Many people consider stretch marks to be a piece of external evidence that someone is unhealthy or that they have done something wrong and now have a mark to show for it. Stretch marks are said to be an indication that a person has overeaten and their skin has stretched out to suit the weight gain, or because they neglected their skin during pregnancy. Women are often told to conceal, cover up, and get rid of their stretch marks.
Well, the truth is…
Stretch marks are, in fact, one of life’s most common conditions. It’s not something that makes us strange or disgusting. It does not make us any less human. Almost everyone you know has stretch marks on their body in some way. It doesn’t matter if they’re a man, a woman, or a non-binary person if they’re tall or short if they’re skinny or not.
STRETCH MARKS ARE NORMAL
STRETCH MARKS: WHAT CAUSES THEM?
Stretch marks occur when your body develops faster than your skin can keep up, tearing the elastic fibres just beneath the skin’s surface. Stretch marks might form as a result of:
● Body changes throughout puberty.
● Sudden weight gain
● Pregnancy
● Certain adrenal gland illnesses that cause a rise in cortisone levels in the body
● Medications such as birth control pills also make women more susceptible to stretch marks
● Some people are genetically prone to stretch marks.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT STRETCH MARKS?
There is no specific solution or method that will help you avoid getting stretch marks. These can occur in any one’s body, at any age.
So, stretch marks are mostly beyond your control. While it’s crucial to moisturize and keep your skin healthy, dermatologists concur that no lotion or oil can prevent stretch marks from developing.
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT STRETCH MARKS?
We all know that one person who always suggests ways to ‘fix’ our body. The fact that not all women are embracing their stretch marks is clear when you consider how many supposed stretch-mark curing creams and oils are on the market. At the same time, the number of women seeking dermatology treatments to try to get rid of their stretch marks has increased, not decreased, in recent years.
The only thing that might help with your stretch marks is a psychological attitude. Appreciating what our bodies have given us and banishing all negative influences from our life. “Real women have stretch marks; these are just changes that skin goes through.”
Start by looking in the mirror and imagining the experience your body has gone through to get those stretch marks. Thank those lines for accomplishing what they needed to do to help your skin stretch, whether they were bright red or faded silver. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that stretch marks are common. Then set a goal for yourself to wear that bikini, get those shorts, or buy that tank top. Flaunt your tiger stripes and let other women know that you have them and that they are stunning.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Stretch marks might gradually fade away with time. All you have to do now is learn about them and embrace them.
The more we normalize stretch marks in women, the less they will be ashamed of them. They’re being flaunted and worn as badges of glory. As reminders that our bodies have gone on a journey, each step along the way has led us to where we are now. It all begins with you. It all begins with us.
