be both preventable and irreversible. There may not be much you can do to lessen their look other from surgical procedures, which Kassouf emphasizes won't always produce great outcomes.

Fortunately, stretch marks usually lighten over time, becoming white or more similar to the color of your skin. Over time, Kassouf predicts that they will become less obvious.

She advises hiding stretch marks with clothing if they cause you any discomfort, especially early on when they are red. Try donning a sun shirt or light sun pants at the beach or pool, for instance.

In some cases, according to Massick, it might be beneficial to change the way you view your stretch marks.

If the stretch marks are the result of pregnancy, she advises wearing them with pride as a sign of motherhood.

Finally, try not to overvalue your stretch marks, even though it could be difficult at times.

Remember that you can be more aware of your stretch marks than those around you, advises Massick.

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