Stretch marks are formed when skin rapidly gets stretched beyond its capacity. It causes the dermis to tear, letting the innermost subcutaneous layer show through, forming discolored lines on the skin surface.
The dermis is composed of inter-connected fibers that are pliable and render your skin stretchable. But there is a limit to the skin’s ability to stretch. In case of abrupt and forceful stretching, the fibers get thin and may tear. This usually happens on the abdomen during pregnancy, around breasts, upper arms, thighs, and hips.
The place where fibers tear, blood vessels get exposed. That’s why fresh marks appear red or purple. These vessels contract over time and pale-colored subcutaneous fat becomes prominently visible. That’s why marks appear as silvery white scars over time.
Pregnancy marks
More than 80 per cent women get marks during pregnancy. Genes play a vital role here. Your body secretes hormones during pregnancy that soften the ligaments of your pelvis to make them more flexible during delivery. But the hormones also soften skin fibers, making your skin vulnerable to tearing.
As your belly expands to accommodate the growing baby, your skin undergoes over-stretching that is hard for it to bear. Consequently, it tears.
Weight marks
People gaining rapid and excessive weight may get marks. Those on dieting are likelier to develop stretch marks, since their weight is constantly fluctuating. Experts advise losing weight slowly and steadily to let your skin adjust to the new shape of the body.
Often, bodybuilders and athletes develop marks, since they build muscle mass, which rips their skin fibers.
Puberty marks
Teenage girls and boys often get marks when their bodies undergo growth spurts. Boys may get marks on their back and shoulders, while girls may get them on breasts, thighs, and hips.
It can be devastating for a teenager to see their flawless skin getting streaked with ugliness. According to Celtrixa reviews, this scientifically-advanced cream works on teenage skin too. It is proven to fade marks by 66 per cent in a short time period.
Medical conditions that cause marks
Rare diseases like Marfan syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome can cause marks. Marfan’s syndrome is a result of a faulty gene that weakens body’s connective tissues and skin. This affects skin’s elasticity and renders it highly vulnerable to damage by stretching. People suffering from this medical condition may get marks on their shoulders, lower back, or hips.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused when the body secretes excess cortisol hormone. Cortisol decreases the amount of collagen in skin. Collagen is an essential protein that helps to keep skin elastic and strong. Skin with less amount of collagen is more prone to developing marks. Moreover, marks formed due to the action of cortisol are dark in color and more prominent.
The prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs can also lead to mark formation. These drugs work like cortisol hormone. Certain creams also contain this compound. Once you are aware of the cause of stretch marks, it gets easier to deal with them and choose the right treatment.