4 Factors That Contribute to the Formation of Stretch Marks

by Wong Darren

Stretch marks are thin lines that develop due to rapid growth, be it excessive weight gain or loss, muscle build-up, or sudden growth periods. They may also arise due to hormonal fluctuations and engaging in activities that puts pressure and tension on the skin.

There are different factors that contribute to how many and how severe stretch marks will develop, and where they will form. This article discusses some of them.

1. Rapid Changes in Body Weight

If you put on muscles and/or fat, your skin will definitely stretch. If you overdo it, your skin will reach the limit of its elasticity and thus start to tear when it gets overstretched. If you really need to gain weight, then you should do it wisely. Instead of eating just any food that you want, avoid those that are rich in saturated fat.

Binge on protein and carbohydrates-rich food instead. You should also engage in regular exercise in order to control your weight and keep it steady. Remember, if your body grows at a super fast rate, your skin wouldn’t be able to keep up with it and the result is the formation of stretch marks.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

You should have a well-balanced diet. But if you’re not sure that you’re getting the daily recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals, you should take nutritional supplements. Here are the following vitamins and minerals that have an effect on the overall health of your skin:

Vitamin A

This vitamin promotes the regeneration of skin. It also plays a part in maintaining healthy hair, nails, and bones. Moreover, it aids in the repair of injured tissues. Studies have shown that when vitamin A is directly applied on the skin, the epidermis is kept saturated with the vitamin and thus becomes conditioned. At the same time, studies have shown that vitamin A increases the production of collagen and improves the elasticity of the skin. Vitamin A thus helps keep stretch marks at bay.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a huge role in the healing of wounds. As you know, stretch marks scars that arise when the tears in the skin heal. When you take the right dosage of vitamin C, the wounds of your skin will easily heal. In addition, vitamin C is required in the production of collagen and acts as a substance that keeps the structure of your skin stronger.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps delay anti-aging and sagging of the skin. It is also used to expedite the healing of wounded tissues.

Zinc

This mineral is probably the most important supplement in preventing stretch marks since it promotes the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that bonds the tissues of our skin together. When you have enough collagen in your body, you will have fewer stretch marks.

3. Heredity

Some people have a genetic predisposition for having stretch marks. This can easily be identified because of their family history.

4. Skin Type

Stretch marks will most likely manifest when your skin is dry and flaky since its elasticity is really low. You may use stretch mark creams and lotions to improve your skin’s condition.