Stretch Marks- Some More Causes And Cures
Thursday, July 29th, 2010Stretch marks, or stria atrophicae in dermatology, are considered as scarring on the skin caused by weight gain or pregnancy. They mostly appear on body spots where larger amounts of fat are stored like the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks.
Stretch marks are created when the middle layer of the skin, i.e. dermis, stretches to its maximum elasticity to fit a new and larger body. They first appear as reddish purple lines due to microscopic bleeding and along with tissue inflammation, they are now considered as newly formed stretch marks. With this the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, also stretches making it visible enough for the reddish purple lines to be seen. And when these heal, the scar itself forms with a lighter shade than that of the natural skin tone.
Some studies also show that stretch marks are associated with a group of steroids called glucocorticoids, cortisol being the most common of them. Research proved that when human body is under stress, it releases an above normal level of cortisol. Consequently, halting fibrolasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers needed to keep new skin firm. These lead now to the tearing of dermal and epidermal layers due to lack of supportive material.
A lot of studies suggest the prevention and removal of stretch marks. One study uses creams like retinoid products and alpha-hydroxy acids, mixed with topical steroids. Steroids are used to reduce inflammation, since discussed earlier that stretch marks are caused by skin inflammation.
On the other hand, retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids negate the bad effects caused by steroids. And this combination reduces the formation of stretch marks.
Other methods are available to make existing stretch marks barely there, including laser treatments, dermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum (outer surface of the epidermis) is being removed by abrasion, or sanding, targeting sun-damaged skin and dark spots on the skin. A laser treatment, called fractional laser resurfacing, uses pulses of light that creates microscopic wounds on the scar. In which, body produces new collagen and epithelium that improves the texture and appearance of mature stretch marks.
Another method uses a surgical procedure, the tummy tuck. In here, the part of skin below the navel is being removed because this is where stretch marks oftenly form.
Learn more about stretch marks removal. Visit Jen Hopkins’s site, www.SecretsToGetRidOfStretchmarks.com, where you can find out all about remove stretch marks and other valuable information about the topic.
