What are stretch marks?
“Stretch marks, or striae, occur when the skin is stretched beyond its natural elasticity,” says Alexandra Mills, cosmetic nurse and owner of AM Aesthetics. “When this happens, the collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis can break, leading to visible marks.”
Stretch marks are essentially a form of skin scarring, which can occur anywhere on the body, although they tend to affect areas that have endured a growth spurt. These include the stomach during pregnancy, breasts during puberty, upper arms, thighs and buttocks.
They can be identified by their distinct stripe-like appearance, which some liken to claw marks. “When stretch marks first appear, they tend to be red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin colour,” says Dr Anastasia Therianou, consultant dermatologist. “With time, the colour fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin.”
Why causes stretch marks?
“When the skin is stretched during periods of rapid growth, such as puberty or pregnancy, or due to rapid weight gain or loss, you can be left with stretch marks,” says Alexandra.
- Pregnancy: Your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby.
- Hormones: This is especially relevant if there is a sudden change in certain thyroid and adrenal disorders, or for those taking anabolic steroids with excessive levels of testosterone. “Puberty, pregnancy and polycystic ovarian syndrome are states that also predispose to the development of striae, all because of the stretch on tissue combined with the hormonal changes,” says Dr David Jack, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr David Jack Clinic.
- Puberty:“Stretch marks occur where the child experiences a sudden growth spurt,” says Dr Therianou.
- Weight training: Rapid muscle growth can cause stretch marks on the arms and legs.
- Rapid weight loss or gain: Stretch marks occur when the skin rapidly shrinks or stretches.
Source – https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/stretch-marks
