What exactly are stretch marks?

Stretch marks (striae or striae distensae) are scars on the skin that have a pinkish or whitish hue and appear when your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly.
Collagen is a protein found beneath your skin that makes it more elastic and provides support. Stretch marks may appear on your skin as your skin attempts to heal any abrupt change or tear in your skin collagen.
They frequently appear on your stomach, arms, breasts, back, shoulders, torso, hips, buttocks, or thighs. These grooves or lines are neither painful nor dangerous. However, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance. They become less noticeable over time.

 

How do stretch marks appear?

A stretch mark's appearance varies depending on when it appears, what caused it, where it appears, and the type and colour of your skin. They could appear as follows:
Your skin may have slightly depressed, parallel lines or long, thin, rippled streaks.
Pink, red, black, blue, silver, or purple
Dark streaks that may fade to a lighter shade over time
Over time, the skin becomes whitish and scar-like.
Several centimetres long and one to ten millimetres wide,
It has a different texture than your normal skin and may appear wrinkled.
Stripes cover a large portion of your body, particularly your tummy, torso, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Slightly raised and itchy, especially on newer marks.

 

What causes them to appear?

Stretch marks can occur for a variety of reasons, including those listed below.
Being a lady
Maternity (especially last trimester)
Excessive weight gain in a short period of time
Rapid weight loss
adolescence (sexual maturity)
Hormonal therapy (steroids)
Following breast augmentation surgery
Bodybuilding
Ancestral history

Certain diseases or conditions, for example

Cushing's disease (a disorder due to a high level of the hormone cortisol)
The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a disorder with very stretchy skin that bruises easily)
The syndrome of Marfan's (a disorder that weakens your skin fibers and causes unusual growth)

 

How do I permanently get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks are typically regarded as a cosmetic issue. They can be extensive in some cases, causing them to tear easily in an accident. Stretch marks, like any scar, are permanent and may fade over time. There is no absolute cure for stretch marks because they are caused by a tear deep within your skin. Some treatments, however, may make them less noticeable. Some treatments can alleviate the itch. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and some treatments are completely ineffective.
Stretch marks can be reduced with over-the-counter products or procedures, but they will never completely disappear. Some treatments may be effective if you are concerned about the appearance of your skin.

Moisturizers: The most commonly prescribed cream is one containing hyaluronic acid. When applied in the early stages of stretch marks, it may make them less visible.

Retinoic acid topical therapy: Some people respond best to retinol or tretinoin (retinoid). If used early on, every night for 24 weeks, it may make them less visible. However, if not used as directed, it may cause side effects. It should be avoided during pregnancy because it is potentially harmful.

A skin doctor (dermatologist) or plastic surgeon may recommend or perform one or more of the following procedures to help your skin produce more collagen.

Pulsed dye laser therapy is a painless light burst used to relax blood vessels beneath the skin that cause stretch marks.

Fractional CO2 laser therapy: This therapy may help to smooth out old white marks. Topical creams such as glycolic acid and tretinoin may be more effective.

 

 

 

Excimer laser therapy: A safe ultraviolet-B light is used to target stretch marks. Correcting the pigmentation of your stretch marks may take more than one to four months.

Microdermabrasion: To help fade new stretch marks, tiny crystals or microneedles are used to rub off the top layer of your skin. It may produce better results when combined with skin-peeling treatment.

Chemical peels: Using glycolic acid (an acidic solution) to burn the top layer of your skin may stimulate new skin growth. This may provide a slight cosmetic improvement, but it may not permanently remove stretch marks.

Radiofrequency: energy generates heat and causes your body to produce more collagen. It has been proven to be safe and effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks.

Ultrasound treatment: This works in the same way that radiofrequency treatment does. Sound waves are sent deep into your skin during this procedure to create heat, tighten, and trigger your skin's collagen production.

Cosmetic surgery, such as a tummy tuck, may help to remove stretch marks from the skin. However, the surgery itself may result in a new, painful scar, and surgery is costly.