STRETCH MARKS - THEY’RE TREATABLE!
HOW TO PREVENT THEM (AND TREAT THEM IF YOU HAVE THEM)
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Stretch marks
Stretch marks are scars that begins in the dermis of the skin, starting off purplish-red in color and eventually fading to a pearly white.
The dermis, located between the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and the hypodermis, is connective tissue made of blood vessels, nerve fibers and fibroblasts (which secrete collagen and elastin). Collagen and elastin fibers give your skin its suppleness and elasticity.
Stretch marks appear when the production of collagen and elastin decreases. This decrease is linked to the increased production of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands. As cortisol levels increase, the production of collagen and elastin decreases. Cortisol also slows wound healing. When skin is stretched (due to weight gain, pregnancy or puberty, etc.), a scar (a stretch mark) forms.
There are natural treatments composed only of active botanical active ingredients that can help prevent or reduce their appearance (if you already have them).
Significant and rapid weight gain or loss places undue pressure on the tissues, leading to the rupture of the dermis’ elastic fibers, causing a slackening of the skin.
Phases of hormonal change (eg. adolescence or pregnancy); periods of stress, when increased levels of cortisol are secreted by the body; and some diseases, like Cushing’s Disease (characterized by the over-secretion of hormones, including cortisol), can all cause stretch marks.
Anyone who is prone to weight gain and stress can get stretch marks. 50% to 70% of pregnant women get stretch marks and even athletes get them (extreme exertion can lead to the distention of skin tissue and cause collagen fibers to crack. The consumption of steroids loaded with cortisol to improve performance, also increase risk.)
Adolescence is a very destabilizing phase of hormonal changes, stress and weight gain. It’s not unusual for teenagers (25% of girls versus 10% of boys) to see stretch marks appear on their bodies.
How to prevent and / or reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Hydrate your body from the inside = Drink at least (6.5) cups (approx. 1.5 liters) of water per day.
- Moisturize your body from the outside = Use a serum rich in hydrating molecules.
- Manage stress through regular activities like sports, yoga and meditation.
- Eat a diverse diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Moiturize your skin
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