Stretch marks (striae) are indentation stripes that form on the belly, breasts, hips, buttocks, and other body parts. They are prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. Stretch marks are neither unpleasant or dangerous, but some individuals dislike how they appear on their skin.
Stretch marks do not need to be treated. They frequently diminish with or without therapy over time. They may never totally vanish.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks do not all look the same. They differ according to how long you've had them, what caused them, where they are on your body, and your skin type. Typical variations include:
- Indented streaks or lines on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, or other body parts
- Streaks of pink, red, black, blue, or purple
- Colorful streaks that fade to a lighter shade
- Streaks that cover a substantial portion of the body
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks are caused by skin stretching. Their intensity is determined by a variety of factors, including your heredity and the level of stress on your skin. Cortisol levels in your body may also play a role. Cortisol, a hormone generated by the adrenal glands, weakens skin elastic fibers.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks can occur in everyone, but several circumstances enhance your chances of obtaining them, including:
- Being female
- A history of stretch marks in one's own family or in one's own life
- Being pregnant, especially while young
- Rapid development throughout adolescence
- Rapid growth or loss of weight
- The use of corticosteroids
- Having breast augmentation surgery
- Working out and using anabolic steroids
- Rapid development throughout adolescence
- Rapid growth or loss of weight
- The use of corticosteroids
- Being born with a genetic disease such as Cushing's syndrome or Marfan syndrome
HOW ARE STRETCH MARKS DIAGNOSED?
Stretch marks seldom need to be diagnosed. Your doctor may inspect your skin and inquire about your medical history. If your doctor detects a rise in your cortisol levels, you may be offered more testing.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR STRETCH MARKS?
Stretch marks do not need to be treated. They are harmless and usually go away with time. They may lessen with treatment, but they may never totally disappear.
Among the therapies available to help improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks are the ones listed below. None has consistently proven to be more successful than the others.
- Laser and light therapy: There are numerous light and laser therapies available that may stimulate collagen development or enhance suppleness. Your doctor can advise you on which strategy is best for you.
- Microneedling: A hand-held device with microscopic needles that stimulate collagen development is used in this type of treatment. This procedure, which has a lower risk of pigmentation changes than laser therapy, is the preferred initial approach for persons with darker skin.
- Retinoid cream: Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, and which you apply to your skin, such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita), may improve the look of stretch marks that are less than a few months old. Tretinoin, when used properly, helps to rebuild a protein in the skin called collagen, making stretch marks appear more natural. Tretinoin can cause skin irritation.
If you are pregnant or nursing, see your doctor about other treatment choices, as retinoid cream adverse effects may impact the infant.
Work with your doctor to choose the best therapy or mix of therapies for you. Consider the following factors:
- How long have you had the stretch marks?
- Skin type
- Convenience, as certain treatments need several medical visits.
- Cost, because aesthetic procedures (cosmetic therapies) are frequently not covered by medical insurance.
- Your expectations
HOME REMEDIES FOR STRETCH MARKS
There are several lotions, salves, oils, and other skin ointments on the market that promise to either prevent or treat them. However, there is little evidence that any of these products actually function. Stretch marks can be faded or hidden using the following treatments and home remedies:
- Self-tanner and body makeup: These items can aid in the concealment of stretch marks. It is important to note that tanning will not remove stretch marks. It actually makes them more visible.
- Tretinoin: Creams containing tretinoin (Retin-A) include retinoid, a vitamin A-related chemical. Retinoids stimulate the formation of collagen. They are frequently used to treat wrinkles. They may aid in the fading of fresh stretch marks, but they can also cause your skin to become red, itchy, or scaly.
- Collagen boosters: StriVectin-SD and lupin seed extracts are both meant to boost collagen production in the skin, but it's unclear whether they'll help remove or prevent stretch marks.
- Centella asiatica: This herbal oil stimulates cells in your body that produce collagen and help to create skin tissue. Some individuals use it to aid in the healing of wounds. Centella asiatica is found in a number of over-the-counter stretch mark lotions, however there is little evidence that it helps to fade them.
- Bitter almond oil: According to one study, women who rubbed bitter almond oil into the skin on their stomachs during pregnancy had less stretch marks than those who did not.
- Cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, vitamin E oil, and other moisturizing ingredients: These natural lotions may soften your skin, but it is unclear whether they assist or prevent stretch marks.
If you decide to try a stretch mark cream, lotion, or gel, make sure to apply it every day for several weeks. Take your time massaging it into your skin. These products may be more effective on newer stretch marks.
Alternative medicine
The assumption that rubbing creams, oils, or lotions on your skin helps prevent or alleviate stretch marks is not backed by reliable data.
Check with your doctor before utilizing alternative products that promise to treat or prevent stretch marks if you are pregnant.
HOW CAN STRETCH MARKS BE PREVENTED?
Stretch marks cannot always be avoided. However, the following precautions may assist to lower the risk:
Keep a healthy weight.
Yo-yo dieting should be avoided.
Consume a well-balanced meal high in vitamins and minerals. Consuming enough amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals zinc and silicon, can help maintain the skin.
During pregnancy, aim for modest and gradual weight growth.
Every day, drink six to eight glasses of water.
CONCLUSION
Stretch marks are a frequent problem that may happen to anyone. Regardless of how prevalent they are, you may dislike the appearance of stretch marks on your body. Consult your doctor about ways to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. You and your doctor can determine which treatment is best for you.