March 18, 2007
All About Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks:
Helpful answers to your most frequently asked questions
Stretch marks or striae gravidarum, are the most common of all skin lesions and affect a large majority of the population, both male and female. But just what exactly are stretch marks and are they avoidable or simply inevitable? Here is some helpful information on this bothersome, but harmless condition.
Stretch marks are most commonly believed to be the result of skin that has merely been stretched beyond its normal limits. The result is apparent scarring of the skin that may initially be reddish or even purplish in color. While stretch marks may in fact be a form of scarring, they are caused in part by a loss of collagens and elastins in the skin when it is stretched more than normal. A breakdown of the tissues and fibers then occurs resulting in the appearance of the stretch marks.
Also, an increase of glucocorticoids, which are the hormones that are secreted in excess by the adrenal glands during time such as pregnancy, weight gain or adolescence, are believed to be responsible for the formation of stretch marks. These hormones affect the skin and prevent it from forming the collagens and elastins necessary to keep it taut and healthy.
Other hormones such as relaxin and estrogen are also suspected culprits as to why some people develop stretch marks. Usually, the marks will fade to a white or grayish color over time, although the reverse has been reported for some people, and it also can depend on skin color and ethnicity as well.
A stretch mark occurs in the middle layer of the skin, commonly called the dermis, and not on the actual surface of the skin. The dermis is an elastic layer which is reinforced with fibrous tissue. These fibers, as we know, are comprised of those essential collagens and elastins, which allow the skin to be stretched and then retain its normal state.
If one were to examine a stretch mark under a microscope, he or she would discover that the dermis is considerably thinner than normal. This is because the collagen fibers have now been pulled apart from one another, causing the elastic properties to become broken down and deposited in the skin, which result as the marks we see.
Pregnancy is the most often reason for the appearance of stretch marks and they usually occur during the third-trimester or in some women, even sooner. Actually, anyone experiencing sudden weight gain may also develop the marks. They are most often seen on the stomach area, the arms, the breasts and also the thighs, but can appear on any part of the skin. There are also rare instances where people have reported the marks on their neck or face areas as well.
It is estimated that about 85 to 90% of all pregnant women will in fact get stretch marks at some point during their pregnancy. This is a high enough percentage to give most women pause and cause them to actively seek ways of preventing them or at least lessening their appearance.
Although many people swear by certain creams or lotions, the general consensus is that you will either get them, or you won't. However, there are ways to diminish their appearance. Skin that is constantly well-hydrated is considerably less prone to getting stretch marks than skin that is dry and hasn't been given the moisture it needs.
As a stretch mark ages, it will appear to turn whitish in color as the skin continues to regenerate itself over time. However, after being damaged, the fibers are mostly unable to fully return to their previous state as the essential elastins needed for proper formation are still missing.
Adolescents, due to sudden changes in the body and hormone levels, are also prone to getting stretch marks. This is especially important to remember simply because teenagers are often faced with a number of stressful events as it is and may not be able to deal with their "problem" as well as an adult. A recent study suggests that at least 15% of boys and 35% of girls will develop stretch marks at some time during puberty.
There are other factors believed to cause the onset of stretch marks such as weight lifting or body building, Cushing's Disease and even medications such as oral steroids in some cases. It has also been reported that chronic overuse of certain topical steroid creams may heighten the risk of developing the marks as well.
Various theories still abound on the subject giving the debate plenty of room for further discussion, and also more scientific research. There are skin care professionals who believe that stretch marks are simply hereditary, a matter of genetics, and therefore, largely unavoidable.
Those same professionals who believe that heredity plays a significant role in whether or not a person gets stretch marks at some point in their lives also readily agree that proper skin care will help to fade the marks. This includes the use of moisturizers to regularly nourish the skin which will help to considerably fade, if not prevent stretch marks from appearing.
A great majority of people find their stretch marks to be aesthetically unpleasant and actively seek ways of eliminating the bothersome scarring. For this reason, there are many different products available today that are considered to be effective in treating or fading stretch marks.
Most of these topical products contain vitamins such as E, a blend of collagens and moisturizers, and even botanical extracts for a natural touch. Although it should be noted that some creams should not be used by pregnant women, particularly those made from ingredients that haven't been clinically tested or approved as of yet.
There are also surgical techniques such as micro-dermabrasion which is used to drastically reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Also, a cream known as Retin-A has also been reported to be helpful in lessening their appearance in some people. Thankfully, researchers continue to discover new options and methods of treating this troublesome, although harmless condition.
Filed under About Stretch Marks, Articles by Dee
