Stretch Marks in Women, and Pregnancy

In women, approximately 75% to 90% of stretch mark (striae) cases occur during pregnancy. Usually they are first noticeable during the sixth and seventh months.

The main reason for this is the drastic hormone changes that occur during this time. These alterations in a pregnant woman’s bodily chemistry do not always support the elasticity of the skin.

Cases of this skin characteristic might also appear in obese women, or those who experience rapid changes in muscle formation. Although signs of striae disappear on their own over time, some people have sought to have them covered up or removed.

These characteristics of stretching skin usually appear as indentations in the form of scar-like lines. They usually are of a purplish or reddish color.

Treatment

Several different attempts have been made by women who are seeking for a solution to this problem. Some of them have tried ointments and creams which may or may not work. In some cases fewer stretch marks have occurred after use of these products.

Some people have removed these embarrassing scar-like impressions by seeking professional help. Sometimes these lines were surgically removed by a medical professional or people sought micro abrasion treatments in a clinic. Research shows evidence of at least some effectiveness of these kinds of treatments.

An additional available procedure used for improvement of this condition occurring in the abdominal area is application of a “tummy tuck” procedure. This is a type of cosmetic procedure which removes excess skin from the area below the navel. It also removes visible lines and other impressions.

A new treatment that has been used for similar purposes is the fractional laser resurfacing method. Portions of skin scars are usually zapped over a period of several treatments that involve use of this procedure. In studies conducted during 2007, this procedure removed as high as 75% of all stretch marks.

One study showed at least partial evidence that the ingredients such as vitamin E, Centella asiatica extract, collagen-elastin hydrolysates are associated with reduction in stretch marks. No known substantiated evidence supports use of cocoa butter, though.

With that, cocoa butter in itself is a very effective moisturizing aid. However, it has not proven to be very useful for prevention or reduction of this type of skin impression. It also improved quality of skin of certain types (I-IV).

Some people have not used methods of removal to get rid of these scar-like impressions. They just allowed them in some cases to either disappear naturally or they may have found a way to cover them up.

For instance, some women have tried using sunless tanning lotion. They also might have found an effective waterproof body make-up to use.

Health Risk

No known health risk to a person is evident in those who experience the affect of this condition. It may just be embarrassing for some people, especially for those who have a low self-esteem.

However, there are many ways for a person to feel more attractive on both the outside and on the inside. Fashion tips and make-up information resources are often sought for this purpose.