By Sheena.
Stretch Marks 101: Causes, Treatment Options and Embracing Your Body
Have you ever rejected your favourite crop-top or refused an invite to the pool party because you are too self-conscious about the streaks of pink or lighter beige running down your body?
Stretch marks are a concern for many although they are completely normal and pose no physical health risks. Let’s find out more about them and learn to embrace them along the way.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are lines that develop on our skin and might be pink, red, purple, brown or white in colour. They develop whenever our skin expands or shrinks rapidly, such as during growth spurts, pregnancy, changes in body composition or the development or loss of muscle. They typically appear on the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, buttocks and upper arms.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Various factors contribute to the development of stretch marks. Each individual’s body responds differently to changes so not everyone gets stretch marks for the same reasons.
Here are some of the factors that cause stretch marks:
1. Rapid growth: The skin may expand quickly during times of rapid growth, such as puberty or pregnancy, which can result in the development of stretch marks.
2. Pregnancy: Stretch marks commonly result from the stretching of the skin during pregnancy.
3. Change in Weight: Considerable weight gain or reduction can quickly stretch or contract the skin, resulting in the development of stretch marks.
4. Puberty: Adolescence is a time of fast growth and hormonal changes, including puberty. During this time, the body might go through substantial changes, and the skin may stretch, leaving stretch marks.
5. Genetics: It's possible that certain people have a higher hereditary predisposition to develop stretch marks. You can be more prone to getting stretch marks if you have a family history of them.
What are the Treatment Options Available?
There are many treatment options available that can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, complete removal is quite challenging.
Some of the common treatment options are:
1. Topical Creams and Lotions: You can apply over-the-counter creams and lotions to the affected area that contain retinoids, hyaluronic acid, or collagen.
2. Prescription Drugs: A dermatologist could occasionally recommend more potent lotions or ointments, like tretinoin or corticosteroids, to assist in minimising the appearance of stretch marks.
3. Laser Therapy: Stretch marks can be treated using laser therapy to lessen their appearance. However, like any medical procedure, it comes with its share of potential cons and risks.
4. Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive cosmetic procedure that exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin by removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production. Stretch marks can seem better with the help of microdermabrasion, which encourages skin regeneration and boosts collagen production.
5. Micro needling: Also, referred to as collagen induction therapy, this procedure entails utilizing a device with small needles to penetrate the skin. It helps in making the stretch marks look better by stimulating the formation of collagen and elastin. While micro needling is generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects.
Preventive Measures to Keep in Mind
You can follow these simple preventive measure that may help you to avoid the occurrence or appearance of stretch marks:
1. Avoid rapid weight gain or loss
2. Eat a balanced diet
3. Keep your body hydrated
4. Protect your body from sun damage
5. Take a proper diet during pregnancy after consulting with your doctor
6. Engaging in regular physical activity
7. Massaging your body with oils such as bitter almond oil can reduce stretch marks during pregnancy
Although these practices can help but there is no guarantee that they can completely prevent stretch marks
You Can Still Rock With Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a beautiful reminder of the amazing journey your body has gone through, and you should embrace them. You can do that by:
1. Considering them signs of strength and development rather than defects
2. Putting self-acceptance first instead of social beauty ideals
3. Using positive self-talk and surrounding yourself with body-positive media
4. Dressing in a way that gives you a confident, relaxed feeling
5. Keeping in mind that you are worth much more than how you look on the outside.
You should know that you can still rock with stretch marks. The only thing you need to do is accept and adore your body as it is, with or without stretch marks.
Stretch marks are signs that your body is changing. There is nothing to be embarrassed about these lines that decorate your body. Think of them as a souvenir, each one of them telling a different story of how your body is growing and thriving.
to know more about body dysmorphia read here
Tags: #SelfConscious #BodyDysmorphia #StretchMarks #BodyChanges #BodyCompositions #BodyGrowth #RapidGrowth #Pregnancy #WeightGain #Puberty
References
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-are-stretch-marks
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/stretch-marks