Stretch marks are strokes that are often visible on the skin of the body where fat is concentrated, such as the breast, upper abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. Stretch marks can occur to anyone, both in women and in men. Fortunately, this skin streak can be removed.
Scars that were originally red, pink, or purple will eventually change to white or gray, depending on the color of the skin.
Collagen, Determinants of Stretch Marks
Not everyone experiences stretch marks. This condition is only experienced by people whose skin contains a little collagen or protein that makes skin supple. Stretch marks generally occur because your body grows faster than the development and elasticity of the skin.
When the skin stretches quickly due to a member of the body expanding or gaining weight, the middle layer of the skin (dermis) will thin out so that the layers beneath it come to the surface. This condition is called stretch marks.
Conditions that can cause stretch marks include:
- Pregnancy
- Increased body weight
- There are family members who have a history of stretch marks.
- Puberty, which is when the body grows quickly. In boys, stretch marks can appear on the shoulders and back. Whereas in girls, this skin stroke is usually found in the hips, thighs, and breasts.
- Certain health disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome causes the body to over-produce the hormone cortisol, causing stretch marks. Marfan Syndrome is a gene disorder that affects connective tissue and skin.
- Inadequate consumption of corticosteroid drugs. Corticosteroids are generally used in the form of creams to treat certain skin conditions such as eczema. This ingredient has the same effect as the hormone cortisol.
Before stretch marks are formed, the skin will thin out and appear reddish lines or streaks, sometimes accompanied by itching. Over time this line will change to white which will then disappear, it can be in a matter of months or years.
The red color of the skin appears because the thin layer of the dermis makes the blood vessels underneath appear and appear to the surface. This stroke becomes white after the blood vessels constrict.
Can it prevent stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a common condition that cannot always be prevented. However, there are several ways you can do so stretch marks do not develop.
Healthy body weight
Stretch marks are most often caused by rapid weight gain. Therefore, keep your body weight in a stable condition. If you want to lose weight, do it too gradually. Try not to lose more than half a kilogram of body weight per week.
Healthy eating
Healthy and fresh food can keep your skin healthy and prevent stretch marks. Make it a habit to eat foods that are rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, protein, and zinc.
Weight gain during pregnancy
The weight gain of a woman during pregnancy varies, but generally ranges from 10 - 12.5 kg. You will be more at risk of experiencing stretch marks if your weight gain during pregnancy is above average. You can consult this with an obstetrician.
Can Stretch marks be removed?
Stretch marks are actually harmless and can disappear over time, so they don't need medical care. But if you really intend to undergo treatment, you should understand that the procedure will not completely eliminate stretch marks.
The following are some things that can be done to disguise or minimize stretch marks.
Camouflage with cosmetics
Stretch marks can be disguised by applying a special cream to the skin color that is sold freely. Some types of creams are waterproof so they can last 2-3 days.
Stretch marks removal cream
There are creams, lotions, and gels that claim to eliminate stretch marks. However, this lotion should be applied while stretch marks are still reddish. If not, this lotion has no effect and is the same as letting stretch marks disappear by themselves.
Gel usually consists of a mixture of onion extract and hyaluronic acid.
Another option is retinoids that can be prescribed by your dermatologist. This ingredient is useful to stimulate collagen growth which makes the skin healthier. However, retinoids should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Retinoids are also not effective if applied to stretch marks that have long formed.
Chemical peels
Creams made from glycolic acid or peeling methods can be an option to overcome stretch marks. One study showed skin improvement in the use of topical glycolic acid after 6 months, but this method was relatively expensive and could not completely eliminate stretch marks.
Laser therapy
The energy from the laser beam is absorbed by the blood vessels below the stretch mark layer so that it turns white or becomes less visible. Even so, this therapy cannot completely eliminate stretch marks, but only makes it more cryptic.
Another process is by microdermabrasion, which is a treatment with the application of crystals to clean the surface of the skin. This treatment is usually used in the treatment of stretch marks that have been formed for longer.
Beauty surgery
This procedure is carried out by removing excess fat and skin on the upper abdomen, as well as on the bottom of the buttocks. However, this step is expensive and rarely recommended.
Stretch marks usually disappear over time and generally do not require special treatment. But if the complaint makes you feel disturbed for some reason, you can consult with a dermatologist.
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