What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are lines on the skin caused when the tissue beneath the skin is stretched by rapid growth, disrupting the skin’s production of collagen. Skin is made up of here layers of skin; the outer layer (epidermis), middle (dermis) and the inner layer. Stretch marks occur in the dermis when it is over-stretched and becomes increasingly elastic, eventually refusing to go back into its original shape and causing the lines we know as stretch marks. This may happen during puberty, pregnancy or simply as the result of gaining a lot of weight in a short time. Stretch marks may often start of as red or purple lines but generally grow paler and less noticeable with time.
Why do you get them and how can you prevent them?
Some people are more likely to get stretch marks than others. There are many factors to consider. One of them is genetics; if your parents have stretch marks you’re more likely to have them too. Darker skinned people are also less likely to get stretch marks than those with pale skin.
Most of the time we don’t realize we’re in danger of getting stretch marks until we get them, but if in the event that you’re pregnant, for example, there are certain things you can do to minimize your chances. Moisturising cream applied thickly to the affected area is said to help the skin retain its elasticity, while a diet high in zinc, silica and vitamin E ensures your body has all the nutrients it needs to help it stay in shape. Dehydration can also exacerbate stretch marks so ensure you drink a lot of water to help your skin stretch.
How can you get rid of them?
There are many commercially available creams that promise to remove stretch marks but the truth is probably that, although many of these will be successful in diminishing the lines’ appearance, stretch marks do not really disappear – they just become less noticeable.
Moisturizers high in vitamin E – cocoa butter is very popular – can be effective in reducing stretch marks when applied regularly, and it’s about as treat a treatment as you can get.
Alternatively, blue light therapy offers a non-surgical treatment for more severe cases.
A more drastic option is plastic surgery, but for the vast majority of people this is unnecessary.
Ultimately, stretch marks are the result of our bodily processes and should not be hidden away or removed with a laser. Although it is naturally to want to try to prevent stretch marks and treat them to reduce their appearance, they should never be worn with shame or thought of as scars. They are the marks of our bodies doing what they’re supposed to be doing, and should be worn proudly to assure yourself and the outside world that your body is taking care of itself.
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