Stretch Marks

When you gain excess weight, your skin expands to make space for the increased body weight. Skin with its elastic properties can manage to stretch up to a certain limit beyond which its deepest layer can stretch no more and it tears, this is when purple or pink lines appear on the skin, these are called stretch marks after they turn somewhat white in color. It occurs in both men and women usually on thighs, hips, breasts, and abdomen and on arms.

Causes of Stretch Marks

Loss of collagen in the skin causes stretch marks, body loses its tone and wrinkles develop.
Your skin type could be the reason for stretch marks, if you have dry skin, chances of getting them is more as the skin is dry and has less elasticity than people with oily skin.
Heredity is another cause for stretch marks to appear on your skin.
Pregnant women tend to develop stretch marks as they gain weight during their trimesters.
Weight gain in men due to fluctuations in their work out regimes or because of obesity can result in stretch marks.
Young girls and boys who are obese also develop stretch marks, they are not limited to gender and age.
Using certain medications can cause stretch marks.
Speedy weight loss is another reason.
Using steroids can also lead to stretch marks.
Essential vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Treating Stretch Marks

Although stretch marks are permanent and cannot be removed, there are ways to reduce them to some extent.

Regularly massage your body with almond or olive oil, vitamin E oil.

Make sure you eat a well balanced diet of nutritious food. Include fruits and vegetables; avoid foods that are high in fat content and those that lead to excess weight gain as weight gain can lead to stretch marks.

Drink plenty of water, as this improves the skin elasticity and helps prevent stretch marks keeping the skin soft and supple.

Keep your body in good shape and tone, exercise regularly; go for brisk walks, jogs.

Foods like fish and nuts are a rich source of zinc, are good for preventing stretch marks. Foods rich in Vitamin A, diary products, eggs all enhance your skin quality keeping it supple and well nourished, preventing skin tear.

Surgical procedures like laser treatment and chemical peeling can help remove stretch marks. The treatment however depends on the skin quality like its color and age. Fair skinned people can go for these treatments.

Skin lotions that contain alpha hydroxyl acid – AHA, can be used to lessen stretch marks to an extent. Regular usage of these lotions is recommended without any discontinuations, or else there could be no positive result.