Bodybuilders are prone to getting stretch marks. I know if you use cocoa butter then that can reduce the risk of getting stretch marks.
Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its' elasticity. Losing collagen and elastin in the skin causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the epidermis (top layer of skin).
The stretching of the skin can come about from rapid weight gain over a short space of time, such as during pregnancy. Stretch marks can also be found on children who have become quickly obese or on adolescents who have had a growth spurt during puberty. Athletes and body builders can also develop stretch marks due to constant repetitive exercises. The most common areas affected by stretch marks are the hips, breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen. However, some believe that the term stretch mark is a misnomer and they are not caused by the stretching of the skin at all. It has been suggested that stretch marks are caused due to an increased level of a hormone called glucocorticoids, circulating through the bloodstream. This hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands and it is increased during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, Cushing’s disease and weight lifting. The glucocorticoids affect the dermis by preventing the fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers that are required to keep growing skin taut. Dermal tearing then follows as there is a lack of supportive material when the skin is being stretched. So the stretching may determine where the stretch marks will occur but the actual stretching is not seen as cause of stretch marks. It has also been suggested that some people are more genetically prone to stretch marks than others. Skin type may be a factor; dryer skin has less elasticity than oily skin, and more prone to stretch marks. Stretch marks can also develop more easily in skin with a high proportion of rigid cross-lined collagen that occurs in teenagers.
Another theory on the cause of stretch marks is that they can occur due to the abnormal collagen formation as a result of medications or chemicals that interfere with collagen formation. It is also suggested that some medications that are hormonal or steroid based may cause stretch marks.
Getting Rid of Stretch Marks -- If you were looking for safe and effective ways to get rid of stretch marks, the best step would be to avoid them in the first place. Stretch marks may appear when the skin is subjected to extreme stretching.
The skin is stretched to the limit when you gain excessive weight in short time. That is the reason why pregnant women, teenagers and bodybuilders are prone to develop stretch marks.
If you have a genetic proclivity towards the development of stretch marks, there is no hope of preventing stretch marks from appearing. However, stretch marks that appear due to hormonal imbalance or excessive hormonal production can be prevented. Following tips will help you effectively prevent the occurrence of stretch marks.
* Avoid gaining or losing weight quickly. A quick change in the body’s composition is not correspondingly matched with enough production of collagen and elastin that help keep the skin soft, supple, and free from stretch marks.
* Your skin needs to be hydrated at all times to remain soft and function effectively. For that, your body would require an adequate amount of fluids. Drinking a lot of water prevents stretch marks and improves skin quality.
* Use a natural moisturizer such as olive oil during pregnancy. An olive oil massage will help prevent stretch marks.
Treating Stretch Marks -- When the skin is subjected to extreme stretching, it causes the tiny skin fibers to tear. Though they cannot be repaired, certain treatments are available to fade the appearance of stretch marks.
Exfoliation is a process that helps remove dead skin cells. The soft new skin that appears after exfoliation may improve the appearance of the skin. The skin needs to be adequately moisturized after exfoliation. Certain ointments do help in improving the appearance of fresh stretch marks, but they have no effect on older marks. Laser surgery does have a limited success rate, but it is too expensive a process.