Stretch marks are a kind of scarring of the skin due to tearing of the dermis, which can be caused by puberty, rapid weight gain, breast implants or pregnancy. They occur when the elasticity of the dermis is weakened and skin gives way. Stretch marks, also called striae, are not dangerous and tend to fade over time.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of stretch marks include red or purple streaks, bright streaks that fade to light pink, grayish or white, and indented lines in the skin. They commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts and typically become visible during the last trimester of pregnancy. Breast implant surgery also results in stretch marks for some women. If you have a history of stretch marks or are getting implants, you will be particularly susceptible, according to Just Breast Implants.
Prevention/Solution
While it is not possible to completely prevent stretch marks in many cases, you can reduce their severity by following some straightforward guidelines, according to MedicineNet. For instance, you can help maintain your skin's elasticity by using moisturizer regularly and drinking plenty of water. In addition, during pregnancy and before and after breast implant surgery you should apply moisturizer regularly to help stretch skin and avoid tearing.
Treatment
While stretch marks are not dangerous and tend to fade over time, there are treatments that can improve their appearance. According to Stretchmarks, Retin-A cream is effective, though it should not be used during pregnancy. Laser therapy (wavelengths of light pulsed on the skin) can also help reduce stretch marks by stimulating the growth of collagen in skin. Microdermabrasion is a technique that polishes the skin by abrading it with crystals. This method removes the top layer of skin, and, like laser therapy, can stimulate skin growth and collagen production.
Hide Stretch Marks
New stretch marks can be particularly obvious and dark. Self-tanners can safely obscure new stretch marks while protecting your skin from the sun, according to Stretchmarks. You can also use body makeup that matches your skin tone, or wear boy-short style swim trunks to obscure problem areas. Remember, many people get stretch marks at some point in their lives, and they usually fade over time. Pregnancy-related stretch marks often fade very quickly after delivery, according to the website Pregnancy Period.
Risks
Stretch marks are more common in women than men, especially women who are overweight or pregnant. Stretch marks are also genetically linked. If you have a parent with stretch marks, you are more likely to get them, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are planning to get breast implant surgery and have a family history of stretch marks, you may want to consider smaller implants, according to Just Breast Implants.
Tags: stretch marks, fade over, fade over time, implant surgery, over time, stretch marks, your skin
