Red Stretch Marks
What You May Not Know About Red Stretch Marks
Red stretch marks often are mistakenly blamed on skin rapidly stretching due to growth spurts, weight gain and pregnancy, however, this is not entirely true. They are actually a result of increased levels throughout the bloodstream of circulating glucocorticoids. This is a hormone that is greatly elevated from periods of growth due to pregnancy, obesity, adolescence and weightlifting by your adrenal glands. Oral steroids and other medications can also cause stretch marks to occur.
Support Issues
Red stretch marks could not occur from any amount of stretching if there was proper dermis support. The stretching can determine where the marks will essentially appear and in what direction they will run in but the stretching alone is not what causes the marks.
The glucocorticoids that are the cause of red stretch marks have an affect on the dermis by stopping the fibroblasts from being allowed to form collagen and other fibers that are necessary to keep growing skin remaining tight. Ultimately, this results in a lack of the supportive material so as the skin stretches, it leads to tearing of the dermal layer. Additionally, also affected are the epidermal cells which become flat and then, allowing for visible defects.
If you look at red stretch marks under a microscope you really can see how thin the dermis is. The collagen fibers are pulled away from each other while the elastic fibers are broke and clump along the sides of the red stretch marks.
Who's At Risk?
At least 90% of Caucasian women will receive red stretch marks as a gift during their pregnancy. Women with darker skin tones such as African-Americans are still at risk but their chances are drastically reduced. Genetics can also be a cause so if your mother had stretch marks, chances are you will too. The breasts, abdomen, thighs and buttocks are most commonly targeted areas of red stretch marks. Mederma and Cellex-C Serum are both safe to use while pregnant. Uses of any topical vitamins K or A are not recommended for pregnant women.
Adolescence is a huge cause for red stretch marks due to the increase of 17-Ketosteroid that is increased in your system at that age. It is helpful if you have children, to ask them if they notice any type of red stretch marks forming so that you can take preventative measures with creams so that they are not stuck with these marks later in life. Be sure that they know that this is a common occurrence or it may be something that they notice and never discuss with you.
Treatment
If you have red stretch marks you are not alone. Cellex-C is documented to stimulate fibroblasts into producing elastin fibers and collagen. Additionally, Mederma offers some good results although researchers are not sure why it works so effectively since onion juice extract is the only active ingredient. Renova can be obtained through prescription and like other vitamin A creams, it can be an irritant. This is a product that should be avoided if you are pregnant or still nursing.
Microdermabrasion is also helpful for old stubborn red stretch marks that have turned white over the years. Tiny particles are “sand blasted” over the skin and with time, gradually remove the epidermal tissue that has been discolored.
Lastly, there is a new treatment called the N-Lite laser which is very effective for red stretch marks as well. There is no burning of the skin and it stimulates fibroblasts into producing collagen.
If you have red stretch marks there are creams available at your local pharmacy that you can try or you can speak to a dermatologist about other treatment options that could be right for you.