Anti Striae, know commonly as stretch marks, are caused by the rapid expansion or reduction of skin seen on women during or after pregnancy, or people that gain or rapidly lose weight.
Stretch marks are genetic. It’s a fact. However, to call something genetic is sometimes a cop out from medical professionals meaning, “well, we don’t know exactly why”. Death is genetic. Yes you read me correctly. Death is genetic. We all have a genetically programmed lifespan. So does this mean we all die at the same age or every brother, sister or twin dies on the same date? No. It is common knowledge medically and logically that many other factors come into play when we look at mortality numbers. The same applies to stretch marks. Stretch marks occur during the rapid expansion or reduction of body size because the skin, more specifically the dermis, cannot keep up.
Our skin is an amazing organ that does a good job keeping up with growth. Look at any child between ages 1 through 13. Our skin, however, can be overwhelmed which may cause small rips or Striae in the dermis or second level in the skin.
The basic factors that determine this tearing are speed of growth and malleability or flexibility of our skin. Speed of growth is something that in certain situations like pregnancy is very hard to control. It is not only the weight gain during pregnancy, but more importantly, the rate. Some women gain weight slowly and some pop overnight – thus genetics.
For the health of the mom and the baby, it’s very important that women follow their obstetrician’s guidelines and maintain a healthy weight. When compared to the health of their child, stretch marks should be the least of their concerns. However, one area that they may be able to control is the flexibility of their skin.
Just like pizza or cookie dough, when your skin is dry it does not like to stretch and will have a tendency to crack. So the question is what can we do to keep our skin more malleable? This is where those environmental factors like sun, pollution and other nasties like smoke and stress come into effect.
So what can be done to prevent or reduce these little tears?
Limit time in the sun
The sun will dry up moisture very quickly so limit exposure times, but a little sun can be healthy for everybody. Also, natural UV protection is best. (See below.) There have been some studies that warn women who are pregnant to be wary of artificial UV protection.
Hydration
Ok, we all knew this one but if everybody talks about it, it must be important. It does actually make sense i.e. cookie dough. The most common recommendation is the 8X8 rule or about 8 glasses a day. However, there is not a lot of science to back this one up. So, I guess we go back to common sense. If you’re thirsty, drink more.
Moisturizers
While it is true that moisturizers do not make it into the second level of the skin or dermis, they do help to keep the dermis stay moist by creating an effective barrier and slowing evaporation. Most good moisturizers also have UV protectors as well. All products are NOT created equal, so try to use products that contain ingredients that are proven to be good for your skin i.e. olive oil, shea butter (a natural UV protector) avocado oil and vitamin E. Look for products that absorb well into your skin. If it’s too sticky or greasy it may not be absorbing well or worse – it may block pores. Be consistent, as this is something that you need to do at least twice a day, so find the right product for you. Smell it, feel it and make sure you can afford it.
Last but not least.
Be Happy
Yep. It is a medically proven fact that happy people are healthier. Not fake happy, but truly happy. It may be difficult to enjoy all of the changes that your body is going through, but trust yourself and your body. The one thing that all doctors do agree upon is that the body is a truly amazing machine. So sit back, enjoy the changes and get ready for the special connection and the unconditional love that only a mother can give and receive.