Although stretch marks are not too dangerous, they greatly affect aesthetics and appearance. So what are stretch marks? What causes stretch marks? How to treat stretch marks on the skin? The article below from Dermalogica will help you better understand this skin condition.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks occur when your skin quickly stretches and then contracts. It often appears as scars running vertically across the skin.
Stretch marks are very common. This condition often occurs during pregnancy. Or due to sudden changes in your weight. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body. But they are most common on the abdomen, breasts, arms, thighs and buttocks.
Stretch marks are not harmful to your health. However, they can affect the aesthetics of your skin and make many people worry.
Signs of stretch marks
What are the signs of stretch marks? Before stretch marks appear, the skin will become thinner and slightly red. Besides, you may feel itchy when stretch marks start.
Then, wrinkles will appear. They can be red, purple, pink, reddish brown or dark brown, depending on skin color. Eventually, the stretch marks gradually flatten. And over time, they will turn white and shiny.
Causes of stretch marks
Some common causes of stretch marks include:
- Pregnant. Over 50% of pregnant women will have stretch marks for a long time before and after giving birth.
- Puberty. Rapid growth is typical in those in puberty. This can lead to stretch marks.
- Rapid weight gain and sudden weight loss. What is another cause of stretch marks? The answer is a sudden change in weight. A large increase in body weight and a rapid loss of body weight can cause stretch marks.
- Health problems. Some problems with your health can cause stretch marks. Such as Marfan syndrome and Cushing syndrome. Marfan syndrome can lead to decreased elasticity in skin tissue. Meanwhile, Cushing's syndrome can cause the body to make too much hormone. Leads to rapid weight gain and makes the skin susceptible to thinning, forming stretch marks.
- Use of corticosteroids. Applying corticosteroid creams for long periods of time can reduce collagen levels in the skin. Therefore, it increases the risk of stretch marks.
Who is prone to stretch marks?
We already know what stretch marks are, right? Next, let's explore with Dermalogica who is at high risk for stretch marks. Several factors are linked to the development of stretch marks, including:
- Does anyone in your family have stretch marks?
- Due to chronic skin diseases
- Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy
- Fetal weight before birth.
How to treat and prevent stretch marks
How to treat stretch marks
Treatment for stretch marks can be expensive and not always effective.
Some commonly applied methods are using gel or lotion and cosmetic surgery. They can help treat stretch marks. However, you need to pursue long-term treatment to improve stretch marks.
Stretch marks usually fade over time. For those of you with stretch marks during pregnancy. This condition will subside about 6 to 12 months after giving birth.
Makeup can be used to hide stretch marks. This will help hide stretch marks and make them less obvious.
How to prevent stretch marks
#1 Control your weight
What is the first method to help limit stretch marks? One of the effective ways to help you prevent stretch marks is to maintain a reasonable weight. Stretch marks occur when your skin stretches due to rapid weight gain. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising will help you control your weight. At the same time, it reduces the risk of stretch marks.
#2 Hydrate your body
Drinking enough water can help keep your skin plump and soft. Soft skin is less susceptible to stretch marks than dry skin.
#3 Build a nutrient-rich diet
Stretch marks can also appear if your body is lacking nutrients. Make sure your diet is rich in nutrients. This will help improve the health of your skin. For example, a breakfast of eggs and wholemeal toast. Combine in a salad with berries. Your breakfast will be more delicious and nutritious.
#4 Supplement vitamin C
Do you wonder what other methods help prevent stretch marks? Vitamin C is an important nutrient for collagen cell growth. Collagen plays an important role in keeping your skin strong and elastic. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while also assisting in preventing stretch marks. Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are excellent sources of vitamin C.
#5 Supplement vitamin D
Maintaining stable vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of stretch marks. The easiest way for the body to absorb vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also often added to bread and cereals. And dairy products such as fresh milk or yogurt.
#6 Eat foods rich in zinc
What is another method to prevent stretch marks? You can add zinc-rich foods to your daily meals. Such as nuts and fish. Zinc is an important nutrient for skin health. It helps reduce inflammation and also promotes wound healing. In addition, it improves the health of your skin.
#7 Treat stretch marks when they first appear
If stretch marks on the skin cannot be completely prevented. You can make an appointment to see a dermatologist. For advice on limiting the appearance of further stretch marks. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your stretch marks. And recommend the most suitable treatment options for new stretch marks.
Hopefully the above article helps readers find the answer to the question of what stretch marks are. Don't let stretch marks make you lose your confidence. Please apply these methods to improve stretch marks as soon as possible. If you have any questions that need answering. Please contact Dermalogica experts via hotline 0911370011 for detailed advice!