Stretch marks, also known as striae, are long scars that grow when the skin either shrinks or stretches quickly once men and women, of course, get past the phase of puberty. What happens when stretch marks appear on the body is that the normal production of collagen is disrupted. The initial causes of stretch marks are pregnancy, puberty, fast weight gain along with fast weight loss. The changes in hormones also play a role in the appearance of stretch marks on the body. Usually, stretch marks fade over time and do not cause severe health problems. When stretch marks develop on your body, they are most likely to appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, flank, buttocks, and thighs. We are all aware of how stretch marks do not actually affect our health, but mostly our mental health because we don’t like seeing them on our body, and we tend to feel more complex. Up until now, no healing treatment has been advanced, however creams, massages, microdermabrasion, and laser do contribute for a better appearance of stretch marks. Moreover, some people are more likely to develop stretch marks than others. Some of the risk factors are pregnancy, having breast augmentation, using corticosteroids, having certain genetic disorders, gaining or losing weight rapidly, being overweight, or having a family of stretch marks.
However, there are several things you may start doing to prevent stretch marks from growing on your skin. First, it is important to start controlling your weight whether you are pregnant or not. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and exercise to be able to manage your weight. Staying hydrated is another key point in preventing stretch marks because it helps your skin stay hydrated and soft. Besides, soft skin does not develop stretch marks as much as dry skin does. For those who drink caffeinated beverages, know that it may increase the risk of developing stretch marks. It is essential to balance the fluid intake with a lot of water, herbal tea, or caffeine-free liquids. Along with controlling your weight and staying hydrated, follow a nutrient-rich diet. Sometimes stretch marks start to appear due to a lack of nutrition in some areas. Consuming foods that boost your skin health may help such as foods rich in zinc, protein, and vitamin C, D and E. An intake in vitamin C is important for the development of collagen, which is found in myriad fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits. Collagen is crucial in maintaining a strong and elastic skin. It also helps in order to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is easily obtainable by exposing yourself to the sun and consuming foods such as bread, cereal, and dairy products. In addition, consuming foods rich in zinc helps decrease inflammation and plays a role in the healing process. For instance, nuts and fish are zinc-rich foods that could improve your skin to be healthy.
Your main concern right now must be to know how to prevent stretch marks. There are several ways to prevent stretch marks from appearing on your body. One of the treatments is the retinoid cream which is basically vitamin A derivatives that unclogs pores, boosts collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover in order to even out discoloration and smooth your skin. If your stretch marks are still new, using the retinoid cream may improve the appearance of your skin. This cream is known to assist the rebuild of collagen in your skin as well as making the stretch marks appear more like the rest of your skin. It is important to contact your doctor about the treatment in case you are pregnant or nursing because topical retinoids are not to be used during pregnancy and while nursing since their risk-benefit ratio is questionable. Laser therapy is another alternative to reduce stretch marks from expanding on your skin. It benefits to stimulate collagen in your skin to grow. There are different types of laser therapy, which your doctor can help you choose the one that is better for you. Glycolic acid creams and chemical peels are also beneficial to treat stretch marks. These treatments do work to reduce stretch marks, yet they do not keep new stretch marks from forming. The treatments may be expensive and are most probably not covered by your medical insurance. After all, most of the time, stretch marks tend to become less apparent with time. Although it can be hard to prevent them and no revelation product has been proven to work, you can start by implementing the tips we have provided you with in order to prevent them from appearing or treat the ones currently present on your body. Contacting your doctor may help you in order to evaluate what has caused your stretch marks. Other than that, make sure you track your weight, stay hydrated, and follow a rich-nutrient diet.
