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So, you’ve seen those faint lines crisscrossing your skin, particularly after a growth spurt or after stopping intense workouts. OK. They are stretch marks!
Usually, people associate them with women. But no. Stretch marks in men are as common, affecting millions worldwide. Thus, you certainly aren’t alone.
However, you must be wondering why you have them under your belly, above your armpits, back, and forearms. That’s precisely what this blog talks about, also discussing various ways of preventing them.
What are Stretch Marks?
These are small tears in the dermis, the skin’s middle layer. They appear when the skin stretches and shrinks rapidly, exceeding its inherent elasticity. Some common reasons include quick weight variations, muscle gain, and rapid puberty growth.
The color of stretch marks varies from pink, and purple, to red or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. However, as time progresses, they fade to become whitish or silvery.
Causes of Stretch Marks in Men
Here’s why men get stretch marks.
Intense Bodybuilding Workouts
You pump more iron to build muscle. However, extreme muscle-building can lead to stretch marks. In most cases, the skin cannot keep pace with muscle growth. Hence, it stretches, resulting in small tears in the skin’s middle layer.
Quick Weight Gain or Loss
While sudden weight gain stretches the skin, quick weight loss results in sagging. Men with such weight gain and loss routines are more vulnerable to stretch marks.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal variations cause various changes in the body. Thus, they also have an association with the skin’s elasticity. Testosterone level changes during adolescence weaken skin fibers, making them more susceptible to stretch marks.
Growth Spurts During Puberty or Teenage
Puberty is the time when boys undergo several rapid changes. While some suddenly grow taller than ever, others gain significant body mass.
All these changes stress and stretch the skin, particularly the shoulders, neck, knees, etc. And when that happens, stretch marks follow.
Family History
People with a genetic predisposition also are prone to stretch marks. Thus, if your parents developed them during physical changes, you also are likely to get them.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks?
Is there a way to not get stretch marks at all? We hate to say this, but you cannot always avoid them. Nevertheless, you can minimize the risk of developing them. Here are some straightforward prevention tips.
Gradual Muscle Building
Fascinated by the best bodybuilders in the world and want to become like them? Often, men indulge in heavy workouts to achieve quick muscle growth. If you have been thinking about it, then wait. Don’t hurry up and force your body to grow suddenly. Build muscle gradually, giving your body and skin enough time to adapt to the growth.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized helps enhance its elasticity. You can consult a skin clinic in Pune and know what’s right for your skin type to keep it hydrated. Some common options include shea butter and hyaluronic acid.
Internal Nourishment
Eating unhealthy stuff is fun. But avoid consuming it as much as possible. Cultivate good diet habits, eating foodstuffs rich in nutrients like vitamins C, and E and minerals like zinc. Get a proper diet plan prepared by an expert to consume what suits you.
Keep Your Weight Stable
Sudden weight fluctuations can stretch the skin, disallowing it to adapt to the increased or decreased weight. Accordingly, you must avoid rapid weight variations. You can do so with regular exercises, a balanced diet, and enough rest.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Prolonged sun exposure can weaken elastic fibers and collagen, damaging the skin. Using a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen can help you avoid it.
Fed Up with Your Stretch Marks and Want to Get Rid of Them?
Eva Pimples, skin, and Hair Clinic is here to help!
We are a trusted dermatologist in Pune, nurturing seasoned skin experts with years of experience treating different skin conditions, including stretch marks.
Our experts diagnose your case to recommend the best-suited treatment measures out of options that include laser therapy, chemical peels, PRP, and micro-needling.
So, don’t just stare at your stretch marks, doing nothing about them. If you feel they are a cosmetic concern, you’ve got us. Call us at +91 788 799 1919 for appointments.
For expert tips on getting rid of stretch marks permanently, visit our blog: Essential Tips To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On The Body Permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remove a stretch mark naturally?
Yes. Some alternatives include argan oil, aloe vera, sugar, coconut oils, and sweet almond and lemon juice. However, we recommend visiting a skin specialist in Pune like us to know what’s right for you.
Is it possible to get rid of stretch marks 100%?
No. Stretch marks don’t disappear fully. However, you can make them less noticeable with various home-based or clinical treatments.
Is it OK to get stretch marks?
Stretch marks are usually harmless. Hence, it is normal to have them. However, they can become an aesthetic concern, particularly if they appear on visible skin parts.
