Thread by @HealthThenMore

#StretchMarks

Stretch mark- the thick lines we dread to find on our skin. Unlike acne, this is one condition that very few people will escape having; males and females are almost equally affected.

So what causes a stretch mark?

#Dermatology

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. During this rapid stretching/shrinking of skin, some components of the skin called collagen and elastin rupture and as the skin heals, it can form a stretch mark

Stretch marks are likely to develop in puberty (from growing rapidly), pregnancy, after rapid weight loss or gain, or when weight training and you have rapid muscle growth (now you know why weight lifters get them).

Also, applying a steroid cream to your skin for a long time can cause stretch marks.
Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent, but treatment may make them less noticeable.

According to studies done, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and olive oil were not effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

Researchers also found many of the creams, lotions, and gels sold to treat stretch marks did not help all of the time and some don’t seem to help at all.

But these hacks can help you if you want to use any stretch mark cream or lotion to treat your stretch marks.

1. Use the product on early stretch marks. Treatment seems to have little effect on mature stretch marks.

2. Massage the product into your stretch marks. Taking time to massage the product gently into your skin may make it more effective.

3. Apply the product every day for weeks. Results take weeks to appear.

Some treatments that may help make stretch marks look better, but will not get rid of them include:
1. Retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams - Are very useful but should not be used if you are pregnant.

2. Hyaluronic acid - Our skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid and helps when applied on the skin.

Dermatologists can also use microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy to make stretch marks less noticeable, but they won't get rid of stretch marks):

Did this make sense? Let me know.

Take charge of your health and skin.💚

Your Skin Sensei,
Dr. HealthThenMore👩🏻‍⚕️