Stretch Marks: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Stretch marks

A stretch mark is a type of scar which appears when our skin stretches or contracts rapidly. 

The collagen and elastin that support our skin break down due to sudden changes (stretching or shrinking). Stretch marks could emerge while the skin recovers.

The skin then tries to heal itself, but the results are the scars we refer to as stretch marks. One might feel a small dent on touching a stretch mark.

These delicate stretch marks don’t appear on everyone. Imbalanced hormone levels are known to be a factor. The risk is higher when it is genetic (runs in the family).

Stretch marks usually develop in the tummy, breasts, thighs and butt. 

The rapid stretching of the skin results in striae which manifest as rippling, long, thin marks. People with stretch marks would want them to disappear.

They may also fade with time or with the use of treatments, even though they’ll never really disappear.

Depending on the individual, stretch marks can have several different appearances. While some people just get a few long, thin lines, others have clusters of stretch marks. 

Moreover, the lines may be angular and thick. For those with lighter skin, the lines are first red or purple, diminishing over time to become white. Stretch marks usually appear lighter than the skin colour for those with a darker complexion.

Common causes of stretch marks

Pregnancy

Striae gravidarum are stretch marks arising due to pregnancy. The belly expands throughout pregnancy as it stretches to accommodate the developing foetus. 

Moreover, they tend to stretch as the breasts get ready to make milk. The thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks are other body parts that can have stretch marks while pregnant. 

Pregnancy hormones bring about stretch marks which make skin more prone to tearing.

Growth spurts

Children seem to outgrow their clothes weeks after purchasing them because they grow quickly. But after that stage, puberty marks the beginning of the fastest and most spectacular growth spurt. 

Stretch marks can develop as a result of these growth spurts because the skin is stretched out too quickly. The skin must expand or contract to adapt to the change in body shape, which can also occur with rapid weight loss or growth. 

Stretch marks may also appear in bodybuilders due to the rapid alterations in the body during and after training. Stretch marks can be caused by both genetics and skin type. A person is more prone to develop stretch marks if close relatives do.

Medicinal creams

Corticosteroid lotions and ointments are available over the counter, but they can damage the skin’s connective tissue if used excessively or incorrectly. Stretch marks result from this. 

Consult a professional for advice on using a corticosteroid cream or ointment when needed. Long-term use of oral (by mouth) corticosteroids like prednisone can have the same effect. 

Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome are two genetic disorders that can increase the risk of developing stretch marks.

Weight gain

The accumulation of subcutaneous fat in obesity and rapid weight gain results in vertical stretch scars on the belly.

Bodybuilding

Stretch marks result from the rapid growth of muscles during bodybuilding along the muscle’s perimeter (such as the outer edge of the chest muscle or in tandem with the striations of the shoulder muscle).

Stretch marks in men

Stretch marks in men and women are due to the same cause. They develop when the tissues grow more rapidly than the skin, resulting in stretching.

The dermis is the middle layer of skin where these changes take place. This is responsible for maintaining the skin’s overall shape.

Linear striations appear on the top layer of skin as a result of the fast stretching, thins the dermis (epidermis).

Stretch marks usually have a pinkish or reddish colour due to a break in the blood vessels in the skin. Stretch marks may initially itch or burn when they begin to appear.

The tissues themselves may appear a little shiny, but the skin’s normal colour may restore over time.

Ways to treat stretch mark

Creams, lotions and gels

Tretinoin cream

Tretinoin cream requires a prescription for usage. A 2014 small randomised trial suggested that a 0.05% tretinoin cream might minimise the appearance of fresh stretch marks but not old scars. Tretinoin cream is usually used to also treat acne.

Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica, sometimes called gotu kola, is a perennial herb used topically to prevent stretch marks.

Herbal oil with Centella Asiatica stimulates the body’s collagen-producing and skin-tissue-building cells. Some people use it to promote wound healing. 

Many over-the-counter skin lotions for stretch marks contain Centella asiatica, although there is less evidence that it works to reduce their appearance.

Dermatological procedures

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a type of surgery. A medical professional uses short, intense, pulsed beams of light on the stretch marks. 

This removes the skin’s layers carefully, promoting the formation of new collagen fibres and smoother skin.

Following the treatment, one might notice a difference immediately. The skin persists to improves for a year and lasts for several years.

Milia, swelling, hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin), and hypopigmentation (light regions of skin) are a few possible side effects.

Microdermabrasion

Stretch marks may be less noticeable after microdermabrasion and laser treatments, especially if the stretch marks are deep.

According to research, these procedures were more effective than topical tretinoin creams.

Cosmetic surgery

Skin with stretch marks can be treated through cosmetic surgery, such as a tummy tuck. But these procedures could leave scars. Also, they are frequently expensive and painful.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. Its role in improving wrinkles, skin texture, and skin hydration levels makes it a common component in over-the-counter (OTC) anti-ageing skin care products.

Use the retinol creams consistently for at least six months to notice any visible results. Dry skin, irritability, discolouration and light sensitivity are possible side effects.

Microneedling

The microneedling procedure involves using tiny needles to prick the skin. This is usually done by a professional.

The tiny punctures promote the development of new collagen and elastin fibres, giving the skin a firmer appearance. The average person needs three to six treatments to start seeing effects.

Within four to six months, some people get complete and total outcomes. But it can take longer. Side effects include flaky skin, oedema and skin irritation.

Home remedies

Self-tanner

Stretch marks can be concealed with the use of these products. Stretch marks cannot be removed by tanning. It only makes them more noticeable. A self-tanner can conceal stretch marks, both early and mature ones. 

Prevention of stretch marks

Researchers have shown several treatments for stretch marks to be ineffective.

Products with Centella or hyaluronic acid, according to research, may aid in preventing stretch marks. A combination of food, physical activity, hydration and external treatments helps with stretch mark prevention.

Diet

Eating foods that promote healthy skin is advisable.

Foods high in zinc include nuts and salmon.

Vitamins A, C, and D-rich foods include milk, citrus fruits and carrots.

Protein-rich foods include lean meat, poultry, broccoli, lentils, beans and other foods.

Physical activity

Exercise helps the body generate collagen and improves circulation. The skin maintains its strength and elasticity as a result of increased circulation and collagen.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water. Stretch marks are less likely to appear on drinking enough water to keep the skin supple.

Caffeine consumption might also raise the risk of getting stretch marks. Drinking adequate water is advisable for consuming more coffee, tea or soda.

Conclusion

Stretch marks aren’t painful and don’t have any negative health effects. Several natural treatments are recommended as ways to reduce or prevent stretch marks. 

Since these are scars, the only way to prevent them is to avoid gaining and shedding a lot of weight. If stretch marks bother a person, they may want to contact a dermatologist to discuss ways to make them less noticeable. 

However, it’s always recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any health issues that one might not be aware of if they develop stretch marks without any clear explanation, such as weight gain or loss or pregnancy.

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