Know the Reasons for Stretch Marks and Stay Away from Them
Stretch marks appear as red lines when microscopic bleeding occurs in the tissue which could be accompanied by inflammation at times. Gradually these lines become pale and appear as white lines because during the overstretching of the dermis, skin pigment producing cells might be damaged resulting in the disruption of the natural collagen production.
Stretch marks are more predominantly seen in fatty areas like abdominal region, thighs, buttocks and breasts. It is interesting to note that in addition to the above cause stretch marks could be caused by other factors like stress.
Stress Can Cause Stretch Marks
Recent studies have shown that stretch marks could be related to a group of steroids called glucocorticoids such as cortisol, which are typically released by the body during mental and physical stress. An increase in the levels of cortisol in your body can make you gain weight. Apart from the daily grinds, factors like poor diet, excess of caffeine intake and smoking are some of the other common agents that could set off the release of cortisol.
Under stress, body tends to store fat more quickly than in normal conditions. This can result in the gain of body weight in a shorter time span, which could put undue pressure on the dermis of the skin resulting in stretch marks.
The high risk group or people who are vulnerable to get stretch marks include pregnant women in their late stages of pregnancy, weight lifters, and adolescents.
Growth Spurts Can Trigger Stretch Marks
Men Weightlifters are prone to stretch marks on the upper arms and shoulder areas when muscles are built up quickly. Adolescents also are likely to have stretch marks because of the sudden growth spurt and puberty phase. However, it has been noticed that most often, the stretch marks that appear during the adolescent years disappear completely naturally unlike stretch marks formed in the later phases of life.
Stretch Marks Occur When Skin Loses Its Elasticity
Skin, the largest organ in the body is also one of the most complex organ systems. From being a protective covering for the body, it is actively involved in the elimination of wastes and also has a thermostatic function during summer. It can absorb Vitamin D from sunlight that helps in the production of melanin.
Skin has a remarkable ability to stretch because of the presence of the presence of Collagen and elastin, proteins, in the form of elastic fibers. While Collagen is the building block of the connective tissue, elastin provides the elasticity for the skin, keeping it taut. When the skin is under stress die to sudden weight gain or hormonal changes, the skin tissues tear thereby ripping the tiny capillaries underneath that appear as stretch marks.
As they say prevention is better than cure and this is absolutely rue in the case of stretch marks. Take care not to gain too fast by resorting to crash weight gain regimens. If weight is gained slowly and evenly, the stress on the skin can be prevented to a good extent.