Weight Loss Spotlight

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are simply skin that has been stretched out, often due to weight gain and depending on your skin's elasticity it might leave a mark.

Your skin consists of three different layers, the outer layer (the epidermis layer), our middle layer (the dermis layer) and the deepest layer (subcutaneous stratum). Stretch marks do not occur in the top layer of the skin unfortunately which would be a lot easier access when treating stretch marks. Stretch marks occur in the dermis layer or the mid layer of the skin. This is the layer that helps the skin to obtain its shape and elasticity.

When gaining weight, being pregnant or developing large muscle mass the dermis layer stays stretched out for a longer period of time which causes the small connective fibers in the dermis to break and the skin to lose its elasticity.

Stretch marks are completely harmless to your health and are more of a beauty or cosmetic concern then a health issue. Stretch marks can occur anywhere on your body. The most common sites for stretch marks to develop are stomach, thighs, arms, breasts and on your buttocks.

Stretch marks can occur in both men and women of all ages. People constantly on diets such as yo-yo dieters and bodybuilders commonly have problems with stretch marks due to their weight fluctuating drastically up and down. The safest way to lose weight has always been the slow way and this is yet another reason why losing a lot of weight in a high pace is not healthy. If you let your body and skin adjust to the weight loss the risk of stretch marks is a lot lower.

The most likely areas to get stretch marks in are areas on your body where fat is being stored. Although you can never get rid of stretch marks completely, there are ways to make them fade and be less visible. When stretch marks first appear they are red, pink or purple colored marks and at this level of progress they can still be treated with laser surgery. They will most likely not disappear completely but when the red color fades, they will only leave a flat skin colored scar.

There are also several creams and other skin care products claiming to reduce and decrease stretch mark appearances for good. There is however no proof or research to back up that these creams and skin care products actually work.

Shea butter can help keeping your skin moisturized and elastic during pregnancy if you rub it on your abdomen twice a day and after your shower.

Vitamins and supplements that do help in eliminating spider veins and prevent broken blood vessels under the skin are bioflavonoid complex or vitamin P. Bioflavonoid supplements contains flavones, citrin, rutin and hesperidin which prime function is to increase capillary strength.

Products design to combat stretch marks containing collagen are also used to eliminate stretch marks. Exercise helps to prevent stretch marks by keeping the circulation working properly. So far there is no real cure for stretch marks other then eating healthy and exercise so you don't fluctuate so much up and down in weight.