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March 23, 2023

Stretch marks are a common skin concern that affect millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. They often occur when the skin stretches rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers to tear and resulting in the characteristic streaks that appear on the surface of the skin. While they are typically harmless, stretch marks can cause self-consciousness and may impact a person's confidence. In this article, we will explore the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for stretch marks, as well as provide tips for prevention and self-care.

 

Whether you're dealing with stretch marks or simply interested in learning more, read on to discover what you need to know.

 

What are Stretch Marks?

 

Stretch marks are streaks or scars that develop on the skin when it rapidly stretches or shrinks. These marks can appear as lines that run across your skin and are a very common condition that affects up to 90% of people. They typically occur during or after pregnancy, as well as after sudden or rapid changes in weight, such as in rapidly growing adolescents. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the stomach, breasts, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. You may feel a slight ridge or indentation on the skin when touching them and they may also be itchy or sore. Although stretch marks are not harmful to your health, they can be permanent but may fade over time.

 

Image from AskApollo

 

Causes and Risk Factors of Stretch Marks

 

When your body grows rapidly, stretch marks can occur as your skin is unable to stretch enough to keep up with the growth. The lack of elasticity in the skin could be due to the deficiency of collagen, a protein that plays a crucial role in making your skin more elastic. Consequently, stretch marks may appear as your skin stretches.

 

Here are other possible causes of stretch marks:

 

• Rapid weight gain, which can affect both men and women.
• Childhood growth spurts during puberty. It's important for kids to know that this is normal and that stretch marks may fade as they get older.
• Pregnancy, due to the stretched skin and a surge in hormones that weaken skin fibers. The marks may fade as you shed pounds after giving birth.
• Breast implant surgery.
• Bodybuilding, even for those with little body fat, as muscles bulging can cause stretch marks.
• High doses of steroids, whether from steroid medications or illnesses like Cushing's syndrome.
• Marfan syndrome, a genetic disease that weakens skin fibers and causes abnormal growth.
• Genetic factors.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of conditions resulting from genetic changes to collagen, a protein in your body.

 

Stretch Marks: Symptoms and Diagnosis

 

Initially, stretch marks may feel itchy and slightly raised. These streaky and rippled lines may appear in various colors, from red or pink to purplish-blue, eventually fading to thinner, paler streaks that resemble scars. As time passes, you may not notice them as much. They can manifest in several areas of the body, including the arms, back, breasts, buttocks, hips, shoulders, and torso or stomach.

 

Diagnosis of stretch marks can be made simply by a doctor observing your skin, but they may also inquire about your medical history. If you have used oral or topical steroids for an extended period, the high levels of cortisol in your body may be a contributing factor.

 

Image from Rejuvaskin

 

How You Can Get Rid of Stretch Marks at Home

 

You may have encountered various recommendations for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, but there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Some of these suggestions include:

 

• Moisturizing. While many moisturizers claim to reduce or eliminate stretch marks, there is little evidence to support these claims. Applying moisturizer to stretch marks may not have any effect on their appearance. However, if you want to try it, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends gently massaging it into new stretch marks over several weeks.
• Prescription creams. According to some research, certain topical treatments available by prescription may help make early stretch marks less noticeable. These treatments include hyaluronic acid and tretinoin, which is a synthetic form of vitamin A.
• Tretinoin. Creams containing tretinoin (Retin-A) contain a compound related to Vitamin A called retinoid, which can increase collagen production. Although they are often used to treat wrinkles, they may also help fade newer stretch marks. However, they can also cause redness, irritation, or scaling of the skin.
• Collagen boosters. Some products, such as StriVectin-SD and lupin seed extracts, claim to increase collagen in the skin and may be used to fade or prevent stretch marks. However, it is unclear whether they are effective.
• Centella asiatica. This herbal oil is believed to boost the cells that produce collagen and build up skin tissue. It is commonly found in over-the-counter skin creams for stretch marks, but there is little evidence to support its effectiveness in fading stretch marks. Some people use it to help heal wounds.

 

Before you try any home remedies for stretch marks, remember to consult with your dermatologist first. It's important to have the guidance of your doctor before pursuing any type of home treatment.

Medical Treatments for Stretch Marks 

 

Over time, stretch marks may naturally fade away. However, there are treatments available that can help improve their appearance if you don't want to wait. It's important to note, though, that no treatment can completely erase stretch marks.

 

If you're considering professional options to minimize the appearance of your stretch marks, a dermatologist can offer guidance on the following treatments:

 

• Pulsed dye laser therapy. This painless procedure uses light energy to calm blood vessels under the skin and reduce the appearance of new, red stretch marks.
• Fractional CO2 laser therapy. This new treatment may help smooth out old, white stretch marks. One study found that women's stretch marks faded after five sessions compared to those who used topical creams with glycolic acid and tretinoin.
• Excimer laser therapy. This treatment exposes stretch marks to targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) light and may correct pigment problems from stretch marks over 1 to 4 months of treatment.
• Microdermabrasion. This procedure involves using tiny crystals to rub off the top layer of skin and can help fade new, reddish stretch marks when combined with skin peels.
• Cosmetic surgery. Procedures like a tummy tuck can remove skin with stretch marks, but they may result in scars and are often painful and expensive.
• Chemical peel. This acidic solution removes dead and damaged cells from the top layer of skin and boosts new skin growth. While it may improve stretch marks to some extent, it cannot completely eliminate them.
• Radiofrequency. This treatment uses radio wave energy to create heat and trigger collagen production. While one study found it to be safe and effective for improving stretch marks, more research is needed.
• Ultrasound. Similar to radiofrequency treatments, ultrasound sends sound waves deep into the skin to heat and tighten and stimulate collagen production.

 

Image from Cambridge Therapeutics

 

How Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented

 

Maintaining hydration, following a balanced diet, and engaging in consistent physical activity may aid in preventing stretch marks caused by rapid changes in weight, even during pregnancy.

 

Seeking assistance from a registered dietitian can provide support for reaching a healthy and sustainable weight, lowering the risk of developing stretch marks. However, genetics play a significant role in the development of stretch marks, and there's no guaranteed method to completely prevent them, regardless of regular use of creams or lotions. Finally, it's important to keep in mind that stretch marks are a normal and widespread occurrence that poses no harm to your health.

 

Stretch marks are a common skin condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or body type. While they may be a source of self-consciousness for some, it's important to remember that they're a natural and harmless part of the body's growth and change. There are various treatments available to help minimize the appearance of stretch marks, but it's important to keep in mind that none of them can make them disappear completely. The best way to prevent stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, but even with the best efforts, some individuals may still develop them due to genetic factors.

 

Ultimately, it's important to focus on self-acceptance and embrace the uniqueness of our bodies, stretch marks and all.