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Stretch Mark FAQs

It is common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ present in the entire body. One of its most wonderful attributes is its capability to stretch itself. Skin is composed of proteins, mainly collagen and elastin. Collagen is the building blocks of connective tissues, while elastin enables the skin to stretch. Skin in itself has incredible stretching abilities, but it still has its limits. Sometimes, skin can be overstretched. The stretching causes tearing on the skin, and when these heal, they form scar tissues. Stretch marks are actually the scar tissues that resulted from the skin’s over-exertion.

There are many factors that cause stretch marks, but the main culprit is weight gain. Women are more predisposed to the development of stretch marks than men. They can occur whenever the skin tissue stretches rapidly. Sudden growth spurts, obesity, and pregnancy are the major causes of stretch marks. Athletes and bodybuilders are also more likely to develop these marks, because of the repetitive exercises that they undergo. Believe it or not, some medications can be blamed, like steroid cortisone.

Now that we have sufficient information on the development of stretch marks, we move on the more important question: Can these be eliminated?

There are limited options available for the treatment of stretch marks. Moreover, the effectiveness can vary according to the treatment used. These treatments also provide no guarantees that stretch marks can be completely removed. It is important to note that immediate action at the early stages of the development of stretch marks will significantly improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Lotions and creams are often used by pregnant women in order to reduce the likelihood of forming stretch marks during child-bearing.

Lotions and creams are one of the more popular ways of getting rid of stretch marks. If you’re thinking of buying these, choose one that has large amounts of elastin and collagen. Some studies also suggest that creams and lotions containing Vitamin A or E can be effective.

You can also choose to undergo laser treatment in the removal of stretch marks. While it may not completely eradicate the problem, it helps in making them some shades lighter. There is also a question of costs, because you may have to go back for several more treatments, depending on your skin color and type.

Surgery, while not recommended, can also be an option to address stretch marks. The surgical procedure involves removing skin and fat near the stomach area, thus reducing the likelihood of getting stretch marks.

As was shown above, treatments may be costly, and there are no guarantees for its effectiveness. The key is prevention: maintain a healthy weight, drink adequate water to keep your skin moisturized. A healthy diet filled with nutritious elements will also improve the skin’s health.

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