Ringworm, Acne & Skin Care

Stretchmarks (or striae as they are referred to in dermatological terms) are caused when an individual’s skin is stretched rapidly over a short period of time : More accurately, the skin’s second layer is torn rather than stretched. The worst affected areas for stretch marks are the stomach, breasts, thighs and hips. Both Genders can suffer from them and they affect the majority of adults. Thankfully, stretch marks don’t affect our health and only blemish the skin. However, As it becomes warmer, and we wear fewer clothes, our concerns about stretch marks increase.

How do stretchmarks occur?

Stretch marks develop when the body expands at a rate which the skin cannot keep up with it. Stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy but are also a normal part of puberty: Body building and rapid weight gain can also result in stretch marks.

Although the skin is usually fairly elastic , when it stretches, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. It is this collagen which helps to make sure the skin stays tight and supple. There are factors outside the body which affect the ability of the skin to produce and maintain collagen levels such as whether or not the person smokes and their diet It is the level of collagen in the skin which affect the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines. They also help determine how other blemishes, like surgery scars and acne scars, heal.

What do stretch marks look like?

When they first form, stretch marks are reddish purple lines. They appear indented and maintain a different texture to the surrounding skin. Over time, the reddish purple colour subsides, turning lighter and less noticeable. The ability to heal however does vary considerably from individual to individual.

Removal of stretch marks

Treatment for stretchmarks is possible either at home or by visiting an expert. Stretch mark treatments range enormously in price and effectiveness, treatments range from the application of cream to having laser treatments to try to remove them for a lot of people, stretch marks are undesirable and may make some people cover up even in summer, but this can be overcome or greatly reduced by treatment to remove stretch marks.

Creams and oils are the cheapest variety of stretch mark removal however, only a minor percentage of cream is absorbed into the skin overall, creams are not the best stretch marks treatment. Combining this process with techniques such as micro-needling, allows significantly more cream to be absorbed so this method is the most reliable method for many individuals.