Stria atrophicae, also known as stretch marks, are commonly described as scarring on the skin as a result of weight gain or pregnancy. They often appear on parts of the body where greater amounts of stout are stored. Thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks are some of the common body parts they appear.

Stretch marks are results of the stretching of the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. The dermis stretches in order to fit a new and larger body. As a result, microscopic bleeding and tissue inflammation happens and these would make reddish-purple lines. As a consequence of this, the epidermis also stretches making the lines more visible. When these lines heal, the scar itself is made which is of lighter shade than the natural skin tone.

Some studies suggest that glucocorticoids, a group of steroids, are associated with stretch marks. Cortisol is the most common example of a glucocorticoid. Research showed that when the body is at stress, it releases cortisol at a level above its normal amount. This could halt fibrolasts from forming elastin fibers and collagen, which are essential for keeping a new skin firm. This would ultimately lead to the tearing of the epidermal and dermal layer due to lack of these supporting materials.

Excess amounts of cortisol could inhibit the formation of elastin fibers and collagen from fibrolasts, which are both needed to keep new skin firm. As a consequence, the dermal and epidermal layer of the skin could tear easily due to the absence of these supportive substances.

On the other hand, retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids negate the terrible effects caused by steroids. And this combination reduces the formation of stretch marks.

Other methods are available to make existing stretch marks barely there, including laser treatments, dermabrasion, and prescription retinoids. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum (outer surface of the epidermis) is being removed by abrasion, or sanding, targeting sun-hurt skin and dark spots on the skin. A laser treatment, called fractional laser resurfacing, uses pulses of light that makes microscopic wounds on the scar. In which, body produces new collagen and epithelium that improves the texture and appearance of mature stretch marks.

Another method uses a surgical procedure, the tummy tuck. In here, the part of skin below the navel is being removed because this is where stretch marks oftenly form.

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