Skin stretched by rapid expansion due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss can result in a form of scarring called stretch marks, or “striae distensae”. Stretch marks generally form as reddish or purplish in color, and then fade to glossy silver or white hue. Stretch marks occur in the dermis. Stretch marks can form anywhere on the body, but mostly occur where larger amounts of fat form, such as the abdominal area, hips, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. or lower back.
It’s a myth that men don’t get stretch marks. Men’s skin is thicker and less prone to stretch marks, but actually they are a common problem faced by both men and women. Some skin types are more susceptible to stretch marks than others, and on some people they are very feint and hardly noticeable. For other people, the marks can be very noticeable as raised, ugly white or dark red lines found on the thighs, buttocks, arms, stomach, or breast area. Stretch marks can be unsightly and cause a lot of embarrassment, preventing the sufferer from wearing swimwear or revealing clothes.
On the human body, are three layers of skin: the epidermis (upper layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks appear in the dermis; the strong middle layer that serves to maintain the shape and elasticity of the skin.
When the dermis is subjected to stress, massive hormonal changes and imbalances, bad nutrition and is constantly stretched over time, it loses its elasticity and then there is tearing of the small connective fibres within this layer. The resultant skin damage is what we see as stretch marks.
The problem is that the actual stretch marks are well beneath the top layers of skin. Topical creams and many of the treatments available in stores are unable to really repair the damage; they simply make the stretch marks look a little better.
Easy Treatments for Stretch Marks
Prevention - In pregnancy, try not to gain weight excessively. Please do this as recommended by your physician. Also understand that stretch mark-laden skin will take pigment differently than regular skin. Sun exposure should therefore be limited (cover clothing, sun screens) or the color difference between the skin with and without stretch marks may become more apparent.
Alpha-hydroxy-acids - These acids encourage lightening of the skin and some deposition of collagen. There are studies suggesting that they may be helpful in stretch mark treatment when used at 8-12% concentrations.
Retin A - Retin A may help fade the color of pigmented stretch marks when used at .1% on newer marks. This again should be done under the direction of a physician. Kinerase is a related compound associated with less irritation than that seen with Retin A.