Stria atrophicae
Stretch marks are called stria atrophicae in the field of dermatology. They are often characterized as scarring on the skin due to weight gain. They appear on body parts where higher amounts of fats are accumulated. Such body parts are the thighs, hips, buttocks, and the abdomen.
Stretch marks are produced from the over-stretching of the middle layer of the skin namely, the dermis. This layer stretches to its maximum capability to be able to fit a larger body. This would result to microscopic bleeding and tissue inflammation and would manifest as reddish-purple lines on the skin. Also, this would cause the outer layer of the skin to expand making the lines visible enough. The stretch marks would appear once these lines heal and would have a shade lighter than the natural skin tone.
Some studies also show that stretch marks are associated with a group of steroids called glucocorticoids, cortisol being the most common of them. Research proved that when human body is under stress, it releases an above normal level of cortisol. Consequently, halting fibrolasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers needed to keep new skin firm. These lead now to the tearing of dermal and epidermal layers due to lack of supportive material.
Excess amounts of cortisol could inhibit the formation of elastin fibers and collagen from fibrolasts, which are both needed to keep new skin firm. As a consequence, the dermal and epidermal layer of the skin could tear easily due to the absence of these supportive substances.
Steroids are able to reduce inflammation such as the inflammation caused by the stretching of the dermis. Retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids counter-act the negative effects of steroids. Thus, this combination could help prevent the formation of stretch marks.
There are other methods available to help remove and prevent stretch marks. Such methods are laser treatments, use of prescription retinoids, and dermabrasion. Dermabrasion uses pulses of light to remove the outer most surface of the epidermis. This is done to remove not only stretch marks, but also dark and sun-damaged skin.
Laser treatments involve the formation of microscopic or small wounds to the stretch marks that would make the body release new collagen and create new skin cells. In effect, the old skin would be replaced by a better looking skin. Surgical methods could also be considered. One example of which is the tummy tuck, wherein the skin below the navel is removed in order to prevent stretch marks from forming in there, if it was not removed.
Learn more about remove stretch marks. Visit Jen Hopkins’s site, www.SecretsToGetRidOfStretchmarks.com, where you can find out all about stretch mark remedy and other valuable information about the topic.
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