Do You Know What Causes Stretch Marks – Are You At Risk?
Are you wondering what causes stretch marks? If you really want to get to the root of the problem it is wise to look at what’s causing it and then address that.
As you can hear from the name stretch marks, the problem most often occurs when your skin gets stretched too much too fast.
If you have stretch marks then you are certainly not alone; the majority of women get them at some point in their life. Some only get belly stretch marks, others get them on their breasts, thighs, buttocks, or arms.
They are mostly seen on pregnant women, but also in teenagers, body builders, older people, and people who are or have been overweight.
Those who are overweight and lose weight very quickly may get stretch marks, even though they didn’t have them before.
It has a lot to do with quick growth spurts over a short period of time. When the body expands too quickly the elastin fibers break. When the skin heals together again little scars are formed, which are the things called stretch marks.
They can be caused by aging as well, since the skin often gets depleted of collagen and elastin as you get older.
But that is not the whole truth to what causes stretch marks. There are other factors that play a part as well, and that make you more susceptible to getting them.
So, What Causes Stretch Marks?
Let’s look at a few of the most common causes. Sometimes several of these can happen at the same time, which can augment the process, but hopefully not!
1. Genetics – Sad but true. If your parents or siblings have them, the risk is higher that you’ll get them too. But it is also possible that you are lucky and can avoid stretch marks.
2. Nutrition -What you eat determines how healthy you and your skin are. You probably already know what to eat, but just haven’t gotten in the habit of doing so. No worries, start slow, and do what feels best, but know that when your body gets what it needs, your skin gets stronger and more elastic. If you don’t, well… 
3. Hormones – There is evidence that stretch marks aren’t caused by stretching, which is interesting. It is said that they are instead caused by a hormone called glucocorticoids. This hormone is elevated during pregnancy, obesity, weight lifting, and when you’re in your teens.
4. Rapid Growth -This is a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning anyway. Like I said above, if your muscles grow too fast, you’re pregnant, or suddenly find yourself with a few extra pounds, you may experience a few marks here and there.
5. Skin Type – What kind of skin you have may increase or decrease your chances of getting marks. For example, if you have dry skin, your chances go up. If you have oily skin, you chances go down, because oily skin is more elastic.
6. Medication – Another theory on the cause of stretch marks is that they can occur due to the abnormal collagen formation as a result of medications or chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. It is also suggested that some medications that are hormonal or steroid based may cause stretch marks.
Now that you know more about what the causes are, you can more easily prevent stretch marks, and if you already have some, you can always discover some effective home remedies for stretch marks.
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