The Science of Stretch Marks

You work hard to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful. But no matter what you do, you are still at risk for the dreaded stretch mark—deep scars in the connective tissue caused by rapid stretching of the skin. Some call them the “badge of motherhood”—most call them ugly. We have described below how Stretch Marks are formed and the evidence that exists for their treatment.

You may already know.....

Human Skin has Three Main Layers:

The top layer, or epidermis, contains thin layers of flattened dead skin cells that work together to form a semi-permeable membrane. This epidermal “barrier” helps keep water and many chemicals outside of the body, but let’s other chemicals pass through where they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

The next layer, or dermis, is made up of tiny capillaries, nerves, hair follicles, and glands that secrete protective oils onto the skin. It also contains the collagen networks that give skin its strength and elasticity. The deepest layer, or subcutaneous tissue, is where you’ll find the larger blood vessels, fat cells, and supportive connective tissues. This layer is helpful in temperature regulation.

When you cut yourself with a knife or sharp edge, the wound heals with an abnormal scar that looks different and is weaker than normal tissue. Stretch Marks, or striae gravidarum, are a unique type of scar because they only involve the dermis—there is no break in the epidermis itself. They happen during times of rapid growth such as puberty, pregnancy, excessive weight gain, or even with weightlifting. They also appear to be related to an increase in your body’s steroid hormones. Stretch Marks can occur anywhere but are more likely to happen in areas where fat is stored such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and buttocks. When the skin stretches rapidly in these areas, tension builds on the collagen matrix inside the dermis and it eventually starts to tear. As the damaged tissues heal, new collagen grows but it lacks the smooth, regular appearance of normal collagen. Instead, there is a disorganized, chaotic structure with significant inflammation. The Stretch Marks initially appear as wavy or bumpy areas of reddish/purplish discoloration. Over time, they may change to a white or silvery appearance but they never go away completely. About a third of women develop Stretch Marks during puberty. Around 70% of women get them during pregnancy. Even men can get them from rapid weight gain or body building.

Some disreputable companies have promoted “miracle” products that claim to prevent all Stretch Marks or make them vanish. As a result, many people are wary of Stretch Mark treatments-- but there is real hope. Recently, published medical studies and clinical trials have shown an increasing number of effective treatments.

SilDerm™ clinically proven in the Prevention and Treatment of Stretch Marks.