Stretch Marks Guide

Stretch marks appear on the body in many different places for a variety of reasons.  Stretch marks occur when the dermis, the middle layer of your skin, is stretched to a point where its elasticity begins to break down.  At this point, microscopic bleeding occurs along with tissue inflammation which gives us the raised reddish purple look of newly formed stretch marks.

As the dermis is stretched, the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, also stretches making it translucent enough that you can see the reddish purple stretch mark forming.  As these marks heal, scar formation occurs, and you have a stretch mark. 

Over time the marks fade to a silvery white color that is a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone.  The lighter color occurs because during the overstretching of the dermis, natural collagen production gets disrupted.  This in turn may cause loss of skin pigment producing cells.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Pregnancy is one of two causes of stretch marks. The other is weight gain. Stretch marks occur on the breasts, hips and stomach during pregnancy, plus other areas such as the thighs when you gain weight. They’re triggered when skin is stretched to the utmost, which occurs when growth is so rapid that your skin’s elastic fibers break. And though it occurs less often, stretch marks can also be caused by some hormonal problems, certain diseases and medication.

How to treat Stretch marks Naturally

The course of treatment of stretch marks depends largely on the severity and location of the scar tissue and one widely acceptable practice in the removal of stretch marks is Exfoliation. Exfoliation involves removing top layers of dead skin and unveiling soft, fresh skin. This helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

Some great natural exfoliators from the kitchen shelf are oatmeal or baking soda to make your own preparations. Nature stores provide organically grown varieties of these and other exfoliating products too that are either scented or unscented, depending on your personal choice.

Post exfoliation, do remember to hydrate the skin by drinking lots of water to replenish the moisture lost and keep the skin nourished with general application of a deep-penetrating moisturizing cream or lotion. Baby oil, olive or vitamin E oil are good bets for intense moisturizer.

If stretch marks are new, use of such oils and creams containing jojoba extracts, aloe vera, vitamin E and cocoa butter/shea butter is helpful in reducing their appearance over regular applications over a period of time.