What Are The Main Causes Of Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are not just gained by being pregnant or putting on weight there are other situations that could mean you end up with stretch marks. Here a few of the most common causes of stretch marks.

The most common reason that most of us have heard of is pregnancy stretch marks. With 75-90% of women developing stretch marks during pregnancy, it is no wonder that stretch marks are linked with pregnancy. With you baby growing your stomach is gradually being stretched further and further which causes the stretch marks. The stretch marks are not just found on your stomach you can also get them on your breasts and thighs.

Weight loss and weight gain are also when stretch marks can form. If you are on a diet try and lose steadily and over a period of time so your skin is not under strain and are less likely to have stretch marks appear. If you are putting on a lot of weight under a short period of time you are again putting your skin under strain and increasing the risk of stretch marks.

You may not have realised it as your hormones were all over the place and the last thing you were looking for were stretch marks but during adolescent growth spurts boys and girls are prone to stretch marks. Boys mainly on the shoulders and girls on the hips,thighs and breasts.

Finally athletes whose muscles are growing bigger and stronger over a short period of time can sometimes be prone to stretch marks. You tend to find that stretch marks are particularly common in bodybuilders.

However it is good news for some of us as not everyone gets stretch marks. Some doctors think that the reason we get stretch marks is that some people produce more of the hormone,corticosteriod than normal and this causes a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a type of protein that enables the skin to keep its elasticity.

What ever the cause of stretch marks. Some of us really don't like them and would like to reduce the appearance of them. For those of us looking to prevent them in the first place. What are our options? Cover up, laser surgery or a stretch mark cream. There are many creams and other products on the market today, but what works?  Receiving great feedback are Revitol Stretch mark cream and also Zenmed Stretta stretch mark cream.

Both of the above products we have reviewed at Dietreviewzone, and if you need to have a moan about stretch marks or share your experiences of preventing or treating stretch marks. Then join in on the discussion in our Forum.