A to Z about the process of Hiding Stretch Marks

In spite of many stretch mark creams available in the market, hiding stretch marks is neither very easy nor too difficult. Before jumping to conclusions, one needs to understand the process and the reasons for stretch marks.

Our skin comprises of 3 layers

  • The inner layer also called as hypodermis
  • The central layer also known as dermis
  • Surface of skin medically known as epidermis

The central layer of the skin has to handle rapid growth at times, which induces pressure on a person’s skin. Hence this central layer starts breaking, thereby showing marks on some parts of the skin surface eventually. These marks are called stretch marks as they occur due to stretching of an individual’s skin. In terms of dermatology, stretch marks are a series of formation of scarring on the layer of skin which may not diminish with time. In medical terms, these are called ‘striae’ with singular form being stria.

Color

They start as purple or brownish lines (looking like cracks) and later adjust to a lighter shade.

Health Risks

The only good thing about stretch marks is that they do not pose any direct health risk to the person in question or compromise any bodily function.

Places of Occurrence

Common places where these stretch marks occur are as follows

  • Belly
  • Upper arms or near underarms
  • Breasts
  • Thighs
  • Some parts of back
  • Upper and lower hips
  • Buttocks (inner sides as well)

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body but research and experience shows that they tend to appear in places where medium to large amounts of fats are stored. Almost all women develop some kind of stretch marks during or after the pregnancy gets over. The stretching forces are higher and they slowly and steadily stretch the middle layer of the skin (dermis) causing stretch marks.

Once you know what stretch marks are and their causes, you can get easy answers to the question – how to hide stretch marks? The ways range from temporary, not so expensive ways to high end methods involving complex means. Various stretch marks concealer creams, oils and lotions are available which guarantee removal of these marks, but more often than not are not able to do so. Many natural methods which involve products which provide moisturizing effects are considered by people who have stretch marks.

Some other techniques which help in reducing striae include:

  • Laser therapies
  • Cosmetic stretch mark removal surgery
  • Microdermabrasion sessions
  • Stretch marks concealer lotions or creams

These stretch marks have the capacity to limit your wardrobe collection as people avoid wearing certain kind of dresses just to avoid revealing those ugly stretch marks. Worst part being, most party dresses unfortunately reveal these not so good looking lines.

All in all, the best practice in terms of avoiding stretch marks is to have a controlled gain or loss of weight if required.