How stretch marks develop and things to know

Women who understand their bodies are also aware of what are commonly called stretch marks. Stretch marks are the often purplish or sometimes whitish, occasionally furrowed lines that develop after fast gaining weight and losing it such as in pregnancy, obesity and at times puberty. Even bodybuilders can have stretch marks. They appear when the true skin breaks and forms scars tissue as a way of compensating for the break. The visible scar tissue is the stretch mark we see. They normally appear in the abdomen, hips, lower back, thighs, breasts and upper arms.

There are three distinctive layers in the skin: the epidermis or outer layer of tissues usually insensitive to pain; the dermis –or real skin—where the nerve endings, blood capillaries, sweat glands and hair roots are located, and the fatty subcutaneous layer that touch the muscle fibers directly. The skin contains collagen and elastin, two proteins that enable the stretch and contract yet retain its shape, at least almost all the time. Over extension of the skin results in rupture of the elasticity, so the skin forms scar tissue to bridge the torn areas. The scar tissues stay even if the skin stretch has returned to normal conditions.

Stretch marks are decidedly unsightly, so many women desire to remove them, turning to many methods to do it. Among these methods are: surgical excision of the tissues, creams and moisturizers, bathing with lukewarm water, massaging them with certain oils and so on. Perhaps explaining a few methods would help.

Oily butters and rehydrants

Many of these ‘miracle oils’ may be purchased ‘over the counter’ of drugstores. They contain mostly Vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, shea butter or cocoa butter, and are massaged on the affectted skin two times or more day for a definite number of days, according to manufacturer specifications. Most are touted to be successful, but actually what they do is moisturize the skin surface and make the marks less obvious. They cannot mend the skin to its natural state after the damage has been done. But they do make the skin more supple and appealing.

Food intake and working out

As applicable to almost every physical problem, being particular with food and regular exercise will help. Plenty of liquids to rehydrate the body is the initial measure. Foods heavy in zinc like nuts and fish; in Vitamins C, E and A such as citrus, milk and carrots, and those of protein as meat and poultry will help rejuvenate the skin. The skin’s tome is renewed by regular exercise. Avoid coffee and other diuretics because they tend to dry out the skin.

Surgical procedures

Some people who can afford them prefer dermabrasion as remedy. Dermabrasion is performed by a cosmetic surgeon who freezes the skin then ‘sands’ it using a high-speed abrading wheel that peel off the skin’s outer layer. The removed skin is replaced by a fresher-looking skin after some time. Another process is chemical peeling. In this method which is also termed chemexfoliation, a chemical is applied to blister the skin, which is later peeled off as if scalded. The new growth of skin will then appear smother or less unsightly. But those surgical procedures are expensive and too risky for ordinary women so only the rich who can buy the process and others after it choose the option.

Finally, there is laser surgery. Though sounding serious, laser surgery has been improved so much by technology the risks are considerably less. In this method, an extremely concentrated ray of light traces the marks to remove very thin layers of skin, including the scar tissue itself. The laser-burned skin heals almost immediately, closing over the gap left by the scar tissue. The new skin would look much better than the scars. Though the procedure is easy and simple, several sessions are required, and some risks are also involved.

Prevention

Best option. Should be done except for the surgeries before the stretch marks appear.

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