The narrow, intended streak-like lines on certain parts of the body, particularly breasts, abdomen, hips, stomach, and thighs, are known as stretch marks. The primary cause of stretch marks is damage or injury to the collagen or elastin fiber that supports skin elasticity. This leads to extreme stretching or shrinking of the underneath layers of the skin, making the skin appear red or dark brown.
What are Stretch Marks
Our skin is elastic, and sometimes, due to the rapid stretching and shrinking of skin, it gets discolored, depressed, and gives a scar-like appearance, which is known as Stretch marks.
The appearance of stretch marks is like fine, wavy, dull-coloured lines that commonly show up on areas like arms, lower back, abdomen, breasts, hips, and buttocks. Initially, stretch marks appear red or purple, and the texture of the skin is abnormal compared to that of the rest of the skin. It might feel raised, shrunken, and itchy. However, it gets lighter and less noticeable after applying stretch marks removal solutions.
Causes of Stretch Marks
There are two main components in the skin: Elastin, which helps the skin stretch and gives it elasticity, and Collagen, which is responsible for providing strength, structure, and shape to the skin. The elastin and collagen get damaged and eventually break when the skin undergoes rapid stretching or shrinking. You can notice the damage as dark, pigmented, and raised fine lines known as stretch marks.
Let us see what causes stretch marks:
- Pregnancy causes stretch marks as the belly and other areas of the skin stretch.
- Sudden gain or reduction in weight causes the skin to stretch or shrink, which causes the appearance of stretch marks.
- When the muscles get heavy and big due to weightlifting and bodybuilding.
- Sometimes, growth spurts in areas like thighs, hips, and chest occur, typically during adolescence which causes stretching of the skin.
- Long-term dosage of Prednisone also causes stretch marks.
Symptoms of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are usually painless and non-contagious. You will notice the following symptoms of stretch marks:
- Deep, sunken lines on the skin.
- Discoloration of the skin, making it appear red, purple, or dark brown.
- Itchiness in the affected area.
- Irritation due to the raised texture of the skin.
- Skin appears silvery or glossy as the stretch marks heal and become less noticeable.
- Sometimes stretch marks cause stress, depression, and anxiety, which affects your mental health, as it makes a person conscious about their appearance and how they are perceived.
Treatment of Stretch Marks
If you are suffering from mild stretch marks that cause no irritation or discomfort, you can treat them with non-surgical procedures that include the following:
- Packed with Vitamin A, Retinol is a great source to reduce stretch marks. It can be applied as a moisturizer or serum that helps boost collagen production, improves skin hydration, and reduces wrinkles, skin texture, and irritation. You should use retinol creams for at least 6 months to see the effects.
- Hyaluronic acid is the most effective ingredient for stretch marks treatment. You can use it as creams, moisturizers, or serums. Regular application of Hyaluronic acid on the stretch marks makes it plumpy, improves hydration, and improves its elasticity. It heals the skin and makes the appearance of stretch marks light.
- Using antiseptics or creams packed with Centella Asiatica herb helps to reduce the fine lines and shrunken appearance of the skin. It repairs the damaged skin, improving elasticity and collagen reducing stretch marks.
There are some surgical procedures that one may undergo if they are suffering from chronic and severe stretch marks that are visible and easily noticeable. Some surgical procedures available are:
- Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure in which the dermatologist uses a special instrument to scrape the area of the skin where stretch marks appear. This process will contour the skin, improve the texture, and result in even skin. This process usually shows results in 2-4 weeks.
- Laser skin resurfacing is another available surgery if your stretch marks are dark, making you conscious. In this process, concerned beams of light are used to remove the affected skin, giving it a new, smooth look and stimulating collagen growth.
- Microneedling is a process where needles are inserted in the damaged area of the skin, which causes ruptures. This is helpful in boosting collagen production and elastin fibers that give skin a smooth appearance. You will see the results 3-6 months after the treatment begins.
Conclusion
Stretch marks can be overwhelming and can take a toll on your mental health. You might feel under-confident and nervous about your appearance. But you don’t have to worry, as Skin Decor provides the best treatments and solutions that heal your skin and make you feel confident and happy. Book your consultation with Skin Decor today for healthy, glowing, glossy skin free from stretch marks!
