Stretch Mark - Pregnancy Stretch Marks & Creams

Skin Layers & Stretch Marks

Our skin has three layers, which are the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis ( subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the outer most layer, the dermis is the middle layer, and the hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin.

The dermis contains mostly fibroblasts that are responsible for secreting collagen, elastin and ground substance that allows the skin the retain its shape and elasticity. So, stretch marks (or striae) occurs in the dermis.

When the dermis is over stretched it produces too much collagen which can form the "scars" called stretch marks. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched. Most often, it appear on places such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, butt, and thighs.

Understanding Stretch Marks

Depending on your natural skin tone, stretch marks may begin as a reddish or purple lines. As they are formed, they can be quite itchy. Gradually these lines will turn lighter and fade to a color a few shades lighter than your natural skin color. Usually, these marks become less noticeable over time.

Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Approximately 90 percent of all pregnant women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. Usually, stretch marks will appear during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy due to weight gain and the continuous stretching of the abdomen.

Pregnant women are not the only ones that are at risk of having stretch marks. Athletes, especially bodybuilders who practice strenuous and repetitive exercise, and adolescents that experience rapid growth are prone to getting stretchmarks.

Treatment for Stretch Mark

Stretch marks poses no health risks or compromises your body's ability to function healthily. They are a cosmetic issue and need to be treated accordingly.

Because stretch marks doesn't disappear completely, it is more important to focus on ways to reduce its appearance. The earlier you start to treat stretch marks the more likely you will reduce it appearances.

Stretchmarks are easier to treat when they first appear as a reddish or purple lines. Once they starts to flatten and fade, their appearances becomes less noticeable and are more difficult to treat.

Prevention of stretch marks takes diligence. There are things you can do to help.

• Massage your skin to increase circulation.
• On a daily basis, apply moisturizing cream to the area of concern to keep the skin supple.
• Foods that are high in vitamins C, E, and zinc can contribute to the overall health of the skin.

The effect of stretchmark depends on the skin type of each person. The condition can be improved by external help that appropriately treat the skin and aiding the skin's elasticity.

Stretch Mark Cream