Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, you've probably seen them before; those ugly lines around your arms, stomach, legs and breasts.  Anyone can develop them, even children and teenagers.  What exactly are stretch marks and what causes them?  Most importantly, can they be eliminated? 

Skin is the largest organ in the entire body and one of it's most amazing abilities is the ability to stretch.  The building blocks of skin are collagen and bother, which are proteins.  Elastin provides elasticity to the skin and collagen provides connective tissue.  Although skin can be very pliable, at certain times it can be over-stretched.  This over-stretching results in the skin tearing.  When these tears heal, scar tissue is formed.  This scar tissue is what we call stretch marks.  

The dermis, the layer of the elastic layer of the skin, is where stretch marks develop.  Stretch marks usually start out as a purplish or reddish streak on the skin.  After time, they begin to fade and the skin has a glossy texture to it.  

Stretch marks are caused by a few things but the main cause is weight gain.  Women are more likely to develop stretch marks than men are.  Any time there is a rapid increase in the size of skin tissue stretch marks can occur.  Pregnancy is a major cause of stretch marks, also obesity and sudden growth spurts.  Body builders and athletes can also develop stretch marks.  This is due to the repetitive exercises they perform.  Certain medications can cause stretch marks too, such as the steroid cortisone. 

Now that we've talked about what stretch marks are and what causes them, it's now time to answer the important question.  Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks? 

When it comes to treating stretch marks there are a few options.  However, the effectiveness varies from treatment to treatment and there are no guarantees that the stretch marks can be eliminated completely.  Taking action immediately in the early stages of stretch marks can increase your chances of eliminating them.  Pregnant women often use lotions and creams in an effort to reduce the chances of getting stretch marks at all. 

The use of lotions and creams are a popular method of treatment for stretch marks.  When choosing a lotion or cream it is important you pick one with high levels of collagen and elastin.  Also, creams or lotions with vitamin A or E have shown to be somewhat effective.  

Another option is laser treatment.  Although laser surgery does not completely eliminate the stretch marks, it does lighten them.  This form of treatment is quite costly and you may need several treatments and results vary depending on skin type and color. 

Surgery is yet another option in the removal of stretch marks, although it is not recommended.  Skin and fat are removed around the stomach area near the navel area thus removing the stretch marks with it.  

Prevention is the best defense against stretch marks.  Keep your body at a healthy weight, drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin every day.  Eating a healthy diet will also help keep your skin healthy.