Stretch marks are a type of scarring on the skin that presents a silvery white tinge. These can lead to embarrassment for many individuals that have these on their legs, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Due to the unsightly appearance, many people wear more clothing to cover up the stretch marks. Such as no longer wearing shorts, dresses that expose the thigh, or bikinis that might show stretch marks on the belly.

Stretch marks are created when the skin is stretched quickly such as in puberty or during pregnancy. Fast weight gain usually results in stretch marks. The fast stretching of the skin can leave these marks due to the fact that even though the skin is elastic it cannot compete with the rapid growth. 

Signs and Symptoms of Stretch Marks

In the beginning, the first signs will be reddish or purple lines. The lines will begin to fade a softer tone. The skin will be soft. Humans have three layers of skin, stretch marks occur in the middle layer. Stretch marks can be found on the breasts, abdomen, upper arms, underarms, hips, thighs, and buttocks. 

Stretch marks are not life threatening and pose no ill affects on the body. 

Causes of Stretch Marks 

The cause is quite technical sounding but in essence, what occurs is the glucocorticoid hormones prevent the fibroblasts from creating elastin and collagen fibers that are needed to keep the skin tight during fast growth. This allows the skin to stretch, which can lead to the epidermal and dermal tearing. 

Treatment for Stretch Marks

Around 80% of all women experience stretch marks during pregnancy. Of course, many have tried all kinds of cures or treatments to help prevent or cure stretch marks. Studies have proven that using Trofolastin each day will reduce the amount of stretch marks. Trofolastin contains centella asiatica extract, collagen-elastin hydrolysates and Vitamin E. 

Another cream, Verum, also showed marked improvement in the reduction of stretch marks. Verum contains hyaluronic acid, elastin, menthol, and Vitamin E. 

Many women prefer using cocoa butter; however, studies have not proven any improvement or reduction in the amount of stretch marks in women using cocoa butter during pregnancy. 

Several home remedies offer reduction or fading of stretch marks. One suggestion is to include more Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and protein to your diet. Rubbing your abdomen and thighs with olive oil cocoa butter, elastin creams, and Vitamin E is the most popular stretch mark home remedy. However, a few other home remedies include such items as oil from the avocado, almond, or jojoba with a few drops of lavender and chamomile. 

No matter what type of cream you decide to use it should be used at least once per day after the fifth month of pregnancy. For others such as teenagers, using creams at the start of stretch marks can aid in reducing the amount of stretch marks or even the appearance of stretch marks.