We generally think of stretch marks as being a result of childbirth. But they can occur anytime if we undertake an activity like bodybuilding. Also during puberty and serious over eating disorders stretch marks are there to see.Stretch marks are considered to be a scarring on the skin accompanied by a silvery white hue.A stretch mark is actually a scar left when normal skin production of collagen is disrupted when the skin is over stretched. Initially the skin appears to have pinkish line and feels different from your other skin to touch

Occurs In the Resilient Middle Layer of the Skin

Stretch marks happen in the resilient middle layer that aids the skin to retain its shape, and when this middle layer is continuously stretched over a period of time, there is overstretching that takes place and the skin loses its elasticity, and this results in connective fibers within to break resulting in stretch marks. When the body returns to its original and unstretched size, such as after childbirth or weight loss, the stretch marks fade and are less noticeable.

There is no particular part of the body that one can say will show stretch marks, and they may occur anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places that store fat, or are liable to stretch the most. One can safely assume that the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs, hips, as well as buttocks are more than likely to have stretch marks on them. There is no risk to the person’s health and they also do not compromise the ability of the body to function in a normal fashion, or repair it.

Exercising can cause stretch marks since the muscles grow faster than the skin and its surrounding tissues, and will therefore leave stretch marks. It may also be the result of long-term corticosteroid use such as creams or oral form, and it may also be a sign or symptom of Cushing’s syndrome.

A great majority of women will develop stretch marks during pregnancy and there are a number of different methods used to remove them, such as laser treatments, dermabrasion as well as topical applications, though none are guaranteed to work completely. One may also try out oils or creams in areas that have high risk of becoming stretched, and many over-the-counter drugs are used in this regard. However, the most reliable treatment to remove existing stretch marks is surgery, since other means are usually only capable of fading the stretch marks, and not completely removing them.

The answer to this debated question of if stretch marks can go away seems to be “yes”- but only if you are willing to undergo plastic surgery to have them removed.  The rest of the world will have to resign themselves to living with their changed appearances.  The key may be ones attitude toward these permanent changes.  Some have been heard referring to their pregnancy stretch marks as “honor badges”, an ever present reminder of the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth.

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Stretch marks are not for women only. They affect many teenagers and body builders. What are stretch marks? The fine lines that change in color over a time and appear on different parts of body generally after pregnancy or after sudden weight increase are Stretch marks.

Skin care and stretch marks formation-

Stretch marks don’t form only because the skin stretches during certain periods. Let us look at this carefully. Most of the women believe that they get stretch marks because of their body expanding during pregnancy. This is true, but please note that the marks that you see in your skin get formed when the skin does not stretch and therefore tears. This not stretching of skin is believed to be because of certain hormones. These hormones don’t allow the dermis to make more collagen and elastin. If the skin had made enough collagen and elastin to support the stretching, no marks would have appeared. This hormone called glucocorticoids is responsible for formation of stretch marks.

Skin Care and stretch mark avoidance-

Stretch marks form during pregnancy in women, in teenagers when they gain weight very fast, in body builders and in some conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome. Use of steroid creams over along period may also form stretch marks.

Skin care and stretch marks treatment-

There is no proven treatment available for stretch marks. Rather than trying any product that claims to treat stretch marks, please consult your doctor. Chemical peeling and laser is being tried to remove them. Vitamin C creams and retinoids are said to help. Your doctor is the best judge. Please consult him/her and find the remedy if possible. Even otherwise don’t get disheartened. They fade away over time.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit the author’s online skin care guide for more information about how to have good skin. Download free animated screensavers and wallpapers from http://www.screene.com/ on topics like nature, spirituality, motivation, love, holidays, animals, etc. Also play hundreds of fun games on free fun games.

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