Stretch marks (some also call them strech marks or even streach
marks) are a well-known skin problem. Linear scars that affect a thin
layer of your skin. Most people are inclined to think of them as a
female affliction, but this simply is not true. It is just that they are
not so noticeable on a man, because of body hair. However, some men do
seem prone to stretch marks, and doctors believe this is connected to
their bodies overproducing the hormone corticosteroid. This hormone
decreases the collagen levels in the skin, making it less elastic and
more susceptible to damage.
Stretch marks are the outcome of the
skin being stretched rapidly. This is linked with obesity, puberty
growth spurts and pregnancy. In fact seventy percent of pregnant women
will get them. Weight lifters and bodybuilders can also be inflicted
with them. What happens is that the skin stretches to a certain point,
it becomes thinner, but can stretch no further, something has to give,
and so it tears.
The first signs of stretch marks on you skin
(also in pregnancy), look like reddish or purple lines, this is because
the skin tears allow you to see the blood vessels below, and so this
coloring. In time the blood vessels will contract, the marks fade and in
due course, turn silver in color. The affected areas of your skin are
then soft to touch, and look empty.
Your skin has three layers;
the top layer is called the epidermis, the middle layer the dermis, and
then the subcutaneous stratum lies below this. Stretch marks affect the
dermal layer in the middle. This is the layer responsible for keeping
you skin in shape, so it is imperative when looking for a treatment,
whether a lotion, cream or whatever else you choose, that it will
actually work on this layer. Otherwise it will be totally ineffective.
You
may have noticed that stretch marks usually develop in areas of your
body where the most fat is stored. The most usual areas are the upper
arms, breasts, stomach, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, underarms and
hips.
There are a wide variety of options for treating stretch
marks, but if you are earnest about getting rid of them, it is wise to
consult a surgeon or skin care dermatologist, who will advise you, how
best to go forward. They will take into consideration your medical
history, including any medications you have been prescribed, such as
hormones or steroids. It is vitally important that you are totally
honest with your specialist, as it is a known fact that hormones,
steroids and some other medications can actually cause the formation of
stretch marks.
Probably the most extreme, though also one of the
most effective treatments for stretch marks is plastic surgery. Other
surgical methods include dermabrasion and chemical peels. Laser surgery
also has many new advances to offer, but you should always remember that
the success of any treatment would be subjective to your age, skin tone
and diet.
Although such a common problem, you may be surprised to
hear that stretch mark treatment is not covered by any insurance, even
in severe circumstances, as this is classed as a cosmetic treatment.
However there are many excellent stretch marks creams available to buy
on the internet, and you only have to read some of the reviews to find
out exactly how effectual they are. So getting rid of stretch marks does
not have to be painful or cost a fortune.
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