Don't Ignore This About Stretch Marks

These things are just plain nasty! Stretch marks, the lines that look like a roadmap to no loving. The name itself is enough to channel shudders down the spine of in any image-conscious person. Just like many things in the world, most people have many incorrect conceptions about this dermatological issue in the human organic structure. Hopefully, by the end of this article, some of your own misconceptions will be erased, and you will grow your intellect relating to stretch marks.

Alright, to start, what are stretch marks? Stretch marks or "striae" in derma nomenclature are a case of marking on the dermis, which appear as an off-color defect on the dermis. In time, they may decrease, but they will never entirely become unnoticeable. If you suffer from stretch marks, dwell in the discernment that you are not solo in any way. They protrude in different parts of the body and for a tally of distinct reasons. Oftentimes, they come out in parts of the body that has more enclosed fat, like the breasts, abdomen, outer and inner thighs, under and upper arms, buttocks, and hips. All the same, health fanatics should not be overly concerned about stretch marks burdening their health, because they do not affect the body's principle processes and self-reparation abilities.

Let's take a closer look at stretch marks, these dermatological instances that plague many persons today.

What makes stretch marks?

It is a misconception that only women following a pregnancy get stretch marks. Well, that's untrue. It is also a misconception that stretch marks are only created by rapid stretching of the dermis as the result of weight gain or quick growth, which results in destroying of the elasticity of the dermis, or the skin's outer layer. Again, that's untrue. Recent studies show that stretch marks result in the body forming hormones called glucocorticoids. What is that, you ask? For you who are not familiar with this word, these glucocorticoids are steroids that the body produces when it is under strain because of weight gain. Cortisol, which is the most common glucocorticoid, is the "stress hormone" that the body produces excessively in response to strain and nervousness.

Weightlifting, adolescent growth spurts and pregnancy are not the only causes of strain in the body. There's also regular day work, improper nutrition, too much caffeine and smoking.

Who's affected by stretch marks?

Well, anyone may get stretch marks, but they vary in levels. Women reaching child birth often get stretch marks on their abdomens, up to 75% of pregnant women, to be more accurate. Affected parts also include breasts, buttocks, and thighs.

While women are statistically more prone to stretch marks than men, it doesn't mean that the latter are exempt. Weightlifters especially, get stretch marks as a result of the massive quantity of muscle that they build up so fast. So you see, it isn't just fat that makes stretch marks. For men, they come out mostly in the upper arms and shoulder sections.

Alright, teenagers can get stretch marks too as a result of quick growth spurt and a great deal, weight gain. More often than not, these stretch marks disappear over time, unlike the stretch marks that are gained later in life.

Obese people get stretch marks too, mostly in sections that are also affected in pregnant women. Persons who apply creams and ointments comprising of steroids, like hydro cortisone, for long periods may also get stretch marks.

How can you remove stretch marks?

There are many ways to get rid of stretch marks. There are laser treatments, surgical procedures, and creams that may help remove it, however treatment changes to the level of the stretch marks. Let's get a general overview of each option.

Creams, that consist of Centella asiatica extract, collagen-elastin hydrolysates, and vitamin E, showed a decrease in stretch marks when applied regularly while pregnant. Another case of cream that has vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, menthol, and elastin, such as Verum, was also associated with decreasing the degrees of stretch marks for expecting mothers.

Laser treatments are also popular options when the damage is already extensive to the point that it has reached the skin's deeper layer. Pulsed dye laser and fractional laser resurfacing are just two of the options in laser treatment that may eradicate the appearance of stretch marks.

Surgical procedures, like the tummy tuck, actually goes right to the dermis of the navel, where stretch marks get the most concentrated.

Thus if you are one of the millions of individuals affected by stretch marks, don't worry! You are not the only one, and as a result of this, science and medicine have gone through some lengths to help persons like you, who want your body to look its best. But if you cannot afford any medical treatment, then just go on living life with the confidence that you have the support of the family who love you, stretch marks and all.

-------------------------- HateStretchMarks.com is dedicated to helping women, men, young adults and even teens finally get rid of the embarrassment of unsightly stretch marks. At Hate Stretch Marks we ask one question: Do you hate stretch marks?