STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks are the result of the breakdown of elastic fibers in the skin. When the skin is stretched the less elastic fibers get broken creating marks called stretch marks. Initially stretch marks are pink, then red and finally white. Stretch marks are essentially a reflection of the separation of the skin.

When the skin stretches it does not hurt, can sometimes cause a light burning sensation or pulsations. Stretch marks are more common in the abdomen, but also appear on the thighs, buttocks, hips, breasts and arms.

What produces the stretch marks?

The causes of stretch marks are variable. The skin is stretched to adapt to the increase in body volume. The skin is very elastic and can tolerate the stretch even if is very large and in a short period of time. But the skin has a limit, when this limit is reached the deep layers of the skin get broken. This rupture can be seen in the outer layers of the skin. This is what we know as stretch marks.

The loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin can cause stretch marks, facial expression lines, loss of skin tone and wrinkles. When there is a loss of elasticity and collagen or excessive stretching of skin, stretch marks appear.

Common Causes:

  • Sudden changes in weight. During rapid weight gain the skin is forced to adapt. For this reason, stretch marks are very common during pregnancy.
  • Hormonal changes. The most common is when girls reach puberty and the breast begins to grow.
  • Heredity. This is the most common cause, our genetic disposition, of course for its development is needed the combination with any of the other causes. So if your sister has stretch marks you must be careful.
  • The general health of the skin. A dry skin combined with a poor diet that does not provide all the nutrients to the skin makes the skin more prone to develop stretch marks
  • Ethnic group. People of African descent tend to have fewer stretch marks.
  • Rapid muscles development. This is true for the weight lifter. The muscles get too big too fast breaking the skin creating stretch marks.