Stretch marks are a common skin concern, so let’s separate the truth from the myths! ‼️Facts About Stretch Marks: ●They’re Caused by Skin Stretching (But Not Always) Truth: Stretch marks (striae) occur when the skin’s dermis tears due to rapid stretching—like during pregnancy, growth spurts, or weight gain. However, hormonal changes (like elevated cortisol levels) also weaken collagen and elastin, making skin more prone to tearing even without dramatic stretching. ●Anyone Can Get Them Truth: While often associated with pregnancy (affecting up to 90% of pregnant women), stretch marks can appear in men, teens, and non-pregnant folks too. Bodybuilders, for example, often get them from rapid muscle growth. Genetics play a big role—if your parents had them, you’re more likely to as well. ●They Fade Over Time Truth: Fresh stretch marks start red, purple, or dark brown (depending on skin tone) due to inflammation and broken blood vessels. Over months to years, they naturally fade to silvery-white or lighter scars as the skin heals, though they rarely disappear completely. ●Moisturizers Can’t Prevent Them (But They Help) Truth: No cream can fully stop stretch marks if your skin is predisposed to them—studies show cocoa butter and olive oil don’t prevent them despite popular belief. However, keeping skin hydrated with moisturizers (like those with hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica) may reduce severity and improve appearance. ●Treatments Can Improve Them Truth: Options like retinoid creams (e.g., tretinoin) boost collagen and work best on new marks. Laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels can also reduce their visibility by stimulating skin repair. Results vary, and nothing erases them 100%. ■Fiction About Stretch Marks Fiction: Only Overweight People Get Stretch Marks Busted: Weight gain can contribute, but stretch marks strike across all body types. Teens during puberty or athletes' building muscle often get them without being overweight. It’s about skin resilience, not just size. Fiction: Tanning Hides Stretch Marks Busted: UV exposure (sun or tanning beds) might temporarily darken surrounding skin, but stretch marks often stay lighter because they lack melanin-producing cells. Tanning can actually make them more noticeable—and it damages skin long-term. Fiction: Drinking More Water Prevents Them Busted: Hydration keeps skin healthy, but drinking extra water won’t stop stretch marks. The tearing happens deeper in the dermis, beyond what water intake can fix. It’s a nice health habit, just not a cure. Fiction: They’re a Sign of Poor Health Busted: Stretch marks are cosmetic, not a health red flag. (Rare exception: If they appear suddenly with other symptoms like fatigue, it could hint at conditions like Cushing’s syndrome—consult a doctor if worried.) For most, they’re just skin doing its thing Fiction: You Can Scrub Them Away Busted: Exfoliating or scrubbing won’t erase stretch marks—overdoing it might even irritate the skin. They’re scars beneath the surface, not a top-layer issue. Gentle care is better than aggressive DIY fixes. Engaging Takeaway Stretch marks are like skin’s battle scars—proof it’s adapting to life’s changes! While you can’t fully prevent or erase them, understanding the facts helps you embrace them or explore treatments that work. Got a stretch mark story or a treatment you swear by? Share it—we’d love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t) for you! www.pharmahub.com.ng ©️PharmahubNG