What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a common condition among both women and men. Approximately 75% to 90% of women develop stretch marks at some point during pregnancy. In addition, 70% of adolescent girls, and about 40% of young males get stretch marks. Even though they are not a health risk, they can be a cause of embarrassment and finding a stretch mark remedy is a high priority among people with this condition.
So exactly what are stretch marks? The medical term for stretch marks is striae and they are actually scars and the most common type of skin lesion. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common places are the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips and buttocks. There are two varieties of stretch marks – red and white. Newer stretch marks are characteristically reddish or purple in color, while old stretch marks are usually white or silver-colored.
Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches faster than it is able to handle over a short period of time, which reduces its strength and elasticity. The dermis, the middle layer of the skin, is comprised of a connective fibers of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are vital for providing the skin with strength and elasticity. When the dermis is stretched faster than normal, it can’t keep up with the production of collagen, which results in the formation of scars visible on the upper layer of the skin known as stretch marks.
What are the best stretch mark remedies? There are several stretch mark treatment options available, however, some are more invasive and expensive than others. Age, health, and diet play a part in determining the success of these treatments. Another factor to consider when researching treatments is whether or not your health insurance will cover the costs as they are a cosmetic issue and not a medical necessity.
