Identification

More than 75 percent of your skin is made up of collagen and the rest of elastin. Collagen is a fibrous protein found in bones, tendons and skin. Elastin is a protein that allows your skin to stretch and flexible. Each stretch mark is an area where the elastin fibers have broken down. It's a combination of the hormone cortisone, as well as your skin physically stretching that causes this type of skin scarring to appear. The damage occurs in the middle layer of your skin, called the dermis. New stretch marks are purplish, pink or reddish streaks. With time, they usually fade to silver or white streaks. You may have just a few of them and in different parts of your body.

Women and men can get stretch marks. You can often find them on your breasts, upper arms, buttocks, thighs, lower back and abdomen. They tend to pop up when your body undergoes physical changes that affect the skin. They are common in teenagers during puberty, pregnant women and weightlifters. Other reasons for stretch marks include losing too much weight or rapid weight gain. Genetics may also play a part in whether you get stretch marks.

There is no magic cream that will erase stretch marks completely. Creams that have Retin-A can help the appearance of stretch marks that are only a few weeks old. Dermabrasion can work on older stretch marks. This involves freezing the affected skin. After this is done, a high-speed rotating instrument removes the top layer of your skin. Or consider a chemical peel in which chemical solution is applied on the area, causing your skin to flake off. Many of these procedures can improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
Warning to Pregnant women just wait until you give birth to make any steps to reduce/eliminate stretch marks even use with ointments. THERE ARE LOTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE Market made for Stretch marks and safe for Pregnant women even at the beginning the marks has not yet begun for prevention. If you are pregnant or nursing, don't use retinoids at all.

Expert Insight

If you can't give up your daily cappuccino, make sure you drink enough water. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These vitamins are essential for healthy skin, and eating a good diet will help you maintain a normal weight. Pregnant women should moisturize their skin generously to minimize their chances of getting stretch marks. It's not the ingredients in these creams, such as Vitamin E or jojoba oil, that prevents these streaks, but the massaging of the skin itself.

Stretch marks are not dangerous to your health. If you decide on treatments, understand that your insurance may not cover the cost because the procedures are considered cosmetic. There are risks involved in treatment, including infection, permanent discoloration or scarring. Stretch marks that appear without a physical cause or over large areas of skin should always be discussed with your physician. Certain medical conditions such as Cushing's Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome have been associated with stretch marks.
Note: I specified more on men because they do not show their concern on their skin specially on the growing up age .

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