Leading Causes of Stretch Marks

At some point in our lives, most of us are prone to develop stretch marks. Stomach, buttocks, thighs and arms are the most affected parts of our bodies. Stretch marks are basically purplish white or brownish-white striations. These marks disfigure our appearance permanently, because once formed, it is impossible to eliminate them. So one is left with only one option: to hide them! No amount of make-up can bring back that flawless look once these stretch marks turn up on your skin. But there are various ways to prevent this from happening in the first place. For this, you should be aware of the leading causes of these revolting marks.

Pregnancy
In the case of women, pregnancy is the biggest cause of stretch marks. Pregnant women dread these marks because they are disgusting to look at. The worst thing is that these marks persist even when the maternity is over.

These are formed because as the abdomen is stretched during pregnancy, the stretched skin is not adequately hydrated and loses its moisture, which leads to the formation of such marks. This can be avoided by applying a moisturizer on the stretched skin during pregnancy.

Sudden weight gain
Sudden weight gain can give rise to the emergence of these marks as well. It is because when we gain weight rapidly, our adrenal glands secrete increased amount of cortisol hormone which brings about the formation of these marks. You can avoid this by gaining weight slowly and using a suitable moisturizer.

Rapid weight loss
It might seem unbelievable but losing weight rapidly can also produce stretch marks. Because this abrupt change affects our skin which responds by forming abnormal skin banding. Therefore even if you lose weight, you should do so carefully and at an appropriate speed. Otherwise you would not be capable of showing off you abs after all of that hard work.

Excessive use of steroidal creams
Stretch marks can also be caused by steroidal creams when they are used excessively. These creams are full of steroids which aggravate our skin and result in the appearance of these ugly lines.

Even if you have to use such creams, you can limit the damage by using a good moisturizer.

Medical Disorders
On certain occasions you are doing nothing wrong but there is something flawed with your body functions which leads to hormone imbalance.

One of such example is Cushing’s syndrome. In this disease, excess cortisol is released which can result in stretch marks especially if the change occurs at a brisk rate.

Hereditary
Sometimes none of the above stated factors seems to be the culprit. In such cases, the cause is mostly some kind of hereditary ailment like connective tissue disorder etc. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome are examples of such disorders.

As stated before, stretch marks are permanent but you can use certain tips and tricks at home or try certain cosmetic medications to lighten them. Best time to do so is when these marks are still reddish white or pinkish white in color. Because once they turn into white striae, it is too late and it gets hard to cure them.

How to Treat Stretch Marks Caused by Exercise

Pregnancy and rapid weight gain are the most common causes of stretch marks but they are also induced by heavy exercise which can lead to abrupt increase in muscle bulk. Our skin is a very elastic organ and therefore it can stretch but there is a limit to it, beyond which it loses its elasticity and the stretch marks are formed. The body parts prone to the stretch marks, caused by intense exercise, are thighs, arms, chest and back. In the case of stretch marks, preventing their formation is the ideal approach. But if you were working out too enthusiastically and developed the stretchmarks, then there are a number of tricks you can try.

Trick # 1

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the most important step in preventing stretch marks. Maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Your diet should contain foods like cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables. Especially include fruits rich in nutrients like vitamin C in your diet e.g. lemon, oranges, lime etc. Vitamin C repairs damaged collagen thus restoring vitality of the stretched skin.

Trick # 2

If you are trying to develop bulky and huge muscles and you are working out excessively to achieve them, you might tend to lift heavy weights. This can put too much stress on your skin leading to the formation of stretch marks.

You can avoid this by lifting lighter weights while increasing the number of repetitions. You can move on to heavier weights gradually as your skin gets used to the increased stress.

Trick # 3

If you have already developed stretch marks due to exercising you should visit a dermatologist promptly and get a tretinoin cream prescription. Apply it over you stretch marks everyday regularly. This will help you limit damage by reducing redness and augmenting collagen production in the stretched area.

Trick # 4

If you are looking for a more aggressive approach, you can try laser therapy. The pulse-dye laser therapy uses pulsed laser to stimulate collagen and elastin in the deeper skin layers. There is another laser therapy which increases the production of a skin pigment called melanin, which leads to change in color and look of the stretch marks. In both of these therapies, several treatment sessions will be required before desired results are obtained.

Trick # 5

Newly formed stretchmarks are reddish in color but they fade off gradually to colors like white or silver and get less recognizable if the person has fair color. But on exposure to the sunlight, they can turn darker. So, try avoiding exposure to the UV light and use a sun block, especially if you have a fair skin color.

Warnings

Before starting any kind of treatment for the stretch marks, always consult a doctor. If you develop stretch marks without any apparent cause like exercise, weight gain or pregnancy etc., consult a physician instantly. Because there is a possibility of certain medical disorders associated with the stretch marks like Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome or Ehler-Danlos syndrome etc.

By using these simple tips and tricks, you can avoid the stretch marks induced by work out successfully and keep a healthy body and a beautiful skin.

Reduce Stretch Marks and Scars with Oils

Scars can be formed by a number of causative factors like acne, burns and cuts etc. It may sound unbelievable but the stretchmarks are also a kind of scar tissue. Pregnancy is the leading cause of the stretch marks in women. These striation scan also be formed by rapid weight gain and the growth spurts in teenagers. No matter what is the underlying cause, the scar tissue is permanent and cannot be easily removed. Although certain natural oils can be used to lighten them.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids which makes it great for the treatment of many skin disorders. It is especially useful for the post-pregnancy stretch marks. Use coconut oil three times a day for good results.

Neroli Oil

Neroli oil is obtained from orange tree. This method was discovered in Italy, years ago. Research has shown that upon application of the neroli oil, skin cells start regenerating which can help in reducing scars like the stretch marks.

Some people can be allergic to oils and can get rash on using them. But the neroli oil is safe for all skin types even for the most sensitive skins. It is also safe in pregnancy, so pregnant women can start using it as a preventive measure even before the stretch marks are formed.

Mandarin Oil

Chinese used mandarin oil in traditional medicine thousands of years ago. And it is still used by modern aroma therapists for the management of scars and stretch marks. Mandarin oil is derived from a fruit commonly known as tangerine. Although Mandarin oil is a citrus oil but, unlike other citrus oils, when it is applied on skin it will not make it susceptible to sunburn. This oil is also safe for use in pregnancy.

Lavender Oil

Aroma therapists use lavender widely for the treatment of problems ranging from the skin disorders like stretchmarks and psoriasis to the problems like indigestion and respiratory issues.

Lavender oil has the most wide-ranging qualities compared to any other essential oil. People residing in Mediterranean region have been using this oil for umpteen years.

Experts believe that lavender oil restores skin’s vitality, therefore it helps in the reduction of stretch marks or any other kind of scars.

Mixtures of Oils

As stated before, natural oils can help in reducing the scars and the stretch marks but if you blend various oils together it can work wonders. Combining different oil has an additive effect and it increases their effectiveness considerably. While making a mixture, beware of using appropriate proportions of various oils. You can make mixtures like following:

• Add one drop of the lavender oil.
• Add one drop of the mandarin oil.
• Add one drop of the neroli oil.
• Add 2mm of the wheat gram oil.
• Blend this mixture well and apply it over the scarred skin.

You can also make mixtures which contain a blend of chamomile oil, neroli or sweet orange oil, grape seed oil and wheat germ oil. You can also add vitamin E oil to your blend of oils. These oils or mixtures of oils should be used on a regular basis especially if you are a pregnant mom.

Natural Methods to Moisturize Skin

In the modern era, one can find dozens of options for the skincare. Beauty parlors offer different skincare treatments and a number of non-prescription moisturizing creams can be bought quite easily. However, you do not have to spend so much money to make your skin glow. Simple home remedies can be used for this purpose. These remedies are even more efficacious because they contain natural ingredients. But before you try anything keep one thing in mind, always wash and cleanse your face before moisturizing.

Cream

On a busy day when you have no time to spare, applying cream over your face is a perfect way to moisturize it. Cream contains lactic acid which exfoliates your skin.

• Apply the cold cream over your face. A few lemon drops can be added to it as well.
• Let it dry.
• After 15 minutes, rinse it off with water.

Honey face pack

Honey has anti-microbic effects because it contain antioxidants. So, it holds moisture within the skin making it silky soft.

• Before taking a bath apply honey on the face.
• Leave it there for fifteen minutes.
• Then wash it off.

Papaya and Yogurt face mask

Papaya is full of vitamin C and E and yoghurt eases itchy and dried out skin. Besides both are full of antioxidants and have good moisturizing abilities.

• Mix 3 tablespoons of squashed papaya with half cup of curd. Then add some drops of lemon juice and honey.
• Apply over your face. Leave it on for ten minutes.
• After that, rinse off your face with chill water.

Do this once every week.

Strawberry mask 

The strawberries moisturize skin naturally giving it a natural radiance. Mixing it with some cream or curd makes a refreshing scrub which removes dead cell from skin.

• Cut and mash some strawberries. Add half cup of cream or curd and one teaspoon of lemon.
• Cool this mixture in a fridge for 30 minutes.
• Apply this face mask over face and also your neck. Leave it on for twenty minutes.
• Scrub gently while removing.Over-ripe banana maskWe generally throw away over-ripe bananas but you can utilize them to rejuvenate your aging skin.

• Mash two over-ripe bananas and add 2 tablespoons of curd, some oats and a couple of drops of pure honey to it.
• Blend it well.
• Apply all over your face with a broad, flat brush.
• Wash it off after fifteen minutes.Egg and olive oil face maskOlive oil, even alone, is a great moisturizing agent. For dry skin, it can be applied all over the body to get a quick shine. Rub it on dried up areas like knees and elbow for instant softness.

• Take some olive oil, egg yolk and honey and blend them all together.
• Apply this face pack and wait for fifteen minutes. This face pack is perfect for hydrating your skin and it gives it an instant glow.Now you do not have to buy costly treatments and cosmetics full of chemicals. These natural remedies are so inexpensive and simple to use yet very effective. So, moisturize your skin using these amazing tricks and say goodbye to the dull and dry skin.

White vs. Red Stretch Marks

Stretchmarks are a very common skin problem. Young and old, men and women can be affected by them. Stretch marks are also called “striae” because they look like reddish or whitish colored, rough striations. Colors of the stretch marks vary depending on their age. They can be white, red, light purple or silvery in color. These marks are everlasting and best way to avoid them is to not let them form in the first place. For this you will need to take certain precautionary measures. But before that, you must understand why stretch marks are formed.

Causes

A number of reasons contribute to the formation of stretch marks, most common being rapid weight gain. Abrupt weight gain is mostly seen in the case of pregnant women, that is why they develop stretch marks mostly. Similarly growth spurts associated with adolescence can lead to formation of these striations. Other causes include medical syndromes like Marfan syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome etc. Moreover, excessive use of steroid rich creams also cause stretch marks.

Aging of Stretch Marks

When a stretch mark forms on our skin, it is reddish or mildly purple in color. Depending on skin color and skin type, its color fades out gradually and it transforms to silvery or whitish lines. A lot of cosmetics make claims of removing stretch marks completely but it is virtually impossible.

Treatment for Red Stretch Marks

Red stretch marks are fresh and they respond differently to treatment as compared to old stretch marks. Following options are good for treating red stretch marks.

• Tretinoin Cream: It contains retin-A. Retin-A helps regenerating collagen and elastin in the damaged skin.
• Fractional Photothermolysis: It uses pulsed light which is thrown at skin in small quantities and helps in rejuvenating it.
• Pulsed-dye Laser Therapy: This technique uses laser rays to restore collagen in stretch marks and stimulate healing.

Treatment for White Stretch Marks

Older stretchmarks are whitish in color and are more resistant to treatments used for red stretch marks. Therefore, more aggressive approach is taken to treat them.

• Excimer Laser: This method stimulates the formation of melanin which is a skin pigment. This masks stretchmark by making its shade closer to the normal skin tone of the person.
• Microdermabrasion Technique: This process involves abrasion of skin over the stretchmark with the help of small crystals to improve its appearance.

Preventive Measures

There is no doubt that “prevention is the best policy”. This maxim is especially true in the case of stretch marks. Avoiding weight gain, especially at a sudden pace, is very important to prevent the stretch marks. This can be achieved by maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Although in cases like pregnancy, expansion of abdomen by a baby growing inside it and weight gain is inevitable. But they can use simple home remedies like Aloe vera, vegetable oils etc. and cosmetics available commercially to minimize stretch marks. These methods can neither prevent nor remove stretch marks absolutely but they can make a difference by relieving a bit of the dryness and itching associated with the stretch marks.

Painful Stretch Marks

When you stretch an elastic band, it keeps on stretching due to it elastic properties but beyond a certain limit it breaks. Our skin is very similar to an elastic band in this regard. When the skin stretches beyond its natural potential it develops tears and scar tissue forms in those tears eventually. This leads to the formation of stretch marks. These purplish or reddish colored striations are revolting reminders of the skin damage caused by sudden weight gain or growth spurts. Stretch marks are generally harmless but they can disfigure one’s appearance. Also they are itchy and painful.

Significance

Changes related to our body growth lead to the development of stretch marks. Whether it is abrupt weight gain, growth spurt or pregnancy, they can all lead to excessive stretching of the skin thus resulting in the formation of stretch marks. Stretchmarks can also be formed by unreasonable consumption of pills and creams rich in steroids. The reason behind it is that steroids alter collagen production in the skin. Stretch marks are painful because they are formed by the stretching of skin. Just imagine your skin being pulled as if it was being pinched, it is definitely going to hurt.

Itching is caused when defense mechanisms of skin are triggered by damage caused to it due to overstretching. Scar tissue is formed, which is harder in consistency compared to normal skin and can cause discomfort.

Preventive measures

• Maintain your body weight within a healthy range.
• Drink lots of water.
• Keep a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, cereals etc.
• Exercise regularly and moderately.
• Keep your skin moisturized.
• If you have a family history of stretch marks, you might be genetically predisposed to this condition. So you should be more careful.

Treatment

Scar tissue in the stretchmarks can constrict blood vessels in the skin thus decreasing blood flow which can cause pain. You can avoid this by rubbing Vitamin E oil or cocoa butter on the scarred area. You should never scratch your stretch marks at any cost even when they hurt. Because stretching them can worsen the damage and make them even more painful. Instead you should try some cooling gel like Aloe gel which reduces redness and swelling.

Expert Advice

Skin experts like dermatologists suggest using creams containing Retnin-A such as tretinoin cream. They advise that it is more effective to use this cream on newly formed stretch marks which are still painful and pink in color. Success rate of tretinoin creams fall from eighty percent to ten percent, once stretch marks turn whitish in color.

Warning

In such cases, where the stretch marks are formed in the absence of any common predisposing cause like sudden weight gain, pregnancy etc. then you should see a doctor and get your hormones level checked. Sometimes certain hormone disorder, like Cushing’s syndrome, can be the reason. This is a rare syndrome in which adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of cortisol hormone. Cortisol affects our collagen production thus leading to the formation of stretch marks. In addition to this, certain connective tissue disorders can also cause stretch marks. Examples include Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome.