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Stretch Marks

While there remains a great deal of debate concerning the actual causes of stretch marks, researchers do know that they are more common during pregnancy, periods of rapid growth such as during early adolescence, rapid weight gain or obesity, hormonal fluctuations and periods of intense body building and exercise. The most common areas of the body affected by stretch marks are along the torso, were multi-dimensional growht is common, including the hips, breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

The actual appearance of stretch marks changes with time. When first formed, stretch marks will appear to be red or perhaps even a dark shade of purple. If treatment is administered during this initial phase, the chances are much better for the stretch marks to diminish and fade. However, in time and irrespective of treatment, the stretch marks will become white or hypo-pigmented and remain so for the rest of a person’s life.

There are many theories about what actually causes stretch marks, but researchers have yet to identify anything conclusive. It is known that the collagen and elastin fiber network supporting the skin becomes stretched — perhaps due to a weakness in these underlying structures caused by some genetic factor. It is known that stretch marks do seem to have a genetic link, but researchers have yet to identify any specific gene that would lead to a weakening of the collagen and elastin fiber network.

Researchers have recently started concentrating on a possible hormonal link to stretch marks. Glucocorticoids are secreted by the adrenal glands and their production is substantially increased during pregnancy, adolescence, obesity and weight lifting. The increased glucocorticoid production just happens to coincide with times when the appearance of stretch marks is most likely, which is why researchers are now investigating this possible link. Recently, research has determined that the glucocorticoids can and do prevent the fibroblasts from repairing and regenerating the collagen and elastin fiber network. However, it is not known whether this hormone actually causes the stretch marks or merely makes their appearance more likely, given their role in controlling fibroblast activity.

Another theory about the cause of stretch marks centers around how the process of stretching itself may be affecting the melanin (responsible for skin pigment and protecting the skin against UV sun radiation). It is believed that when the dermal collagen becomes damaged during stretching, blood vessel dilation occurs. This dilation will help form the red or purple “early” stretch marks. This occurs, in theory, because the inflammation and collagen remodeling cause the loss of pigment-producing melanocyte cells or simply obscure the pigment altogether.

Because researchers and scientists have yet to identify a definitive cause of stretch marks, there is currently no known cure or method for removing them completely. However, as stated above, it is possible to reduce the severity of the permanent scarring by treating the marks early. Some of the most common remedies available today tend to feature vitamin A, vitamin E, cocoa butter or Tretinoin.

Preventing stretch marks would seem to be the best solution but this is not always possible as pregnancy is one of the biggest factors causing the unsightly marks. However, for women who are pregnant, it is recommended that daily moisturizer be applied to areas of the body prone to stretch marks to keep the skin supple. A specially formulated treatment such as Mustela Stretch Mark Double Action will make tearing less likely and should cause fewer stretch marks if applied consistently and in the most susceptible areas. Another common preventative technique involves increasing circulation. Just as athletes need to warm up and get their muscles loosened up, the elastin fibers are not as likely to tear if you massage the skin. Drinking plenty of water and getting ample daily exercise also increases circulation and diminishes the likelihood of stretch marks appearing. For stretch marks that have already began to appear, apply Phytomer SeaTonic Stretch Mark Reducing Cream or ProCyte Striae Stretch Mark Creme to the affected areas daily. Phytomer Sea Tonic helps firm up the skin by helping to regenerate cell damage and thus repair the elastin fiber and collagen supportive network. Procyte Striae is recommended for women who have recently given birth because it will slowly reduce the redness, ridges, and whiteness caused by stretch marks in approximately 4-6 weeks.

Although there is no definitive cause or cure for stretch marks, researchers do know that the effects can be minimized with early treatment and simple preventative measures like those listed above.

Article posted 4/30/2007.

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