Little Known Facts About Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks Occur In The Dermis Not The Epidermis
There are three layers to the human skin: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is the middle layer, supporting the epidermis above with a support network of proteins like elastin fibers and collagen. Stretch marks develop when the dermal layer of the skin undergoes stress from rapid growth. Thin linear areas are created in the dermis due to a lack of support proteins. These thin areas are accompanied by broken capillaries that become reddish purple stretch marks. Over time, the thin areas of dermis develop scar tissue accompanied by atrophy of the epidermis above to create the pale silvery and furrowed look of older stretch marks.
Hormones Are the Root Cause Of Stretch Marks
Hormones are the chemical messengers within our bodies. They tell certain cells what to do and how to behave. In the dermis, they affect the creation of elastin fibers and collagen. Because hormones share a similar molecular shape with fat cells and steroids, researchers discovered hormone fluctuations in the skin due to excessive changes to the bodies fat stores or over use of certain steroids are the root cause of stretch marks. Not excessive tearing or stretching of the skin.
Stretch Marks Are Very Common In Teens
Almost 40 per cent of teenage boys and 70 per cent of teenage girls will develop stretch marks during puberty. However, these stretch marks tend to be the least severe and the best healing marks due to the resilience of young skin.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks Are More Common Than You Think
Approximately 90 per cent of expecting mothers will develop stretch marks. Heredity seems to play an important factor in whether an expecting mother will get stretch marks or not. If your mother or a sister had the marks after pregnancy, you have an above average chance of developing them as well. On the bright side, knowledge is opportunity. By knowing you are prone to stretch marks, you can start early and focus on methods to avoid pregnancy stretch marks. If you’re going to get stretch marks, it’s much better to get mild ones than large angry ones. The single most effective method is controlling the speed of your weight gain.
Stretch Marks Are Difficult To Avoid
Because stretch marks are influenced by genetics and mainly caused by changes in the bodies hormones during pregnancy and puberty, they are difficult to avoid. Treatment should be approached as a way to reduce stretch marks. Seeing a dermatologists or other stretch mark specialist is the best way to get targeted treatment advice for your particular case.
Stretch Marks Will Reduce And Fade On Their Own
There is a natural healing process to stretch marks. Overtime and without the use of fading creams or moisturizers, stretch marks will diminish from the red and dark purple of recent marks to the pale white and beige of older stretch marks. Stretch mark creams like TriLastin® and Mederma® can speed up the process. Laser therapy for stretch marks can also speed up the fading, but also address the needed collagen formation as well.
Over-the-counter Creams Only Work Superficially
All natural and other over-the-counter creams are very popular because they’re generally inexpensive and readily available at the local grocery store or pharmacy. They can benefit stretch marks by softening the epidermis and keeping the skin healthy and smooth. However they do not penetrate to the dermis to the root of the problem – the absence of adequate collagen. Any effective treatment for stretch marks should involve collagen replacement and rejuvenation such as prescription creams and laser treatments. Topical cream products that promise to eliminate stretch marks should be considered with suspicion.
Laser Stretch Mark Treatments Are Not Covered By Insurance
Laser stretch mark treatments are considered cosmetic in nature, so are normally not covered by insurance companies. These treatments are completely out-of-pocket, unless you have a fantastic health plan at work. Laser stretch mark treatment costs can be high for many people, so do your research and consult a dermatologist. There may be a less expensive alternative method for your individual case.
Men Get Stretch Marks Too
Like women, men are just as likely to get stretch marks from excessive rapid growth such as bulking up with muscle or fat. Men tend to get stretch marks in the upper belly, chest and arm areas. Any prevention or treatment method that can be used for women, can be used for stretch marks on males as well.
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