What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks can occur from any part of one’s body. The most common places where stretch marks appear are on your neck, shoulders, breasts, abdomen, arms, hips, thighs, and legs. The skin is known to be the largest organ of the body which primarily protects the inner parts of the body. It is characteristically flexible and pliable however, it has its certain limitations. The main reason behind the formation of this is because of the rapid expansion and contraction of your skin that goes over its limitations.

This is becoming a common problem since a lot of people do not know the reasons behind the occurrence of stretch marks. Below are the reasons why stretch marks take place that you should bear in mind.

Changes in Weight

Weight gain and weight loss is a common cause of the occurrence of striae. This happens when there is excessive stretching of the skin to accommodate the increasing weight or size of the person. The marks are formed since the collagen, a protein found in the skin, is not enough to support the excessive stretch within the skin tissues. This typically occurs in pregnant women, body builders as well as those overweight individuals who undertake the unhealthy form of diet and exercise.

Hormonal Imbalances

Another reason behind the formation of stretch marks is the excessive level of the hormone glucocorticoid from the adrenal glands which is believed to cause this marks. This is typical in situations such as Cushing's disease, puberty, pregnancy, obesity, and weight lifting wherein the hormonal levels of the body increases. This results to the prevention of elastin and collagen formation that maintains the strength and elasticity of the skin thus resulting to tearing in the skin. Even extreme stress can as well cause hormonal imbalances leading to stretch marks formation.

Genetics

Genetics is said to determine who gets stretch marks or not. This basically means that when stretch marks commonly occur in your family, you are more prone to developing this. This is said to be the reason why two expectant mothers who experience the same weight changes have still completely different experiences when relating to stretch marks formation.

Certain Medications

It is believed that certain drugs can alter the hormonal level within the body thus resulting to different changes physically as well as mentally. One medication known to do this is contraceptive pills. However, this does vary from person to person especially on how drugs alter the hormonal levels of the patient.

Unhealthy Diet

Poor diet and unhealthy way of living are two reasons behind the formation of the striae. In order to have a healthy skin, one should take enough vitamins especially beta-carotene as well as vitamin A. These vitamins aid in the reproduction of healthy skill cells thus making your skin supple and strong. Lack of exercise is as well one reason behind the formation of stretch marks since with adequate exercise or activity, there will be enough absorption as well as removal of toxins within the body making you less prone to stretch marks.

Now you have the common reasons behind the occurrences of striae. You now possess the knowledge on how to prevent or lessen the occurrences of these marks. Although these marks do not generally affect your physical health, it may lessen your self confidence and self esteem. So better prevent these stretch marks from happening to you with the knowledge you possess now.