DIY Stretch Mark Solutions | Home Remedies for Stretch Marks | Get rid of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a usual part of puberty for most girls and guys. When a person grows or gains weight really quickly (like during puberty), that person may get fine lines on the body called stretch marks. These marks are long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that develop on the skin and which vary in hue from the surrounding skin. They are the result of a rapid stretching of the skin and are very common. Anyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect more women than men.

Stretch marks can be visible on body parts as well as the tummy, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and lower back. The marks form in the middle layer of the skin; when there is a constant stretch, the layer tears, leaving stretch marks.

Stretch marks occur when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form.

Stretch marks are usually a slightly red or purple shade to begin with, fading with time to silvery white lines that may or may not disappear. Stretch marks eventually fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance due to the blood vessels shrinking and the pale fat underneath the skin becoming visible instead.

Stretch marks are more likely to develop and to appear more extreme where there are high levels of circulating cortisone, or where cortisone is used topically. Cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands is converted into cortisone, which weakens elastic fibers in the skin.

Often stretch marks fade over time and become unnoticeable. For people who developed stretch marks in pregnancy, these are usually less noticeable 6-12 months after giving birth. Cosmetic camouflage (makeup) can be used to temporarily conceal marks.

Here are some quick home remedies for stretch marks, which will undoubtedly reduce or remove the scars from the affected area.