Lots of people think that they will get stretch marks from gaining weight; what they don’t seem to realise is that stretch marks can also be a problem if you lose weight rapidly. If your skin is used to being stretched and has lost its elasticity, then if you lose a lot of weight over a short period of time, stretch marks can appear.
There are various medical names given to stretch marks but, most commonly, doctors refer to them as striae. Stretch marks (or striae) start life as thin streaks (usually a red or purple color) and they then change, over a period of time, to look like silvery lines. They also have a different texture to normal skin.
Stretch marks are formed when the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) stretches and tears and are more likely to appear where the body stores most of its fat. The main places you will see stretch marks are on the stomach (particularly around the belly button), the tops of the arms, thighs, bottom and hips.
If stretch marks suddenly appear, for no apparent reason, it may be wise for you to consult a health professional. Although very rare, they may indicate the presence of a medical condition known as Cushings syndrome and you should consult your doctor regarding appropriate diagnosis.
One of the main areas where stretch marks appear is below the navel (or tummy button) and, although this may seem to be a drastic solution, these may be permanently removed through a cosmetic surgery procedure known as a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty to give the process its full medical name).
The majority of women who become pregnant will develop stretch marks (usually during the last two or three months of pregnancy) as their skin stretches. However, its important to remember that diet can help control the appearance of these marks just because you are pregnant does not mean that you should eat for two.
Rather than spend a lot of money on creams, lotions or even cosmetic surgery on stretch mark removal why not try some simple remedies which will help your skin. If you massage your skin daily using a moisturizer (or why not try a massage glove), it can help improve your circulation and will encourage new tissue to grow.
If you keep your body healthy, you are giving your skin a better chance of reducing the appearance of Stretch Marks. A healthy, well-hydrated skin can work wonders in lessening the impact of stretch marks. Ensure that you drink plenty of water and that you have a balanced diet.
