Stretch marks are lines or streaks that develop on the skin and occur when the skin is commonly stretched and cannot resume its normal form. Although they are extremely common, they tend to affect women more than men, especially during pregnancy, weight gain, weight loss, puberty, or rapid growth.
Anyone can develop stretch marks and areas typically affected include the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and lower back. Bodybuilders may experience stretch marks in the shoulder area. An estimated 50% of women experience stretch marks during pregnancy.
Before stretch marks occur, your skin may feel itchy, thin, and appear pink in color. The lines then develop into raised reddish or dark brown streaks, depending on your skin tone. These lines eventually fade and flatten, changing to a silvery color over time.
Stretch marks don’t all look alike. They vary depending on how long you have had them, what caused them, where they are on your body, and the type of skin you have.
Causes
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Having a personal or family history of stretch marks
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Pregnancy, especially for younger women
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Excess weight or obesity
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Rapidly gaining or losing weight
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Using corticosteroid medication
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Undergoing breast enlargement surgery
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Having Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or certain other genetic disorders
Treatment
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Vitamin A-based creams such as retinoid cream may improve the appearance of new stretch marks.
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Cool Lasers are also used to expedite the body’s healing process, and to ensure that stretch marks are less apparent.
Once the stretch marks have healed, treatment focuses on the fibers that have been damaged with CO2 Fractional Laser.
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Microdermabrasion gently removes the upper layer of the skin to encourage the growth of new, more elastic skin.
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Micro-needling reduces both the depth of stretch marks and pigmentation
You will also benefit greatly from Carboxy to enhance circulation and encourage the growth of new skin.
Tips
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If you are prone to stretch marks then it is important to begin an LPG treatment as a preventative measure before getting pregnant
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Maintain a healthy weight and avoid rapid weight gain
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Expecting mothers should regularly massage stretch-mark prone areas with coconut oil as a precautionary measure
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Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and supple
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Include vitamin C in your diet as it is an important nutrient for the development of collagen, which is essential to maintain skin elasticity
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Use Bio-Oil, which is a specialized skin care product or similar products to reduce the likelihood of stretch marks