Do you find it hard to deal with stretch marks but have no idea what to do about? Do you feel sometimes embarrassed to even take off your shirt in front of people, because of stretch marks?
Look,
If you constantly ask those questions but haven’t found a satisfying answer to them yet, welcome aboard. I am here to help.
In this article, we will dive in deep into everything you need to know about stretch marks, starting from the definition, to the causes all the way to the best ways to treat stretch marks.
What Are Stretch Marks?
If you constantly ask those questions but haven’t found a satisfying answer to them yet, welcome aboard. I am here to help.
In this article, we will dive in deep into everything you need to know about stretch marks, starting from the definition, to the causes all the way to the best ways to treat stretch marks.
(source: www.dailydot.com)
Stretch marks are lines on the skin that stand out as a result of their different appearance from the skin that surrounds them. Stretch marks are typically innocuous and no cause for concern.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
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The causes of stretch marks are as follows:
1) Pregnancy:
Most women have had stretch marks during their pregnancies. Intuitively it follows that when skin gets “stretched” it will lead to a mark or marks of some kind. As a baby grows in the womb, the tummy gets stretched and marks usually appear. As aforementioned, these marks are harmless and tend to disappear once the tummy is back to its normal size post pregnancy.
2) Medications:
Certain medications have been known to cause stretch marks. If you notice stretch marks soon after you have started taking some medications, then they could be an unwanted side effect.
3) Steroids:
Steroids are among the biggest culprits of stretch marks. The negative effects of steroids can lead to much more serious damage than just stretch marks and unless you are taking them to treat some medical condition under a doctor’s supervision, it could be extremely dangerous.
4) Surgeries:
Surgeries often leave marks behind and these marks can sometimes be stretch marks. Typically surgery marks do not go away.
5) Sudden changes in weight:
Sudden weight changes have been known to cause stretch marks. Sudden weight changes are not healthy or advisable in general, and for that reason any weight loss or weight gain plan should always be drawn up by a professional dietitian or a doctor.
6) Puberty:
Teens just entering their puberty face could experience stretch marks. Again, this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
7) Medical disorders:
Occasional stretch marks can be a result of a more sinister health condition and could point to some underlying health condition. If your stretch mark appears unnatural or refuses to go away, it may be time to pay the physician a visit.
8) Obesity:
The “fatty” parts in our bodies are more prone to stretching and marks resulting from that. Hence, it follows that if you are overweight you are more vulnerable to stretch marks.
How To Treat Stretch Marks?
(source: http://www.empowher.com)
The treatment for stretch marks is relatively straightforward. Some of the more prominent ones may be enumerated as follows:
1) Hiding the stretch marks:
This is the simplest remedy and not really a “treatment” per se. This is particularly useful for stubborn stretch marks which refuse to go away (such as those resulting from surgery) and those that are very visible. This cosmetic remedy is referred to as “camouflage” and whilst it is undoubtedly among the simplest and easiest, they are not permanent and wear off in a few days.
2) Olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil works wonders when it comes to stretch marks. All you have to do is apply some of it on the affected area and not rinse. This process must be slow and steady or you could risk aggravating the mark.
3) Vitamin E:
Creams with vitamin E are readily available on the market. Administering the cream to the affected areas could reduce the marks. Vitamin E works by increasing the nutrient levels in the skin and that is why it is effective.
