Answering Common Questions About Stretch Marks

When your body undergoes rapid changes in its shape due to things like weight loss, weight gain, bodybuilding, or pregnancy, your skin expands and contracts causing a type of scarring called stretch marks. They are a natural, harmless side effect, but some people consider them to be unsightly, and those who are concerned about their appearance seek ways to erase them.

For those of us who ask how can we get rid of stretch marks there is fortunately an answer! The safest method also happens to get the best results, it’s called microneedling and involves tiny needles puncturing the skin to cause micro-injuries. This alerts the body which automatically begins to produce collagen, a natural substance that smooths our skin!

Stretch marks are very common and a normal body process, but can cause a lot of anxiety in those who have developed them. Let’s find the answers to some common stretch mark questions so we can have a better understanding of them!

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are also known as striae. They are sunken, discoloured, scar-like lines running across your skin. Stretch marks appear when your skin stretches or shrinks rapidly.

Stretch marks are most commonly found on the –

• Thighs
• Abdomen
• Upper Arms
• Breasts
• Hips
• Lower Back.
• Buttocks 

Who is affected by stretch marks? 

Stretch marks can affect anyone, but if you are at greater risk of developing them if –

• You gain or lose a lot of weight suddenly
• You’re going through an adolescent growth spurt 
• You are pregnant
• Your muscles enlarge quickly from weightlifting and bodybuilding 
• Your family has a genetic history of stretch marks

What physical body process actually makes stretch marks happen?

Your skin is fairly flexible under normal movement, but when it stretches or shrinks quickly from the causes listed above the elastin and collagen that make it smooth and supple tend to break. Elastin’s job is to let your skin stretch, you can see it’s related to the word “elastic”. The job of Collagen is to give the skin structure, providing strength and support. Your skin heals after the stretching occurs, but not completely, the stretch marks appear in the places where elastin has broken down.

How common are stretch marks?

They are very common. For example, they will affect around 90% of all pregnant women!

Do stretch marks have any harmful effects on my body?

Stretch marks don’t cause any serious physical pain, they can cause some mild discomfort like itching. More alarmingly, they can have profound effects on your mental health. Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. They can have a negative effect on how you perceive yourself and may cause depression, stress, and anxiety.

What are stretch mark symptoms?

• The skin gradually turns glossy with streaks of white.
• There are sunken lines in your skin.
• Your skin becomes discoloured, turning a variety of shades of purple, red, pink, brown, blue, or black.
• Your skin becomes itchy or irritated.

Is there anything you can do to reduce the risk of stretch marks developing?

There is nothing that guarantees that stretch marks won’t happen, but there are some things that can help reduce your risk –

Hydration – Drink a lot of water, it helps keep your skin soft so stretch marks are less likely to develop.

Avoid Caffeine – The consumption of caffeinated beverages tends to increase the risk of stretch marks. Avoid drinking caffeinated coffee, soft drinks, and tea- drink water instead! 

Healthy Diet – Avoid processed foods and sweets. Promote healthy skin by eating foods that are- 

• High in vitamins A, C, and D like carrots, citrus fruits, and dairy products.
• High in zinc, like fish and nuts.
• High protein, like beans, lean beef, broccoli, and chicken.

Exercise – Engaging in regular exercise will increase your blood circulation which can help your body produce more collagen. Good circulation and collagen work together to keep your skin strong and flexible.

Do stretch marks ever fade away naturally?

Yes, over time stretch marks will eventually fade away, or become less obvious on their own. They generally take between 6 to 12 months to fade. if you undergo treatments like microneedling, they will fade much faster!