Stretch
marks are scarring of the skin as the result of connective
fibers breaking due to lost elasticity. They are the
result of damage to the second layer of skin, called the
dermis. They first appear as reddish or purplish lines.
Gradually, they fade to a paler color and become less
obvious.
Most
people associate stretch marks with weight gain, pregnancy,
and weightlifting. Puberty may also contribute to stretch
marks as do breasts augmentations. Most commonly, stretch
marks appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and
breasts. For bodybuilders, they may also appear on the
upper arm/shoulder area. They are primarily a cosmetic
annoyance and rarely a health concern.
Preventing Stretch Marks
For
adolescents and pregnant women, stretch marks may not be
possible to prevent. Rapid weight gain and weight loss can
contribute to stretch marks. As a result, rapid weight
gain and intense dieting can cause stretch marks.
If you
anticipate the possibility of stretch marks, for example
due to pregnancy, you may try applying creams or oils with
vitamin E, cocoa butter, and lavender. However, there is
no guarantee that these will work.
Treating Stretch Marks
The
best time to treat stretch marks is when they first
appear. As they fade from reddish to pale, they become
harder to treat. Some options for treating stretch marks
are creams and laser treatments. Chemical peels have
been used to treat stretch marks, but there is no evidence
that these are effective.
Creams
If
stretch marks on your body keep you up nights and a late-night
infomercial on TV promises you a cream that will cure them
after only a few weeks, don’t buy it. Most creams may
soften your skin, but they won’t get rid of stretch marks.
However,
some creams that a doctor can prescribe contain Trentinoin,
which may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Before you use such creams, consult your doctor. If you
are breast feeding, you cannot use Trentinoin.
Laser Treatments
Laser
treatments are applied by a surgeon, who uses different
types of lasers depending on the color of the stretch
marks. One type of laser reduces color, while another
treats faded stretch marks. Newer laser treatments
stimulate the body into producing collagen to help restore
the elasticity of the skin.
Even
though treating stretch marks is difficult and sometimes
ineffective, remember that almost everyone has them! Even
your friend or coworker who you think has that perfect
body probably hides a stretch mark or two. Maintain a
healthy diet and sustain a healthy body weight to prevent
new stretch marks from appearing.
