Stretch marks (striae) are relatively common, even in males. It is not completely understood how they form, but there are several theories. One is that stretch marks form simply when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking and a scar is formed. Another interesting theory is that stretch marks are caused by an increased level of glucocorticoids (cortisol). Glucocorticoids prevent connective tissues from forming the collagen and elastin fibers need to keep the skin tight, and dermal layer then tears. Some people may be more genetically prone to stretch marks than others. Skin type may be a factor; dryer skin has less elasticity than oily skin, and is more prone to stretch marks.
TREATING STRETCH MARKS
There are several extra steps you can take for the reduction of your stretch marks. Consider your skin care regimen, and fine-tune it to meet the needs of skin that is damaged, requires cellular repair and the stimulation of collagen and elastin production.
Nutrition: An adequate amount of water, vitamins E, C, selenium, and alpha lipoic acid, as well as enough monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and gamma lineolic acid (borage oil) are vital for keeping your skin strong and healthy and able to repair itself.
The basic treatment for the reduction of the appearance of scars is to regularly 1) remove the overgrown scar tissue with brisk exfoliation and then 2) encourage the regrowth of normal tissues with use of nutrients and conditioners.
If stretch marks have formed because of weight gain, reducing bodyfat stores (losing weight) can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by releasing pressure from the skin.
Exfoliation: Stretch marks are similar to scars, there can be either a build up of scar tissue, which results in a raised stretch mark, or tearing and obvious depressions in the skin. Stretch marks respond well to vigorous exfoliation with both mechanical and chemical means. Your goal is to break down the malformed collagen and have it slough off, while new, properly constructed collagen and skin cells are formed below. You may wish to perform at least a light exfoliation on the stretch marks on a daily basis. You can use a massage tool to improve the breakdown of scar tissues. Applying alpha hydroxy peel products, such as retinol, glycolic or lactic acid, has shown to be effective for the improvement of stretch marks.
Protection: After exfoliating, apply antioxidant formulas with A, E, C, and alpha lipoic acids to protect the new skin cells from damage. If skin is to be exposed to the sun, apply a sunscreen to prevent further breakdown of newly formed skin cells.
Moisturizer: After exfoliating skin and applying antioxidants, moisturize the area thoroughly. If you are prone to stretch marks, remember to moisturize your body skin daily to avoid developing more stretch marks with weight changes. Aloe Vera should be used to improve skin microcirculation, followed by a layer of lipid-based cream or lotion.
Other Treatments:
Sleep: Get plenty of sleep to help your skin regenerate.
Milk Bath: You can soak your entire body with softening lactic acid by adding a cup or two of skin milk powder to your bath and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes several times a week. For extra enjoyment, add a few drops of your favorite scent to the bath. Rinse the milk bath off under the shower, but do not use soap. If you’re sweaty or dirty, take a quick shower with a mild soap before your milk bath. Moisturize your body skin thoroughly afterwards.
You can prepare your own tinctures and creams, or look for commercial products that contain ingredients known to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
The following nutrients may be helpful in the treatment of stretch marks:
Natural Exfoliation Agents Apricot kernal scrub Bromelain Dead Sea Salts Dessicated Milk Powder (lactic acid) Papain Rolled Oats Sea Salt Brown Sugar (glycolic acid) White Willow Bark, ground (salicylic acid) Vitamin A Oil
Natural External Rejuvenation Agents Almond Oil Aloe Vera Gel Alpha Lipoic Acid Borage Oil Boxthorn herb Bergamot Sea Buchthorn Clary Sage Grape Seed Extract Comfrey Herb Safflower Oil Rosemary Herb Coconut Oil Sunflower & Safflower Oil Vitamin E & Vitamin A oil Squalene Oil
Remember that the reduction of stretch marks is a two step process. First, the malformed collagen cells must be broken down by mechanical or chemical means. Secondly the new underlying skin layers must be encouraged to grow properly and with proper nutrition and hydration.
With a little diligent effort, the appearance of stretch marks can be reduced and improved.
Stretch marks are not just mere marks on the skin. They are, in fact, scars. These marks are the results of the skin overstretching. When this happens, the collagen that keeps the skin elastic and supple is disrupted in its production. When the collagen is no longer sufficient to help the skin stretch, red or purple lines appear. Over time, the lines fade to a light color, a color that is usually lighter than the surrounding skin. These are what are called stretch marks.
Stretch marks are commonly associated with bodybuilding, pregnancy, and obesity. All of these are things that can cause the skin to stretch. Many people feel embarrassed by their stretch marks, and look for ways to get rid of them. Treatments that include Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter have been around for years, helping to stimulate collagen production and reduce the look of scars. Now, however, a new method of treating stretch marks is becoming more popular: laser treatment.
Laser treatment has become popular for a variety of uses related to beauty. Hair removal, age spot reduction, acne reduction, and wrinkle removal are all ways in which lasers can be used to enhance the way the skin looks. Lasers can also be used to reduce the appearance of, or even remove altogether, stretch marks. The laser works by causing the scarred skin to slough off but removing the top payer. The heat of the laser causes a small, pinpointed ?burn? which is then healed over by new, young, elastic skin. Because lasers are so concentrated and accurate now, it is often possible to target only the affected areas, without damaging the healthy skin surrounding the stretch mark.
While laser treatments for stretch marks are generally painless, there are some side effects possible. Usually these side effects are no more than a little redness around the affected area. The redness usually disappears in two to three days. Other side effects may include some swelling and a little soreness. If your side effects are beyond just a little annoying, and if they persist beyond a couple of days, you should probably see your doctor in order to make sure that you did not have an adverse reaction to the laser.
Many dermatologists are adding some sort of laser treatment to their practices, as such lasers are becoming more and more popular ways to treat a variety of cosmetic ailments. They are non-invasive, and the treatments can be done in a short period of time, although removing some stretch marks may require three or four half hour visits. Additionally, the low occurrence of discomfort adds to the conveniences associated with laser treatments.
It is possible to have your stretch marks removed. You can try more traditional treatments, or you can take advantage of what technology has to offer in the way of laser treatment. In any case, it is possible to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and feel more confident. All you have to know is where to look for treatment.
Both Fawn Bales & Charles Kassotis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Fawn Bales has sinced written about articles on various topics from Beauty Tips, Stretch Marks and Cellulite. Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medicine for over 20 years. She has also studied aesthetic technology and cosmetology. She is the co-author of two natural beauty books and is a managing editor of Botanical Beauty Lab, a women&#. Fawn Bales's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.
Charles Kassotis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, Gifts for loved ones and Pets. Find out more about what you can do about stretch marks by visiting our Web site at . Charles Kassotis's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.