What exactly are stretch marks?
Stretch marks on a woman’s stomach
Stretch marks disappear over time; However, the treatment will decrease significantly faster.
Stretch marks are scars that form when our skin rapidly stretches or contracts. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin that support our skin to break down. As the skin heals, stretch marks appear.
Not everyone develops these narrow bands on their skin. Fluctuating hormone levels play a role. People in your family who have stretch marks may be at higher risk.
If you have stretch marks, you are more likely to do so during these times:
A growth spurt that occurs during puberty
Pregnancy
Rapid weight loss or gain
Weight training during rapid muscle growth
Long-term use of corticosteroids on the skin can cause stretch marks. If you have Cushing’s disease or Marfan syndrome, you may see stretch marks.
When stretch marks first appear, they can be red, purple, pink, reddish brown, or dark brown, depending on the skin tone. Early stretch marks may be slightly increased and itchy.
Over time, the color fades, and the fine bands under the skin are absorbed. If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you may experience a slight depression.
What can remove stretch marks?
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment can make them noticeably smaller. Treatment also helps relieve itching.