Understanding stretch marks begins with an explanation of what the skin is as well as how the thing works. Normal skin consists of four percent elastin fiber mesh network and 80 percent collagen. Elastin refers to protein in the skin that provides flexibility and enables skin to stretch. This elastin forms a network in the skin resembling fishnet that lets skin stretch then recoil, restoring it to its previous position.

Such elastin fibers are ruined in stretch marks, which causes stretch mark "scars."
Stretch marks are interesting in that they appear so prominent, but placed under a microscope, they're no different from healthy, normal skin. Touching stretch marks, they feel empty, sort of like skin is absent in that area. Skin is different textually and visually, even though so little actual change has happened to it.

Laser Treatments For Stretch Marks and Factors Affecting Their Development

Lasers are effective in reducing redness tied to red stretch marks. They can also be used to stop some inflammation responsible for the stretch marks. A popular treatment for this situation is the pulse-dye laser. It induces collagen remodeling along with a bit of elastin fiber remodeling that helps skin take on a more normal appearance. For white stretch marks, lasers are able to make, at best, moderate improvements.

Pregnant women are susceptible to developing stretch marks, but not all do. Certain factors influence the odds of a woman having a baby getting stretch marks.

Ethnicity "" Women whose skin contains more melanin are less likely to have stretch marks.
Scratching "" A pregnant mom"s stomach expanding could lead to the skin becoming scratchy or itchy. Instead of scratching, rub some powder or lotion to ease the itchy feeling.
Heredity "" Women whose mothers had stretch marks are likely to have them too.
Exercise "" The amount of exercise a mom-to-be gets affects her chances of developing stretch marks. Done daily, exercise will keep a pregnant mother"s skin supple and toxins-free. Exercise helps by raising elasticity and toning the body"s skin.
Water "" It is important to ingest this throughout pregnancy. If skin is kept hydrated, the odds of getting stretch marks are lessened.

Stopping Stretch Marks In Their Tracks

There is a way to prevent stretch marks when people gain weight or during pregnancy. Applying topical creams such as Retin-A or alpha-hydroxy acids medicines certainly helps. Topical medication can work wonders in stopping stretch marks from developing in the first place.

Temporary remedies for stretch marks include creams specially formulated for such problems. Lanolin, cocoa butter and wheat germ oil are some of the components of these creams. With these creams, the skin"s structure is rebuilt, allowing stretch marks to heal. Camouflaging or concealing cosmetics, when used on the affected skin areas also work, successfully hiding the stretch mark scars.

Taking care of skin should also be done postpartum. There is a need to keep the entire body strong so it is ready for the stresses associated with childbirth recovery and motherhood"s
challenges.