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Q.
What Are Stretch Marks?
A.
Stretch marks are tiny tears in the dermis that are
scars and can vary in color from a light pink to a
dark purple. Over a very long period of time, usually
years, stretch marks can fade in color, but the scars
remain.
Q.
What is the cause of Stretch marks?
A.
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to
the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing
its' elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the
skin causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines
and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of
elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in
the skin, the mark actually shows through to the
epidermis (top layer of skin).
Our
skin consists of three layers.
-
The Epidermis - The top layer
of the skin, locks in moisture and blocks toxins
from entering the body.
-
The Dermis - The second layer
of the skin, (where stretch marks occur), is where
our skin produces collagen and elastin fibers
which give it a firmer and younger appearance.
-
The Hypodermis - The third
layer of skin, which is composed of fat and
connective tissue.
Q.
Why Do People Get Stretch Marks ?
A.
There are several different factors that contribute to
the formation of stretch marks.
Heredity - Some skin is genetically prone to stretch
marks
Skin Type - Some skin is dryer with less elasticity
than others i.e. dry skin vs. oily skin,
Weight - rapid gain or loss,
Pregnancy - the weight gain associated with pregnancy.
Although some people are more susceptible to stretch
marks, anyone can get them.
Stretching of the skin during rapid weight gain or
rapid growth (in young children and adolescents) is a
major cause of stretch marks.
The non-occurrence of stretch marks during one
pregnancy does not necessarily mean stretch marks will
not occur in another.
Stretch marks are not gender specific - men and women
are susceptible to these unsightly marks.
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