Stretch marks can be a nuisance and they are not easy to get rid of. If you already have them, keep in mind that it takes time, patience and regular skincare before you can fade stretch marks away.
Stretch marks are tiny tears in the dermis that are scars and can vary in color from a light pink to a dark purple. Over a very long period of time, usually years, stretch marks can fade in color, but the scars remain.
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its’ elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the skin causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the epidermis (top layer of skin).
Our skin consists of three layers.
The Epidermis – The top layer of the skin, locks in moisture and blocks toxins from entering the body.
The Dermis – The second layer of the skin, (where stretch marks occur), is where our skin produces collagen and elastin fibers which give it a firmer and younger appearance.
The Hypodermis – The third layer of skin, which is composed of fat and connective tissue.
Other Causes Stretch Marks
There are several different factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks.
Heredity – Some skin is genetically prone to stretch marks.
Skin Type – Some skin is dryer with less elasticity than others i.e. dry skin vs. oily skin,
Weight – Rapid gain or loss.
Pregnancy – The weight gain associated with pregnancy.
Although some people are more susceptible to stretch marks, anyone can get them.
Stretching of the skin during rapid weight gain or rapid growth (in young children and adolescents) is a major cause of stretch marks.
The non-occurrence of stretch marks during one pregnancy does not necessarily mean stretch marks will not occur in another.
Stretch marks are not gender specific – men and women are susceptible to these unsightly marks.
Suggestions
If you massage your body regularly with coconut and almond oil, it will keep stretch marks away.
Consult a doctor to start with a daily dose of Vitamin E capsules. Vitamin E is believed to improve stretch marks. Or, add a couple of vitamin E capsules to your body massage oil.
It is believed that smearing the area with egg white and letting it dry before washing off with ice-cold water regularly can help in getting rid of stretch marks completely.
Herbal Creams are helpful in vanishing the stretch marks.