The human body is pretty interesting – and skin even more so! Protein, keratin, collagen and other components make it the miracle that it is!
Our skin is our biggest barrier against extreme temperatures, environmental damages and harmful chemicals. And of course, it gives us the appearance we cherish so much.
But like our bodies and anything, it’s also prone to wear and tear. Stretch marks are some of the telltale signs of that wear and tear.
With so many bodily changes occurring throughout our lives, have you ever wondered what stretch marks are and what they mean?
What Are Stretch Marks?
You probably recognize them as the skin stretches across your abdomen, arms, buttocks, shoulders, breasts and other body areas that look like thin slivers. They also feel smooth and are slightly different than the epidermis surrounding it.
What Causes Them?
When your skin stretches and contracts time and again, it causes the skin-building material to break and stretch to accommodate the changes. Usually, stretch marks are caused by:
Pregnancies
Rapid Weight Gain
Obesity
Muscle Building
Puberty and Growth Spurts
Genetic Disposition
Health Conditions
What Do Different Kinds Of Stretch Marks Mean?
Stretch marks don’t necessarily look the same. In fact, depending on what’s going on in your body and even your ethnicity, they can be colored differently.
However, it’s important to know what your stretch marks can look like so you can take better care of yourself.
White Stretch Marks: White stretch marks are scars that have been on your body for quite a while, meaning they’re old scars. The best way to treat these is by hydrating and moisturizing the skin regularly.
Silver Stretch Marks: If your stretch marks are silver, this means they’ve been around for quite some time. Silver stretch marks are harder to combat. However, with sufficient care, they can be controlled and improved.
Pink/Red Stretch Marks: Think red as a warning sign! Rapid weight gain, pregnancies and lack of moisture can cause the epidermis to form red streaks. The red hue is the result of blood vessels being visible through a fresh tear in the skin’s epidermis. Luckily, these can be treated easily.
Purple/Blue Stretch marks: The darker the stretch mark, the newer it is. But the best part is that they can be easily controlled, treated and lightened.
However, if your stretch marks are red, purple or similar to these hues, it’s best to check yourself for adrenal gland issues like the Cushing’s Disease, Marfan’s Syndrome or the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Prevent Stretch Marks
The best way to keep stretch marks at bay is by treating your skin using emollients, hydrators and moisturizers that act as antioxidants, protective barriers and replenish collagen, protein and water.
Check out our go to miracle stretch mark removal cream – it’s packed with nature’s goodness and has tons of positive reviews because it actually works!
Let’s talk – how do you feel about your stretch marks? Do you prefer natural treatments or intensive procedures?
Summary: Stretch marks are areas where the skin has broken down. Their color determines what your health looks like. This article provides concise information about what stretch marks look like and what they mean.