More than 50 percent of people develop stretch marks in their lifetime, yet there is still a stigma to them that implies you are unhealthy. This is far from the truth, as stretch marks can happen for many reasons beyond a rapid weight gain. There are things you can do for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Medically speaking, stretch marks, or striae distensae, are a result of the rapid expansion of the skin. More accurately, it is the dermis or middle layer of skin, that is revealed as stretch marks. Stretch marks usually appear as pink lines that then darken to red, purple, or dark brown, depending on skin color.

Completely natural life situations that can result in stretch marks are:

• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Rapid muscle growth
• Growth spurts, particularly during puberty
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy

Stretch Mark Signs and Symptoms

When the dermis has been stretched rapidly, you may notice:

• Thinning of skin
• Pink lines that turn darker
• Skin may be irritated and itchy

Over time the lines turn a silvery color, as the middle layer, or dermis, reveals the pale fat layer underneath.

Prevention of Stretch Marks

Again, stretch marks are perfectly natural and may happen despite any measures you take, but there are things you can try to allow gradual expansion of the skin, thus resulting in the prevention of stretch marks:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Consume foods with collagen-boosting ingredients: oily fish like tuna and salmon, dark green vegetables, red vegetables, berries, and more.
• Get adequate daily water intake for your body size and activity level.
• Use oils with natural ingredients to moisturize skin.

Treatment of Stretch Marks

There are no health concerns with stretch marks, so treatment is almost solely for cosmetic reasons. There are ointments and medical procedures you can try, such as:

• Retinoid creams
• Alpha-hydroxy creams
• Fractionated laser therapy
• Vascular laser therapy
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion/chemical peels
• Surgery

We suggest safe and natural treatment of stretch marks:

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.