Stretch marks on the body: why they appear and how to get rid of them?
The skin – is the largest and uniquely structured organ of the human body. Our body often undergoes changes, regardless of gender or age. Accordingly, the skin adapts to new forms, either tightening or stretching. As a result, we notice defects on the skin.
In this article, we will reveal the causes of stretch marks, their prevention, and possible treatment methods.
What are stretch marks and their classification:
A stretch mark, or striae – is a type of scar of a streaky shape that appears as a result of micro-tears in the dermis. Such defects can occur on various areas of the skin: on the legs, buttocks, chest, abdomen, and back.
Classification and manifestations of stretch marks
Fresh stretch marks (up to a year):
- Have a pink, red, or purple color – this is related to damage to blood vessels during the rupture of skin fibers and the inflammatory process
- Feel slightly raised above the skin surface
- May itch (itching and skin irritation can occur even before the stretch mark becomes visible)
Mature stretch marks:
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Lose color, becoming almost white
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Feel slightly sunken to the touch
Causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks most often appear:
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due to rapid weight change
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pregnancy and lactation period
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injuries
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intensive sports activities
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due to a lack of collagen and elastin in the body, which are responsible for the skin's ability to stretch
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Cushing's disease (excessive cortisol production by the adrenal glands)
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Marfan syndrome (genetic disorder of connective tissue formation)
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heredity (genetic disorders in the synthesis and elasticity of collagen, making the skin more vulnerable)
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hormonal disorders in the body.
Statistics on stretch marks
- During pregnancy, the statistics of stretch marks range from 50 to 90%
- In puberty, the prevalence of stretch marks varies from 6% to 86%
- In obesity, the statistics stand at 43%
- Since stretch marks are more common in women, and the statistics for puberty and obesity include both women and men, the prevalence of stretch marks in women in these conditions can reach 90%
In the presence of provoking situations for the appearance of stretch marks, we recommend starting to use preventive measures against stretch marks even before they appear.
Inflammatory process and itching
Before a stretch mark becomes visible, an inflammatory process begins in the skin. Often, when new stretch marks form, itching may occur, as the skin fibers rupture, the skin thins, and nerve endings become more sensitive. With mature stretch marks, itching is no longer felt.
How stretch marks form
When the skin is stretched or compressed, the fibers of the skin matrix (collagen and elastin) rupture. As a result of this rupture, an inflammatory process develops.
During inflammation, inflammatory cells release proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase. These enzymes affect collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, essentially "cutting" them.
Treatment and prevention of stretch marks
Like any scar, stretch marks are irreversible, and once they appear, it is impossible to completely get rid of them. This is especially true for mature stretch marks.
Topical treatment can only make fresh stretch marks less noticeable.
There is a myth that tanning can hide stretch marks. But this is not true; stretch marks do not tan and
on the contrary, become more noticeable on tanned skin.
It is recommended to take preventive measures to avoid the appearance of stretch marks if there are provoking factors:
• Maintain a stable weight
• Avoid aggressive diets
• Adhere to regular physical activity
• Follow a hydration regimen
Most importantly – do not wait for a stretch mark to become noticeable and use products that:
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Have anti-inflammatory properties,
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Have anti-itch effects,
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Promote the formation of new collagen,
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Moisturize the skin.
To reduce the visibility of stretch marks and maintain the beauty of the skin, use the Femilite stretch mark cream. This product will significantly improve the condition of your skin, eliminate or reduce visible skin defects – fine wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, and remove skin roughness. The cream will also take care of the natural moisture balance in the dermis.
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The product contains active ingredients such as regestril, shea butter, almond and argan oils, extracts of aloe vera, centella asiatica, and lemon. It also includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
Timely prevention of stretch marks or using the product at the early stages of stretch mark formation will spare you visible defects in the future.
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