These days, there is a lot of concern about tiger stripes on skin (stretch marks), whether people should show them off with pride or remove them with the “Miracle Creams”.
Tiger stripes, has been seen as a problem related to only females, however, men also experience tiger stripes at some point in their lives, especially the body builders.
At a point in most women’s life, they will notice these typical, curling tiny lines, that might be lighter or darker than the skin color, span across their skin in an obvious manner. This indicates the skin has been straighten out, and this could be as a result of adding weight or pregnancy.
Tiger stripes are mostly seen on the back, arm, bum, and the abdominal region. While some have this on their breast during pregnancy, the stripes disappear and are not noticeable when she loses weight.
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Tiger stripes ‘Stretch marks’ occurs when the body enlarges past the normal elastic capacity of the skin. This rapid body growth would cause tiger stripes when the skin shrinks.
● Weight gain
When someone gains weight rapidly, and this is not peculiar to just women but also happens to men too, the skin might not be able to meet up with the sudden change.
As such, it would leave marks at certain places to show the struggle.
● Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a major cause of tiger stripes on the skin in women. Due to the skin being stretched during pregnancy and also a rush of hormones, the skin fibres become weak and struggle to meet up with the ever-growing tummy.
This tiger stripes might disappear when you lose weight after childbirth.
● Puberty
Stretch marks also happen when children experience rapid physical growth in height and weight over a short period especially during puberty. Growth spurts are very normal in a child’s development and this happens at different stages of childhood until they become physically matured.
It is imperative to let the child know that it is expected to have this stripes and the marks might disappear as they get older.
● Marfan syndrome
Marfan syndrome is a generic disease that is associated with the weak skin fibers, thereby leading to unusual body growth. People with this condition are prone to having tiger stripes on their skin.
● Bodybuilding
Activities that involve the breakdown of glucose for energy use with using oxygen like weightlifting, jumping rope, sprinting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and biking can cause tiger stripes on the skin. Even those with little fat mass in their body can get tiger stripes where their muscles bulges.
Symptoms Of Stretch Marks
Tiger stripes are known to be itchy and slightky raised. These wrinkled lines on the skin might appear in different colors, they might be hyperpigmented or hypopigmented.
Over time they would become thinner, pale, and look like scar-like streaks, but initially they turn from red or pink to purplish blue. Over time, they might become unnoticeable.
Tiger stripes, or stretch marks, are most visible on some body parts, like:
- Shoulders
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Back
- Arms
- Stomach or Torso
How To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks are fairly common in women during pregnancy, however, there are measures you could take to prevent them. But if you can’t get rid of them, that shouldn’t make you lose your self-confidence. They are an incredible achievement that your body has accomplished and you should wear them as a badge of honor.
Below are some steps you can follow to avoid stretch marks when pregnant
● Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is very vital because water helps in transporting nutrients to you and the growing fetus. It also helps to prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
Good water intake helps in easing morning sicknesses, prevents swelling and can also help with fatigue. The effect of staying hydrated is that your skin is well hydrated and also tender and a tender skin is less likely to have tiger stripes on it.
● Watch your weight
Tiger stripes on the skin is mostly the result of a rapid weight gain and in order to avoid that, you could watch your weight with a doctor assistance. Increased calories are needed during pregnancy, however, you have to be mindful because it could cause tiger Stripes on the skin.
Working with a doctor is important because we vary individually.
● Take in good amounts of vitamin D
When a pregnant woman soaks up some early morning sunshine, she takes in Vitamin D which is vital in preventing stretch marks. However, you need to be cautious when getting exposed to direct sunshine because a pregnant woman’s skin is very sensitive.
● Treat new stretch marks early
Once you notice tiger stripes do well to treat them immediately. There are lotions and creams that could make them invisible.
How To Hide Stretch Marks
You can hide tiger stripes with self-tanning products and other methods which include;
- Covering the tiger stripes with make up
- The use of sunscreen
- The use of concealer
- Applying setting powder
- Putting on clothes strategically
How To Get Rid Of Stretch marks On My Skin
Natural Remedies
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is important in cream and they are known as retinoid, they are important in making the skin smooth and more youthful.
- Sugar: Is a common exfoliator. Dead skin are scrubbed away by the small crystals and leaving the skin smoother.
- Aloe Vera: It is a natural skin treatment. The Aloe Vera jelly is applied on the skin to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Medical Remedies
- Laser Therapy: Using laser has the potential of increasing the production of collagen thereby helping tiger marks to disappear.
- Micro needling: A device is use to create small ruptures on the skin. This helps the skin in producing collagen and elastin that helps in tightening loose skins.
What Is The Best Cream For Stretch Marks?
Below are good creams you could use to get rid of tiger stripes:
- Vigini 100% Natural Actives Stretch Marks Removal Cream Oil
- Volamena Body Cream for Stretch Marks and Scars
- Sanfe Stretch mark oil
- Mom and World Massage Lotion for stretch marks
Summary
Tiger stripes might be a temporary issue and can be unattractive. However, they do not cause any health problem and treatment is only made to improve the self-confidence of the individual who has tier Stripes.
If you chose to remove your stretch marks, there are harmless removal methods discussed above. Also mote that pregnant women should not try removing their stretch marks until after birth.
Pregnant women could prevent stretch marks with some healthy steps mentioned above.
