Stretch Marks Treatment

Stretch marks, or as dermatologist's call them, striae (singular: stria), are a form of scarring that causes formation of long "angry" looking narrow lines or streaks with an off-color hue on the skin.

They occur when the skin is excessively stretched over a short time period, causing the middle layer of skin (dermis) to tear in places, exposing the blood vessels which show through - the main reason the marks are usually red or purplish when they first appear.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Striae are associated with rapid growth or rapid changes in weight. Changes your skin may be a bit slow in keeping up with, e.g those that occur during pregnancy, adolescence growth spurts, weight gain and weightlifting. Family history (genetics) may also play a part. If a close relative e.g your mother or sister had them during pregnancy, chances are that you'll get them. Younger mothers (teens) are also more susceptible.

Best Stretch Mark Cream

Pregnancy, sudden growth spurts, weightlifting and surgery also cause the body to increase production of the glucocorticoid hormone.

This hormone inhibits formation of collagen and elastin fibers (that are required to keep rapidly growing skin rigid) by fibroblasts. Lack of adequate surportive material leads to dermal and epidermal tearing when the skin is subjected to a stretching force beyond its ability to withstand.

Certain medical conditions e.g Marfan's syndrome - a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, and prolonged or improper use of corticosteroid medication increases susceptibility.

Stria Symptoms

Although both men and women are affected, they occur most often in women.

• They first appear as long and narrow red or purplish lines that gradually fade, over time, to a hue that's closer to the color of the surrounding skin. The affected areas have a barren appearance and are soft to the touch.
• They occur in the dermis, the supple middle layer that helps the skin preserve its shape. No marks will form as long as there is sufficient support within the dermis that can withstand stretching. 
• They may appear anywhere on the body. However, the areas most vulnerable are those where larger amounts of fat are stored: The upper arms, underarms, breasts, stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs (both inner and outer) and shoulders (in bodybuilders).
  

Reduction and Prevention

The marks themselves pose no health risks at all . They are mainly an issue of aesthetic and cosmetic concern - effect(s) on physical appearance.

While it's not possible to prevent them in some situations like pregnancy, weight control and proper skin care can reduce the chances of their development. 

Another key to prevention is proper nutrition. Load up on foods rich in zinc, protein, vitamins A and C, fish, eggs, carrots, nuts, fruits... and lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid "refined" foods and those rich in sugar, they will wreck havoc on your skin. 

Stria Treatment

Skinception Intensive Stretch Marks Therapy fades the marks by up to 72.5%. It is scientifically formulated with the latest in skin care technology, it's a safe and effective way to erase those tell-tale markers on your body.

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