Stretch marks – What do you need to know? Is it a good thing? How is your skin affected by stretch marks? A Stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. 

Stretch marks: Why They Appear

Stretch marks usually appear as bands of parallel lines on your skin. It can surface anywhere, but they are typically visible on your stomach, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. 

As you age, your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to crack. Stretch marks may appear as the skin heals. We must say that not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. 

If you develop them, you are most likely to do so during these times:

• growth spurts that happen in puberty
• pregnancy
• rapid weight loss or gain
• weight training when you have rapid muscle growth.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Them?

Stretch marks may appear on anybody. However, some people are more likely to develop them. They may appear on your skin if you fall in any of these categories listed below:

• being female
• having a family history of stretch marks
• being overweight
• being pregnant
• gaining or losing weight quickly
• having breast augmentation
• have certain genetic disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome  or Marfan syndrome 
• using corticosteroids

Can You Prevent Them?

Currently, there is no way of preventing them. Stretch marks can negatively impact self-esteem. But that shouldn’t be the case, because all body is beautiful. To avert the appearance of them on your skin, it is advisable to:

• Control your weight
• Exercise often
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet
• Eat foods rich in zinc
• Quickly treat  them as soon as they appear
• Soak up Vitamin D and
• Include Vitamin C in your diet. 

How to make Them Less Noticeable

They are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. When a person grows or gains weight quickly, that person may get them. 

Stretch marks are more common in girls and guys can get them too. If you’re noticing stretch marks on your body, you’re not alone. Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent these treatments, may make them less noticeable. These treatments can also help alleviate the itch.

Apply Sugar

Sugar has quickly risen to be the sure go-to ingredient as a home remedy for the treatment of them. A cosmetic procedure such as Microdermabrasion is a clinically proven method to make them fade. 

This home remedy is worth the try:

1. Mix one cup sugar with 1/4 cup of coconut oil to the consistency of wet beach sand
2. Add some lemon Juice
3. Scrub this mixture on the part of your body where the stretch marks are
4. Repeat several times a week while in the shower, making sure to rub the mixture, 8-10 minutes.

Coconut Oil

If you don’t have virgin coconut oil available, it is okay to use any coconut oil-infused moisturizer such as Kaeme Shea Souffle. Since stretch marks are scarring from skin damage, coconut oil might help heal the appearance quickly. Unless you are allergic to coconuts, coconut oil is considered safe.

Aloe Vera

Photo by pisauikan on Unsplash

Do you have an aloe vera plant growing in your backyard? Apply pure aloe vera from a plant to your stretch marks daily after your shower. Aloe vera is both a natural healing agent and a skin softener. 

With time they often fade, making them less noticeable. Preventing them can be impossible. Although all skin is so beautiful, it is understandable that you may want to make your stretch mark less noticeable. As a preventive measure, controlling your weight, eating nutrient-rich foods, and staying hydrated can go a long way to help prevent stretch marks. If you notice an increased appearance of stretch marks, call your Doctor. He may be able to help you figure out what is causing them and suggest treatment also.