Stretch marks are called stria atrophicae in the field of dermatology. They are often characterized as scarring on the skin due to weight gain. They appear on body parts where higher amounts of fats are accumulated. Such body parts are the thighs, hips, buttocks, and the abdomen.
Stretch marks are produced from the over-stretching of the middle layer of the skin namely, the dermis. This layer stretches to its maximum capability to be able to fit a larger body. This would result to microscopic bleeding and tissue inflammation and would manifest as reddish-purple lines on the skin. Also, this would cause the outer layer of the skin to expand making the lines visible enough. The stretch marks would appear once these lines heal and would have a shade lighter than the natural skin tone.
Some studies also show that stretch marks are associated with a group of steroids called glucocorticoids, cortisol being the most common of them. Research proved that when human body is under stress, it releases an above normal level of cortisol. Consequently, halting fibrolasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers needed to keep new skin firm. These lead now to the tearing of dermal and epidermal layers due to lack of supportive material.
A lot of studies suggest the prevention and removal of stretch marks. One study uses creams like retinoid products and alpha-hydroxy acids, mixed with topical steroids. Steroids are used to reduce inflammation, since discussed earlier that stretch marks are caused by skin inflammation.
Steroids are able to reduce inflammation such as the inflammation caused by the stretching of the dermis. Retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids counter-act the negative effects of steroids. Thus, this combination could help prevent the formation of stretch marks.
There are other methods available to help remove and prevent stretch marks. Such methods are laser treatments, use of prescription retinoids, and dermabrasion. Dermabrasion uses pulses of light to remove the outer most surface of the epidermis. This is done to remove not only stretch marks, but also dark and sun-damaged skin.
Another method uses a surgical procedure, the tummy tuck. In here, the part of skin below the navel is being removed because this is where stretch marks oftenly form.
Learn more about stretch mark removal. Visit Jen Hopkins’s site, www.SecretsToGetRidOfStretchmarks.com, where you can find out all about reduce stretch marks and other valuable information about the topic.
- Jen Hopkins