What Causes Stretch Marks?
Here Are Some Factors of What Causes Stretch Marks
At some point in our lives the majority of us will begin to notice stretch marks forming on specific areas of our body. If you are lucky enough to escape them in adolescence, you may not have the same luck during pregnancy. But what causes stretch marks ? Let’s take a more in depth look at what stretch marks are and what causes them. By doing so, you can better learn how to prevent them from showing up on your body.
Before we examine the cause of stretch marks, it is important that we know exactly what a stretch mark is. Also referred to as astriae, stretch marks occur when the skin is torn. Most commonly found around the breasts, hips, thighs, and stomach, both men and women are affected by stretch marks. If you have these marks and feel as though you are alone, I am here to assure you that you are not. The truth is that the majority of the adult population suffers from stretch marks (perhaps they just hide it well!). Luckily, stretch marks pose no physical health concerns. The most they can do is cause some damage to our self-esteem.
Because they can damage are self-image, it is important that we know what causes stretch marks . By understanding their root causes, we can focus on methods to prevent them from occurring. There are actually several different causes of stretch marks. Let’s take a look.
1) Rapid stretching of the skin
The first, and probably the most obvious cause of stretch marks is rapid stretching of the skin. As common sense would tell you, when skin is stretched a great deal in a short period of time the skin will stretch. Why does this happen? When skin is rapidly stretched, the dermis (or intermediate layer of the skin) becomes damaged. When this happens the outer layer of the skin also becomes damaged and begins to thin. As a result the skin becomes more translucent and small lines on the skin become more noticeable. These are known as stretch marks.
Because stretch marks are caused by a rapid stretching of the skin, they commonly develop during puberty, pregnancy, times of weight gain, and during weight lifting. If one of these applies to you, focus on the areas in which you expect stretch marks to appear. Exfoliate and moisturize these areas often, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
2) Hormones
When asking the question what causes stretch marks , rapid stretching of the skin is not the only answer. Recent research has also shown that hormones may play a large role. According to recent studies, a hormone called cortisol may play a large role in a rapid weight gain. Often caused by stress, the overproduction of cortisol can easily lead to the formation of stretch marks. No, stress is not just caused by an angry boss. It can also be caused by things such malnutrition, smoking, drinking, over-eating, and dehydration.
To avoid of the overproduction of cortisol is important that you avoid stress at every cost. Eat properly, avoid smoking, drinking, and over-eating, and drink plenty of water each day.
3) Proteins
Another answer to the question ‘ what causes stretch marks ’ ? Protein. More specifically, collagen. Normally, our skin is quite elastic. When it is overstretched, however, the production of collagen (the protein that keeps our skin tight) is interrupted. When this happens, individuals experience things such as stretch marks and aging. Two of the top things that affect collagen production are diet and smoking. So, if you want to stay younger-looking longer, stop smoking and start eating right.
While stretch marks are often considered unavoidable, there are actually many things that you can do to prevent them from forming on your body
The answer to the question what causes stretch marks is actually quite complex and incorporates a variety of different factors.
Rapid weight gain, hormones, and proteins are all to blame for these ugly scars. And while it is virtually impossible to avoid these things, there are things that we can do if we know that our body is about to go through these types of changes. If you are expecting to gain weight, moisturize and exfoliate often, avoid smoking, drinking, over-eating, and dehydration to prevent the overproduction of cortisol, and maintain a healthy diet to promotecollagen production.
Find out more about stretch mark treatments. Read our review on Dermology Stretch Mark Cream
