Surprising Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, or thin, wavy lines on the skin, are a common part of life for many people. For those whose profession requires a near-perfect physical appearance, stretch marks can be annoying and frustrating. They show up on the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, or arms. A cosmetic dermatology expert can assure you that they pose no health risk. However, they can affect one’s self-confidence, whether one is a celebrity or a normal person living an ordinary life. Most people associate them with pregnancy or sudden weight gain, but what most people are not aware of is that there are many other causes why they appear. Uncovering these surprising causes of stretch marks will help you understand what really goes on beneath the skin.
Surprising Causes of Stretch Marks
Rapid Muscle Growth
Many people don’t know that men can get stretch marks, too. Men get them too, especially those who engage in intense workouts. This is because when muscles grow too quickly, the skin does not have enough time to stretch and adapt to the change. Common among bodybuilders and athletes who experience rapid muscle growth in the shoulders, arms, and thighs, the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin can tear slightly, resulting in visible lines.
To help prevent stretch marks, slow and steady muscle gain is recommended, along with regular moisturizing.
Corticosteroid Use
Doctors usually prescribe topical or oral corticosteroids to patients with conditions such as eczema, allergies, or arthritis. When patients use them long-term or at high doses, their skin can become thinner and lose its natural ability to stretch.
Corticosteroid use can suppress collagen production. This makes the skin more prone to tearing when stretched, leading to marks in areas such as the underarms, abdomen, or thighs.
To help prevent stretch marks, always follow your doctor’s guidance and do not use steroid creams for longer than prescribed.
Puberty Growth Spurts
Some people may be surprised, but stretch marks are also common in teenagers. During puberty, the body experiences rapid growth spurts as hormones surge, and bones, muscles, and fat layers expand.
Stretch marks in adolescent boys may appear on their shoulders and back, while in girls they appear on their hips, thighs, or breasts. However, since the skin is young, the marks usually fade over time as the skin matures.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a significant role in skin health. During times when hormone levels change, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, the skin fibers can weaken and become less elastic. This may also occur in people with conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome. Additionally, elevated levels of cortisone can make the skin more fragile. When elasticity decreases, even minor stretching may result in stretch marks.
Rapid Weight Loss
Just as marks can result from rapid weight gain, so can they result from rapid weight loss. When the body sheds weight rapidly, the skin does not get enough time to shrink back and adjust.
To help prevent stretch marks, lose weight steadily and gradually. Make sure you are well hydrated and get balanced nutrition. Gentle exfoliation may also help your skin recover quickly.
Genetic Factors
Look at your parents’ skin. Do they have stretch marks? If they do, there is a big chance you might get them too. Your genes influence your skin’s structure, thickness, and elasticity. Some people may naturally produce less collagen and have more delicate skin. This makes them more prone to having stretch marks.
You cannot do anything about your genes, but you can take preventive measures. You may use moisturizing creams rich in vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or cocoa butter to support your skin and make it more resilient.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions may trigger the appearance of stretch marks. Cushing’s Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos, for instance, affect the body’s hormone levels. This results in the weakening of the skin’s ability to stretch.
In patients with these conditions, stretch marks typically appear in unusual areas, such as the lower back, chest, or upper arms. They may also look wider or darker than the usual stretch marks.
For early evaluation, consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist if you suspect an underlying health issue.
Prevention
It isn’t easy to completely prevent stretch marks, as there are many reasons they appear. Some of these reasons are beyond your control. But there are practical things you can do to help your skin. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, and moisturizing daily can help you maintain healthy and beautiful skin.
Renew Your Skin Without Surgery
If you have stretch marks, there is still hope. You can get rid of them without undergoing surgery. Epione’s non-surgical stretch mark removal has fewer possible contraindications than surgical procedures. That is why this option is available to almost everyone. If you are bothered by your stretch marks and would like to know more about this non-surgical stretch mark removal, and if it is a good option for you,
book a consultation with us today.