The Art of Stretch Mark Removal
If you have experienced stretch marks, it was most likely during puberty or a pregnancy where the skin underwent fast weight changes. But you may be wondering what exactly is the cause of stretch marks and how to fade stretch marks appearance once they form. In general, stretch marks are formed in those body areas that store large amounts of fat, and they occur in the dermis, the skin layer which determines its shape.
What are Stretch Marks
Stretch marks begin as actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface. These marks are created by your own body to heal those tears. The reality is that stretch marks are really scar tissue created by the body to heal damage caused by thin skin stretched beyond its limits.
Referred to by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically appear after a period of rapid weight gain or loss. Stretch marks are most prevalent during pregnancy and the teen years, when periods of rapid growth and increased levels of steroid hormones cause radical changes throughout the body. The reality is that almost 90% of females who are pregnant form stretch marks.
A little known fact is that the annoying stretch mark is really the most common form of skin lesion. Stretch marks, or Striae, are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank. You need to know that stretch marks are absolutely normal and are not a medical concern. The issue is that they can become an appearance issue and affect a person’s self esteem.
Preventing Stretch Marks – Your First Line of Defense
A secret to prevent stretch marks from forming is to maintain moisture in the skin during periods of weight gain or loss. This will help reduce stretch marks and for those that do appear, become less noticeable over time. A process of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils into the skin ,such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E, will help rid stretch marks from your high risk areas.
The Art of Stretch Mark Removal
The act of massaging the stretch mark damaged skin is critical and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process. Exfoliation of the area will also help stretch marks removal by shedding dead skin cells and allowing the stretch mark cream to penetrate deeper into the damaged skin. A warning is warranted though – be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive. A little tenderness will go a long way to remove stretch marks effectively!
