Stretch marks are fine lines or scars on the skin. But the look of stretch marks depends on the softness of your skin. Genetics can also be one of the reasons for it. If any woman in your family got stretch marks during their pregnancy, you are more likely to get that. However, it will depend on how fast your skin gets extended.

What causes stretch marks

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on your body where skin is stretched, or extended due to obesity, pregnancy, etc. The usual assembly of collagen gets upset leading to stretch marks. They are most likely to appear in the places where fat is stored such as your abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. These marks are not harmful to your health in any way. These are simply cosmetic issue, and needs to be treated accordingly.

Though stretch marks are common in girls and women, men get stretch marks too. Obese people, bodybuilders, and people who use steroid-containing skin cream can get stretch marks.

Is there a solution?

Unfortunately; there is no permanent solution for stretch marks. However, you can reduce their appearance by not gaining too much weight and with proper defensive measures. The way to detect them is at the earlier stage when they are pink or reddish brown.

General tips to get rid of stretch marks

You can apply a combination of cocoa butter into the stretch marks. You can also massage well with vitamin E oil into the stretch marks, especially after shower.

Consume food for healthy skin that contain vitamin A, E and C. You can take supplements along with your regular diet. However, pregnant women should have this after consulting their doctors. Also, eat foods that are rich in zinc, and silica. These are good for skin and form collagen, the fibers to support your skin. Consume vegetables, vegetable oils, fish oils and other items that contain fatty acids. This will help to build cell walls.

The best way to get rid of stretch marks is visiting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These doctors can actually help you with various treatments like actual surgery, and laser treatment that diminish the appearance of stretch marks.

Be careful during your pregnancy

Pregnant women are more prone to get stretch marks since they suddenly put on weight. This happens because elastic and collagen fibers become dehydrated and rip off. Make sure you are applying a good moisturizer on your stomach regularly during pregnancy.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is one of the best remedy to remove stretch marks. Different types of lasers will be used depending on the color of stretch marks on your body. One type of laser lessens the color of dark stretch marks while another motivates the production of pigment-making cells in already faded stretch marks. A newer type of laser therapy can be used to stimulate the production of collagen and help restore the skin’s elasticity in depressed stretch marks.

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