The topic of stretch marks is subject to debate among experts, and there is still a lot of research being done today about their cause, appearance, and ability to heal. While preventative measures such as ScarMD Stretch Mark Prevention Oil have been proven to be effective, genetics, environment, weight, and activity levels also play a part in the development of stretch marks. It’s also known that there are a lot of reactive products such as ScarMD Stretch Mark Repair Cream that are used to reduce the visibility and discomfort of stretch marks that have been proven effective.
While prevention and repair methods have been developed and used therapeutically over the years, there is still a lot of mystery and misinformation surrounding the subject of stretch marks, and we wanted to share some of them with you. We hope you find this list helpful on your road to wellness. The best information to have is the correct information, and we’re always happy to share our thoughts on the matter.
The Myths
Here are 5 myths about stretch marks that we will clear up any misconceptions that you might have heard about.
Only women get stretch marks
While it is true that 90% of women are prone to stretch marks during pregnancy, they’re not the only people affected. In fact, stretch marks can occur for a number of reasons, including: growth spurts, weight gain or loss, puberty and hormonal disorders (which also happen to men). Additionally bodybuilding or intense workouts can also increase the risk of stretch marks appearing on your body. It is also important to note that men generally produce less collagen, so they need more time to heal when it comes to skin damage.
Stretch marks will heal over time on their own
The truth is, stretch marks will fade over time. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are healed; Stretch marks are similar to scars in the sense that they may fade in color, but your skin is still damaged in some shape or form. Topical creams or treatments can be used to improve or reduce their appearance, and even reduce the discomfort that may still be lingering long after the stretch marks fade visibility.
Thinner people don’t get stretch marks
While weight gain is one of the causes of stretch marks, growth spurts, puberty, hormonal changes and rapid weight gain or loss can contribute to stretch marks for those who are skinny.
Stretch marks can also easily appear if your body is not well hydrated or cared for. Staying hydrated is one of the factors that we can have control over more than others, so when in doubt stay hydrated! When it comes to any form of skin care, experts agree across the board that hydration is one of the most important lines of defense.
Stretch marks will disappear if you lose weight
Many people have the misconception that if gaining weight leads to stretch marks, losing weight will reverse that effect. The truth is that this kind of inverse relationship does not exist. Stretch marks are actually scars formed from tears in the dermis and the damage cannot be repaired in this way.
While you can’t get rid of the existing stretch marks, losing weight does prevent the possibility of future stretch marks occurring. It is also important to know that rapid weight loss can even make your stretch marks more obvious. Some people find that stretch marks aren’t as noticeable on a toned body but take note, stretch marks do not disappear on their own.
Stretch marks only occur on the tummy
Since one of the biggest misconceptions about stretch marks is that only pregnant women are prone to them, it is often thought that stretch marks can only appear on the stomach. The truth is that stretch marks can occur anywhere on your body where growth has outpaced your skin’s ability to stretch, and this includes your: hips, thighs, lower belly, breasts, and where your skin can be stretched through weight gain or loss.
About AIM Medical
AIM Medical is a skincare products research, engineering and manufacturing company based in the world's medtech hub - Boston, Massachusetts. Dedicated to developing novel, safe, yet highly effective portfolio of products that target common dermatologic conditions, AIM Medical advances the high value opportunities for products that focus on wound care and atopic dermatitis. At AIM Medical we are proud of our heritage of creating health and beauty through technology innovation. We have aligned AIM Medical to be a worldwide healthcare brand advancing the cutting edge technologies to work in real.