Stretch Marks Be Gone!!

Debunking the Myths and Finding the Cure for Stretch Marks!

The dreaded stretch marks, no one wants them but most people get them; according CBS News 80% of people have them! Stretch marks are broken elastic fibers in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin that works to help the skin retain its shape. Think about it: stretch marks exist in the inner layer of skin whose purpose is to hold its shape… no wonder they are so resilient and hard to get rid of!

Stretch marks result from rapid stretching of skin due to quick weight gain, pregnancy, accelerated growth that happens in adolescence or in bodybuilding, also due to hormonal imbalance, and even some medications and illnesses can bring on stretch marks. Nonetheless a top predictor of whether you will get stretch marks or not is….genetics! Stretch marks can appear all over the body: on the  breasts, thighs, hips, lower back, buttocks, upper arms, but most often they show up on the stomach!

There is a lot of information and misinformation out there about stretch marks. Here we will separate the TRUTH from the MYTH:

Myth – Only Women Get Stretch Marks

This one is a popular myth and is simply not true. While more women get them, up to 90% of adult women will get some stretch marks at some point in their life. Men get stretch marks as well, about 40% of adult men will experience stretch marks in their lifetime.

Myth – Skinny People Do Not Get Stretch Marks

Again, just not true. As we stated earlier there are many reasons other than weight gain that may cause stretch marks, such as, genetic dispositions,  hormones, or may be medications that result in formation of stretch marks. So yes thin people can have stretch marks. Sorry skinny people…

Myth – When You Lose Weight You Lose Stretch Marks

If only this was true, but stretch marks are essentially just scar tissue so losing weight will do nothing to eliminate them. In fact due to loosening of skin as a result of loss in weight, could make them look even worse. So go slow on weight loss to give your skin time to adjust and tighten.

Myth – You Can’t Prevent Stretch Marks

Though some people are predisposed, there are still steps that can be taken to help prevent, or at least delay, the appearance of stretch marks: keep a healthy diet that includes vitamins C and Zinc, drink lots of water, stay out of the sun and avoid rapid weight gain. Interesting fact: moderate as opposed to intense exercise is preferable in preventing stretch marks.

Myth – There Is No Treatment For Stretch Marks

There are many products out there that claim to help, such as lotions, creams, oils, laser treatments, massage therapy, even surgery. Some carry more risks than others, some are better than others, and some are more expensive than others. The most efficient and cost effective treatment for all skin types and tones yet one that carries the least risk is Radio Frequency skin tightening. One such device is the Silk’n Lipo, it targets RF heat energy deep inside the skin to stimulate collagen production and heal skin tissue for tighter, firmer and smoother skin. Here is a video to show how it works:

Myth – Stretch Marks Can Only Be Treated On Light Skinned People

Not true, people of all skin tones can be treated. Of course some methods are preferable to others and with a little bit of research one can zero in on what works best for their skin tone. Silk’n Lipo RF treatment works on all skin tones.

Myth – Tanning Can Eliminate Stretch Marks

Tanning only covers stretch marks, so while they are not as visible, they are still there. In some cases it may exasperate their appearance. If stretch marks are white in color the skin around them will become darker while they will stay the same because stretch marks are basically scar tissue which doesn’t tan.