The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it is composed of three layers--the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is the dermis, or middle layer, where stretch marks occur. These are known medically as striae and they are caused when the skin gets stretched beyond its limits.
Features
Stretch marks commonly appear in pregnant women, people who lose or gain a lot of weight or bodybuilders who gain a lot of muscle in a short amount of time. Teens going through puberty can also develop stretch marks because of growth spurts. Stretch marks are pink, reddish or purple, and they form long striations on the skin.
Significance
Stretch marks do not cause any physical pain and they are not life threatening. But they can make a person self conscious and have lower self esteem.
Function
Some remedies make the stretch marks less noticeable and some remove them altogether. Stretch mark removal is a more invasive step.
Cream
Tretinoin cream is a topical prescription formula that is used for stretch marks six weeks old or less. This cream helps rebuild collagen, the substance that gives skin its elasticity. Tretinoin cream can also help the skin affected by stretch marks regain its color.
Laser Therapy
Pulsed dye laser therapy is characterized by wavelengths of light being shot onto the skin. This releases collagen and another skin nutrient, elastin. The skin in the dermis is remodeled and the stretch marks fade away. This can be effective for old and newer stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment where little crystal particles are blasted onto the surface of the skin. Old skin cells are vacuumed off. The result is the growth of new, more elastic skin with the absence of stretch marks.
Expert Insight
The verdict is not in on home remedies for stretch marks, but they can at least keep the skin in better shape. Lavender oil, cocoa butter, an apricot scrub and aloe vera gel can all be worked into the areas where stretch marks exist.
