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Stretch marks

Stretch marks are the name used for the lines that appear on a person’s skin after the skin has been stretched too far. The stretch marks may be red and raised shortly after appearing. The marks are usually a couple of inches long. There may be just one or two parallel lines or several.

The stretch marks do fade to white or silvery looking lines over time but do not ever completely disappear. The marks are usually caused by a person rapidly gaining. Pregnant women are very prone to these marks as well as teenagers going through puberty.

Thankfully, stretch marks do not pose any health risks. The marks tend to occur in areas on the body that are fatty like the stomach, breasts, hips, under the arms and the back of the legs. When a person rapidly gains weight, the skin is stretched beyond its elasticity range causing small tears in the dermis layer.

The elasticity of the skin is greatly effected by the hormones the body produces. During puberty and pregnancy, a person is more likely to have fluctuating levels of hormones that can reduce skin elasticity.

A person can help minimize or possibly eliminate the appearance of stretch marks by taking care of their skin from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water is very important for skin health. The skin needs to be fully hydrated to avoid the risk of dermis tears resulting in stretch marks.

A balanced diet rich in vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc are also helpful. Studies have shown that daily massage can help reduce the chance a pregnant woman will develop stretch marks. The massage should include creams or lotions rich in vitamin E, aloe vera, vitamin A and cocoa butter. Each nutrient is needed to keep the skin healthy and soft which is necessary to avoid stretch marks