The human body is very interesting – and the skin even more so! Protein, keratin, collagen and other ingredients make it the miracle it is!
Our skin is our greatest barrier against extreme temperatures, environmental damage and harmful chemicals. And of course, it gives us the look we love so much. But like our body and everything else, it is also prone to wear and tear. Stretch marks are some of the telltale signs of this wear and tear.
With so many physical changes happening throughout our lives, have you ever wondered what stretch marks are and what they mean?
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, medically known as striae, are a form of scarring on the skin with an undertone. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, which is often the result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or weight changes. Stretch marks can also be affected by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding or hormone replacement therapy. You probably recognize them as the skin spreads over the abdomen, arms, buttocks, shoulders, chest and other areas of the body that look like thin strips. They also feel smooth and are slightly different from the surrounding skin.
What causes them?
When your skin is stretched and contracted over and over again, it causes the skin’s structural material to break and stretch to accommodate the changes. Usually, stretch marks are caused by:
- Pregnancies
- Rapid weight gain
- Portliness
- Muscle building
- Adolescence and Growth Bursts
- Genetic Disposition
- Health Conditions
There are two main types of stretch marks:
Striae Rubrae: These are new stretch marks that appear red or purple. This coloring is due to the blood vessels that appear through the tears in the dermis. Erythema striae are often slightly raised and may itch.
Striae Albae: Over time, stretch marks mature into an older version known as striae albae. These are usually white or silver in appearance, are less pronounced and more in line with the normal texture of the skin, although they are still visible.
What do the different types of stretch marks mean?
Initially, stretch marks may appear pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple. Over time, the color fades and the narrow strips sink under your skin. If you touch them, you may feel a slight ridge or indentation on your skin. Although stretch marks are common in both men and women, they are more common in women, especially during and after pregnancy.
Stretch marks don’t necessarily look the same. In fact, depending on what’s going on in your body and even your ethnicity, they can be colored differently.
However, it’s important to know what your stretch marks might look like so you can take better care of yourself.
White stretch marks: White stretch marks are scars that have been on your body for some time, meaning they are old scars. The best way to deal with them is by regularly moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
Silver Streaks: If your stretch marks are silver, it means they have been there for some time. Silver stretch marks are more difficult to fight. However, with adequate care, they can be controlled and improved.
Pink/Red Stretch Marks: Think of red as a warning sign! Rapid weight gain, pregnancy and lack of moisture can cause the skin to form red streaks. The red hue is the result of blood vessels being visible through a fresh break in the epidermis of the skin. Fortunately, these can be easily treated.
Purple/Blue stretch marks: The darker the stretch mark, the younger it is. But the best part is that they can be easily controlled, treated and alleviated.
However, if your stretch marks are red, purple, or similar in hue, it’s best to get yourself checked for adrenal gland problems like Cushing’s disease, Marfan syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
How to treat stretch marks
Stretch marks are not dangerous. cause only mild discomfort such as itching. Also, although they appear red, pink, or dark purple at first, they usually fade and open over time. Therefore, stretch marks do not require medical treatment. However, if you want to improve the appearance of your skin and reduce stretch marks, you can consult a dermatologist.
Treating stretch marks, which are often the result of rapid skin stretching due to growth spurts, weight gain or pregnancy, involves several approaches. While it may not be possible to completely erase stretch marks, their appearance can be significantly reduced. Topical treatments such as retinoid creams, which are derived from vitamin A, can help rebuild collagen and make the scars look more like your normal skin.
Some of the most popular stretch mark treatments are:
Retinoid Creams
Retinoids provide many benefits to your skin, including reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Creams such as tretinoin are widely used on new stretch marks to lighten their appearance. However, retinoid creams are not recommended if you are pregnant. Your doctor will likely prescribe alternatives.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that helps remove the outer layer of your skin through a rigorous exfoliation process. Getting rid of the top layer of skin helps make way for new and potentially more elastic skin. In this way, it helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Chemical peeling
Chemical peels help reduce stretch marks and improve the texture and appearance of your skin by removing the outer layer of skin cells. This skin treatment also helps stimulate your body’s healing process by encouraging it to produce more collagen to provide support to your skin’s underlying structure. The longevity of the peeling results depends on its depth. A typical chemical peel treatment to reduce stretch marks involves the use of trichloroacetic acid to remove the outer layer of skin and promote skin growth.
Light and laser treatments
Many dermatologists also recommend using either red or blue light and laser treatments. The most common laser treatment for stretch marks is pulsed laser therapy which helps stimulate the collagen and elastin in your skin.
Topical creams
Topical creams and lotions are one of the best ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Sure contains exclusively natural ingredients that hydrate the skin and help get rid of red or pink stretch marks. This treatment usually does not work as effectively on old and faded stretch marks. If you’re looking for a fantastic natural stretch mark cream, check out this amazing one stretch mark cream by ML Delicate Beauty!
Although these stretch mark treatments can help improve the appearance and texture of your stretch marks, it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of them completely. A good idea is to try a few treatments together and see how it works.
Hyaluronic acid and certain peptides can also help in this process. Laser therapy is another option, which works by stimulating the growth of collagen and elastin. Microneedling, which uses tiny needles to puncture the skin and stimulate skin regeneration, is another technique. It’s important to keep in mind that these treatments can vary in effectiveness depending on age and severity of stretch marks, as well as individual skin types. Regularly moisturizing the skin and maintaining a healthy diet that supports skin health can also be beneficial in preventing new stretch marks.
Check out our go to miracle stretch mark remover cream – it’s full of nature’s goodness and has tons of positive reviews because it really works!
Let’s talk – how do you feel about your stretch marks? Do you prefer natural treatments or intensive procedures?
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About the author:
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and esthetician loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also reviews brand name beauty products, with fairness and a real point of view. She is known for creating products for specific skin types, especially for those with extremely sensitive faces.
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