Where Do Stretch Marks Come From?

Published on Apr 27, 2015.

1 minute read

Stretch marks are noticeable lines that resemble scars on the surface of the skin that form when a person’s skin has undergone rapid growth and stretched beyond its natural elasticity, often a result of pregnancy, weight gain, bodybuilding or puberty. They pop up in places where fat is easily accumulated on the body, such as thighs, stomach, hips and buttocks.

Identification

When stretch marks first begin to appear, they are red or purple, but they fade over time to become faintly white or slightly lighter than a person’s skin color.

Prevention/Solution

Body creams with vitamin E are a good start to prevent stretch marks. A nutritious diet, exercise to increase blood circulation and drinking a lot of water to keep the body hydrated are also preventive measures.

Considerations

If stretch marks have already appeared on the skin, dermabrasion, chemical peel or laser surgery can help in reducing or eliminating them.

Warning

There are several topical creams on the market that claim to remove stretch marks, but many are ineffective and contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions and skin irritations.

Effects

Moisturizing stretch marks each day keeps them from deepening in the skin and causing further complications.

Shawn Hayes

Contributor

Shawn is a dedicated health and wellness writer, bringing a wealth of experience in nutritional coaching and holistic living. He is passionate about empowering readers to make informed choices about their physical and mental well-being. Outside of writing, Shawn enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and exploring new recipes to share with friends and family.

Conditions + Treatments

Natural Remedies to Remove Brown Spots

Most people have brown spots–or clusters of cells colored by pigment–on their skin. Nevi, or moles, come in various shapes and sizes–and most are completely harmless. Still, for aesthetic reasons you may decide that it is time for a particular mole or moles to go. How, then, to make this happen? Better yet, is there a natural way to remove brown spots? The answer is yes; there are several ways, including the use of honey, apples and castor oil.

3 minute read

Conditions + Treatments

Directions for a Vicks Humidifier

Using a humidifier can increase your comfort, but it’s important to operate it safely and clean it regularly to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold. When you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for placement, cleaning and maintenance of your Vicks humidifier, you’ll be sure that your appliance is operating efficiently and adding only clean moisture to your air.

3 minute read

Conditions + Treatments

Facial Exercises to Tighten the Skin on Upper Eyelids

If you want to tone the skin on your face, plastic surgery is not the only option. Facial exercises can help tighten the skin on your upper eyelids. The difference between surgery and the exercises is that surgery gives immediate results, while exercises take time. If you have free time you can dedicate to eye exercises each week, you may achieve the tightest eyelids possible. If you’re unsure, do the exercises for a month or two and check for results.

3 minute read