Skin that has been stretched beyond its elasticity becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the layer of skin below the outer layer, or epidermis. The tissue breaks down in the dermis, causing a streak that starts off as reddish or purplish in color and then, over time, the dermis heals and the discoloration fades, leaving white shiny skin that is actually scar tissue.
About half of all women who carry a baby to term develop stretch marks, most commonly in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts, upper arms or lower back. Aside from pregnancy, stretch marks can also be the result of substantial weight gain or weight loss, and from the use of certain drugs, including hormones and steroids.
Stretch marks can affect both men and women; they can also be caused by extreme bodybuilding. They can be caused by the use of certain medications, notably steroids. Few people are aware that poor nutrition can result in stretch marks as well. Physicians recommend promoting the health of your skin by consuming Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish; carrots and citrus fruits (and milk) for vitamins A and C, and sufficient protein to meet minimal needs.
There has been a debate going on for generations about effective stretch mark home remedies. There have been lots of natural remedies; cocoa butter has been a favorite for decades although the one clinical test that used a substantial number of participants showed little variation in the improvement of stretch marks between the group using cocoa butter and the group using a placebo.
There are some sophisticated treatments for stretch mark removal today; unfortunately none of them are home remedies. When you reach the stage that you have found no topical solution for your stretch marks and they’re bothering you enough that you want to seek professional treatment, talk with your physician first.
There are also many suggestions for preventing stretch marks, particularly for pregnant women. It is suggested that women who want to address this issue during pregnancy talk with the doctor about it early in the pregnancy and begin to take preventative steps.