Collagen and Stretch Marks

Stretch Marks and Collagen

To truly understand stretch marks, it is best to get down on the basics. Research shows that due to the break down and stretching of collagen, stretch marks are formed. Basically, elastin and collagen are primarily found on the skin’s second layer known as the dermis.

Collagen has a big role!

Since collagen is a structural protein, it has a great role in supporting the skin’s tissues and cells and even in the bone structure. It makes up about 75 % of the skin, the damage in the collagen fibers or even the decrease in its production can lead to a number of skin appearances, mainly stretch marks, wrinkles, and aging skin.

Collagen Breakdown – Reasons

For women, stretch marks occur more often during pregnancy. This is mainly because the hormones soften the collagen on the skin in order to prepare and accommodate for the growth and development of the baby in the tummy. However, these hormones can also lead to the formation of stretch marks. Aside from the physical damage it causes due to pregnancy and weight gain, there are other factors that contribute to the breakdown to healthy collagen; stretch marks may only be one of its results.

Direct exposure to sunlight for one can prove to be highly detrimental to the production of the collagen on the skin. Hence, if you should be under the sun for extended periods of time, a sunscreen is highly important to provide your skin the necessary protective layer. Free radicals are also a contributing factors that affect the collagen production on the skin and causes premature aging and advance development of wrinkles and yes, stretch marks.

How to stimulate Collagen production?

If you have reached this part of the article, this you may have drawn the conclusion that in order to maintain soft, supple skin, it is important to nourish collagen. Stretch marks are merely one of its repercussions.

The best way to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin is by removing the dead skin cells on its surfaces in order to encourage the growth of new skin cells. The application of poly-hydroxy and hydroxy acids along with exfoliation is one of the best wayt to go about removing the dead skin cells.

There are also some commercial skin creams that are specifically formulated to stimulate and trigger collagen synthetics.

Read more on  Stretch Marks Creams