If you have stretch marks, you're not alone. People of all ages can suffer from this skin condition. While sunless tanning products may hide stretch marks, sunbathing will only highlight the problem. Tanning itself also can lead to health problems. "More than 1.3 million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in the United States" in 2010, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Use safer and more effective methods to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Causes
Stretch marks occur when you grow or gain a large amount of weight in a short period of time. Collagen, a component that aids in skin elasticity, is stopped during this time. This is the reason pregnant women often get stretch marks. An estimated 75 to 90 percent of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, according to Epigee.org. Stretch marks occur in both women and men. Bodybuilding also can cause stretch marks.
Effects
Stretch marks are permanent indentations on your skin. Stretch marks start off purple or red in color, usually as your skin is stretching, according to KidsHealth.org. Once that particular area of skin stops stretching, the marks will turn white or pearly in color. While stretch marks most often occur on the hips, butt, thighs, stomach and breasts, they also can occur on your arms and legs, according to Epigee.org.
Considerations
Tanning darkens your skin. It also may make you look thinner and possibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, tanning does not improve the appearance of stretch marks. In fact, according to Epigee.org, stretch marks don't tan. As a result, your stretch marks will stand out more than before, as the pale markings will contrast with your darker skin.
Warning
Over-exposure to natural sunlight and the use of tanning beds can damage your skin and cause skin cancer. "The number of melanoma cases is rising in the United States, with an estimated 47,700 new cases and 7,700 deaths anticipated" in 2010, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD. Excessive tanning also can lead to sagging skin and premature wrinkles. Tanning may damage your immune system, thereby increasing your susceptibility to developing illnesses, according to the AAD.
Prevention/Solution
While tanning from natural sunlight and tanning beds does not reduce the appearance of stretch marks, self-tanners may help, according to Epigee.org. Don't forget to exfoliate your skin before applying a self-tanner. Regularly hydrating your skin with lotions and applying anti-stretch mark creams containing cocoa butter may help camouflage your stretch marks. Losing weight through diet and exercise may also help.
