Stretch marks: What causes them? What are the factors that cause stretch marks? Can they be treated? Let’s find out what to do about stretch marks.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a type of scar that occurs when our skin stretches or contracts rapidly. The sudden changes cause collagen and elastin to break down, and as the skin heals, stretch marks appear. Stretch marks initially appear red, purple, pink, russet, or dark brown, depending on your skin color, and may be raised and itchy. Over time, they fade in color and become narrow grooves buried beneath the skin.
What are the factors that cause stretch marks?
As mentioned above, stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or contracts rapidly. They are most commonly found on the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, chest,ทางเข้า ufabet https://ufabet999.app and calves. Anyone can get stretch marks, but there are additional factors that make them more likely to develop, as follows:
- Women are more likely to develop stretch marks than men.
- Genetics: People in your family have stretch marks.
- Being pregnant, especially if you become pregnant at a young age
- Rapid growth in adolescence
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Corticosteroids are used.
- Had breast augmentation surgery
- Exercise and use of stimulants such as anabolic steroids
- There are genetic disorders such as Cushing’s disease (patients are abnormally obese) or Marfan’s disease (patients are abnormally thin).
Stretch marks, how to treat them?
It is important to understand that stretch marks are similar to scars. This means that it is difficult to treat them so that they are as smooth as before they appeared. However, they can be reduced, and may fade to the point where they are invisible. The treatment methods are as follows:
- Use stretch mark creams – Stretch mark creams, gels, or lotions are often effective if used early on, such as when you are pregnant or when you start to feel itchy in the area where stretch marks are. You need to massage the cream into your skin and apply it regularly for several months to see clear results.
- Use medications as prescribed by your doctor – These include hyaluronic acid, tretinoin, and retinoids. Studies have shown that when applied regularly to stretch marks, they can help fade the appearance of stretch marks. However, they must be used continuously as prescribed by your doctor for several months.
- Rely on medical science – Stretch marks can be treated using a number of medical sciences, such as chemical peeling, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, radio waves, and ultrasound. For each method, a doctor will analyze which treatment is suitable for your skin condition and age. More than one method can be used together, depending on the doctor’s assessment.
How to prevent stretch marks? What can you do?
Let me first say that stretch marks cannot be prevented 100%. However, there are many methods that can help prevent severe stretch marks or reduce the risk of them. Here are some ways to do it:
- Keep your weight within an appropriate range.
- Avoid fasting or taking diet pills, as this can increase the risk of a yo-yo effect.
- Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc and silicon, which will help strengthen your skin.
- If you are pregnant, try to set goals and control your weight gain slowly and gradually.
- Drink plenty of water, about 1.5-2 liters every day.