Stretch marks are common and unsightly, but they are mostly harmless. They occur when the collagen under the skin is damaged, causing the skin to stretch and rupture. The injured skin forms small, raised red or purple marks, which gradually fade over time.

Stretch Marks Causes

Weight gain

The result of weight gain is collagen loss within the dermis, which is the skin’s outer layer. The loss of collagen causes stretch marks, which appear as purple and red discolorations on the skin. But it is not the only thing that causes stretch marks.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes stretch marks because the skin stretches and tears as the baby grows, causing stretch marks.

Puberty

They are a common problem during puberty when the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers start to break down, causing the skin to stretch and tear more easily.

Most Common Stretch Marks Areas Affected Include

  • Abdomen
  • Breasts
  • Hips
  • Flank
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs

Treatments for Stretch Marks

Some women commit to exemplary lengths to prevent stretch marks, but others think it’s fate. Stretch marks are scars formed as your skin stretches or contracts too rapidly. Nowadays, there are various treatments available to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Topical creams and lotions, laser therapy, and microneedling are some of the most common treatments to reduce stretch marks. If you want to get rid of your stretch marks, you can visit a trusted clinic near you (such as this microneedling Calgary). Post these treatments, you will be able to reduce the visibility of stretch marks and feel more confident about your skin.

Natural Remedies for Stretch Marks

Vitamin A

One way to prevent or minimize stretch marks is with Vitamin A.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a type of substance that our skin naturally produces. It helps hold in moisture and allows our joints to stay lubricated. It can treat common skin problems like acne, wrinkles, and sunburn. Hyaluronic acid can be found naturally in our bodies, but we produce less of it as we age.

Centella

There are natural ways to stop stretch marks from forming, and one of the most popular is using the herb Centella Asiatica. This herb has been used for centuries as a wound healer for skin problems, and studies show that it can help stretch marks by shrinking the scarred tissue.

Sugar

Sugar is an excellent exfoliant and a humectant too, which means it draws moisture from the air to your skin. This moisture is what makes your skin supple and keeps it looking healthy.

Aloe vera

Treatments to help fade stretch marks vary from drinking skin-toning teas to using ointments, but one of the more common ways is to apply aloe vera directly to the marks. Aside from fighting stretch marks, Aloe vera has numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and aiding digestion. Even if it may not diminish your stretch marks entirely, it will still help your skin heal.

Virgin Coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil has been touted as one of the best natural remedies for stretch marks, and these scars are no exception. Coconut oil has skin softening and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent addition to your skincare regimen for stretch marks.

Stretch marks are the bane of any woman’s existence. But we can’t deny that stretch marks do affect how we feel and where we focus in our lives.

Types of Stretch Marks

Striae atrophica

Striae atrophica is caused by the weakening of the skin tissue, which results in stretch marks. These marks are known as striae atrophica as a lack of collagen production cause them. Striae atrophica are thin white lines usually worn by pregnant women or people losing considerable amounts of body fat.

Striae distensae

Striae distensae, or striae, is a type of scarring that forms due to over-stretching of the skin. It becomes thicker, then tears and the skin can no longer stretch as much as it once did. Striae distensae is often found on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and breasts and is usually dark purple or red.

Striae gravidarum

They appear during pregnancy and occur because of the stretching of fibrous tissue. Some marks are considered beautiful, but others are not. These stretch marks are one kind of unwanted marks that can appear on the body.

Stretch marks appear as pale or red lines that stretch across the skin. They come in a variety of shapes and forms, depending on the type of tissue they occur on. Skin elasticity plays a large part in determining your skin quality, which goes for stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent stretch marks from forming, but there are a few things you can do to minimize their appearance.