Your Comprehensive Guide to Stretch Marks

Stretch marks treatment session at Roxana Aesthetics Clinic in Dubai

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Stretch marks, also known as striae, on the body are a common aesthetic problem. They can occur in people of all ages, and in some cases may become so pronounced they affect a person’s self confidence.

Stretch marks form in the dermis, which is the elastic middle layer of the skin and gives it its shape and structure.

As the damage to the dermis progresses and the tissues get stretched, the skin cannot offer the same support to its upper layers and the stretch marks become visible.

How Do Stretch Marks Develop?

Typically, stretch marks go through three main stages of development. Each stage has different characteristics, and being able to recognise these features helps you identify which stage of maturity they are in.

(Identifying these characteristics also helps medical aesthetic professionals to determine how to treat them and anticipate how effective the treatments will be. )

These are the characteristics of each stage:  

  • First stage
    Narrow wavy bands appear with bluish-reddish coloring. There may be some deepening and/or tearing of the skin.
  • Second stage
    There is a gradual healing of fresh striae. They change color, lightening and becoming more pink. Usually, this stage lasts about a year.
  • Third stage
    The stripes become pale and develop atrophic depressions. This means the stretch marks look like sunken scars. Their depth and color no longer change, and the skin becomes dry in the area where they’re located.

The sooner you can treat stretch marks, the better. While they can be treated at any stage, the best time is when they are still forming in the first six months, when they are new.

Stretch marks occur in the areas where the skin is subject to the greatest stretching. They are usually between 2-10 mm long and up to 6 mm wide. They occur on the:

  • stomach
  • breast area (in women)
  • thighs (outer and inner sides)
  • lower back

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Women are more prone to stretch marks. However, they can also manifest in men.

There are a number of factors that can lead to the formation of stretch marks, they are:

  • Pregnancy
    The most common cause of stretch marks in women is pregnancy.

    During this time, hormonal changes affect the condition of the skin. It becomes more vulnerable, and the reserve of elasticity is not enough. As a result, stretch marks may appear in the second trimester with the weight changes and increasing size of the abdomen.

    The fibers of the dermis tear, essentially leading to the formation of a type of scar, which is the stretch mark. After pregnancy, striae do not disappear, and it is difficult for the damaged skin tissue to heal.

    The sooner stretch marks are treated, the better the result. But in pregnancy, it is important to wait for hormonal and weight fluctuations to normalize first.

    During pregnancy and the initial postpartum period, there are precautions and contraindications you need to be aware of, so you should care for your skin condition under the supervision of a dermatologist.

    This does not mean that you should stop body care. On the contrary, it should be more thorough to keep your skin in the best condition and  minimize changes and damage during this time.
  • Rapid weight gain
    If you have a sudden increase in body weight, this may cause stretch marks, as the skin is overstretched trying to accommodate the “extra pounds”.
  • Sudden weight loss
    Because weight gain has a negative impact on the skin, patients who suffer from obesity should lose weight under the supervision of not only a nutritionist but also a dermatologist-cosmetologist.
  • Intensive muscle building:
    During intensive muscle building, the skin may not keep up with the muscle tissue being built, so physical activity should be moderate and balanced to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
  • Genetic predisposition
    There are cases where stretch marks appear in relatively young patients even if there is no obvious cause, this can be due to a hereditary predisposition.
  • Certain medications
    Some hormonal treatments may damage the collagen and elastin fibers. This results in the skin not being able to repair and regenerate itself efficiently, leading to the formation of  stretch marks.
  • Poor / unbalanced nutrition
    The health and condition of the skin depends on how you care for it internally, not just externally.

    Skin tissues depend on healthy and adequate nutrition to stay in top condition and function correctly.

    A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and trace elements gives the skin all it needs to repair and regenerate itself and stay healthy.

    If you have a poor diet lacking in essential nutrients, you are more likely to get stretch marks as the skin does not have the nutrients it needs to regenerate and restore itself adequately to maintain healthy condition.

    If this is a problem for you, you can see a nutritionist who will evaluate your diet and help you eat in a more nutritious and balanced way.

How Can You Treat Stretch Marks?

Non-Medical Treatments

You can find many ointments, gels, scrubs, creams, serums and other products on store shelves that the manufacturer’s claim can remove striae and scars.

One should be very skeptical of these kinds of advertising promises. There is no self care product that can prevent or eliminate striae.

There are formulations that can eliminate congestion, boost nutrition to the skin, eliminate dryness, and accelerate regeneration. But it is impossible to get rid of the initial or already atrophic stripes with home products or folk remedies.

Cosmetic Treatments

Some cosmetic methods will fade stretch marks and reduce the depth of damage into the skin so they are not as deep.

Dermatologists and cosmetologists who take a comprehensive approach to improve and correct aesthetic imperfections perform cosmetic treatments. The right professional approach and treatments can lead to impressive results and improvements.

The cosmetic treatments that can correct stretch marks include:

  • laser resurfacing
  • mesotherapy
  • plasmolifting
  • ozone therapy
  • chemical peeling

Surgical Intervention

You can get rid of a huge number of stretch marks in the abdominal area with the help of abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure used to remove the fat apron, diastasis, (when abdominal muscles separate and not able to repair naturally) and cut away excess skin. Because excess skin is removed, the stretch marks will naturally also be removed.

This operation is performed only if there are serious indications. It’s not performed for the removal of striae alone.

It is necessary to consult a plastic surgeon who will assess if surgery is safe and necessary. 

Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?

There is no specific prevention, because often the tendency to get stretch marks is genetic. However, if you follow the recommendations of doctors, you can reduce the risk of developing striae to a great extent.

Here are six key recommendations that help to prevent the formation of stretch marks:

  • Weight control
    Avoid gaining too much weight and losing weight too drastically. Any jumps in weight are stressful for the skin and increase the likelihood of developing stretch marks.
  • Moderate physical activity
    Fitness has a beneficial effect on skin condition, it ensures that muscles are toned and support the skin.
  • Healthy diet
    A healthy diet ensures your skin gets all the nutrients it needs to function well and repair and regenerate itself efficiently.
  • Proper skin care
    Professional formulations, creams and serums with a high content of collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C, E nourish the skin externally with nutrients that help to keep it healthy and in good condition.
  • Massage
    This can be self-massage or using a massage apparatus. Regular massage is beneficial for the skin because it boosts blood microcirculation, accelerates metabolic processes and helps the skin repair and restore itself more efficiently.
  • Adequate water intake
    Drinking plenty of water is not just good for your overall health and wellbeing but beneficial for your skin too. It helps keep your skin hydrated from within, and improves its elasticity and reduces dryness, making it more resilient to the development of stretch marks.
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Rebecca is a content writer with over three years’ experience and a keen interest in cosmetics. Cosmetify allows her to combine her blogging skills with her passion for beauty.
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