Stretch Mark Solutions

A stretch mark is just one of many small marks that appear when an individual is obese, pregnant or is bulk building. These tiny marks are the results of the dermis, the second layer of our skin, tears due to the excessive expansion or stretching. Almost all women experience stretch marks due to pregnancy and these marks are very difficult to get rid of.

A stretch mark starts out as a pinkish or purplish mark that may zigzag across the expanded area. The appearance of stretch marks may look like waves. They are not deadly or lethal to whoever has them nor do they have any dangerous effects on the person. They are just marks on the dermis which eventually turn silvery-white as the years pass.

Causes of Stretch Marks

A stretch mark is caused by pregnancy, having weaker collagen, sudden or rapid bulk gain and puberty. Obviously, during pregnancy, some women gain weight more rapidly than others; this is one reason why a pregnant woman gets stretch marks. Another reason why pregnant women get a stretch mark is because during pregnancy, some hormones deliberately soften the collagen ligaments of the pelvis to facilitate better childbirth. These hormones also soften the collage tissue of the dermis making it easier to tear when the skin stretches. This weaker collagen results to a stretch mark.

Some women, especially older women, have weaker collagen or have decreasing collagen compared to others. This decrease in collage triggers the dermis to tear or break at the slightest sudden weight gain. Women are noted to have lesser collagen than men and men lose lesser collagen as they grow older compared to women.

Sudden or rapid weight gain due to bulk building or yo-yo dieting can result to stretch mark appearance. Usually, bulk builders have stretch mark in their chest, upper arms and thighs. Puberty may also induce a string of stretch mark occurrences when individuals have growth spurts. These usually occur in the backs of adolescents or the side of their thighs. Growth spurts are also rapid weight gain or height gain.

A stretch mark is actually not a harmful thing to have. Its only offense is in the aesthetic sense, which can be a big offense especially for women or bodybuilders who pride themselves for their looks. Getting rid of a stretch mark may be a bit difficult to do since these are permanent fixtures and can only be eliminated through surgery (tummy tuck only)or diminished by constant moisturizing.