Causes of Stretch Marks

The two main causes of stretch marks are pregnancy and puberty. When the bodies shape changes, stretch marks can appear in a reddish color or tone. Eventually these stretch marks are going to change to whitest marks. When the skin stretches, tiny stretch marks appear. The skin is elastic to an extent and can only stretch so far before the marks will appear. Prolonged stretching will cause the appearance of stretch marks on the area of the body that is stretched for a long period. Not everyone will experience stretch marks, but the majority of women will have a stretch mark or two.

People who have darker skin might never see a stretch mark, while people with lighter skin will have stretch marks that are more noticeable. Women are prone to stretch marks on the belly and breasts when they bodies skin expands during excessive weight gain that is common during pregnancy and unexplained or explained weight gain. After the weight is loss, the stretch marks will remain and look like thin white lines. Men can also experience stretch marks due to excessive weight gain. Stretch marks are not just for women. Children alike can experience stretch marks as their bodies grow during puberty.

Stretch marks result when the lower layer of skin, which is the elastin and collegen, becomes broken due to thinning. This layer gives the skin it elasticity and strength, but when excessive weight gain results for a long period, the layer of skin will thin and eventually break, causing the purplish lines known as striae or otherwise known as stretch marks. The small blood vessels that are under the skin start to show through after the skin thins. After a time, the blood vessels will contract and turn to a whitish color. Unfortunately, stretch marks are an unpleasant fact for many.

It has also said the some drugs may cause stretch marks. It is said that some medications will interfere with the formation of collagen. It is also believed that steroid and hormonal drugs may cause some changes in the skin resulting in stretch marks. For some, dry skin may mean that they are prone to stretch marks as the skin stretches. All of these reasons only mean one thing, and that is that the causes of stretches can come from different things and for different reasons. The one thing that does not cause stretch marks is age.

The changes in the body's structure cannot always be prevented, but with some care, it may be possible to prevent some more noticeable stretch marks. This however will not be true for everyone. The body chemistry and amount of collagen and elastic will determine if a person will have stretch marks or not. One can only try some preventive treatments or treatments for eliminating stretch marks to see which one will work and cover or make the stretch marks disappear from the affected areas of the body. Weight loss may make stretch marks more noticeable and in need of some form of cosmetic cover.

Related Articles:

Treatment for Stretch Marks

Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch Mark on Breasts

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