All about stretch marks

[Farfett]

Stretch marks are scarring of the skin as the result of connective fibers breaking due to lost elasticity. They are the result of damage to the second layer of skin, called the dermis. They first appear as reddish or purplish lines. Gradually, they fade to a paler color and become less obvious.

Most people associate stretch marks with weight gain, pregnancy, and weightlifting. Puberty may also contribute to stretch marks as do breasts
augmentations. Most commonly, stretch marks appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. For bodybuilders, they may also appear on the upper arm/shoulder area. They are primarily a cosmetic annoyance and rarely a health concern.

Preventing Stretch Marks

For adolescents and pregnant women, stretch marks may not be possible to prevent. Rapid weight gain and weight loss can contribute to stretch marks. As a result, rapid weight gain and intense dieting can cause stretch marks.

If you anticipate the possibility of stretch marks, for example due to pregnancy, you may try applying creams or oils with vitamin E, cocoa butter, and lavender. However, there is no guarantee that these will work.

Treating Stretch Marks

The best time to treat stretch marks is when they first appear. As they fade from reddish to pale, they become harder to treat. Some options for treating stretch marks are creams and laser treatments. Chemical peels have been used to treat stretch marks, but there is no evidence that these are effective.

[freshwater pearl]

Certain skin types are more prone to scarring and stretchmarks, also. My mom had 6 children, yet never had any stretchmarks at all. So many things are genetic.