Causes of stretch marks
Stretch marks are a type of discolored scar that develops when the skin rapidly stretches or contracts. According to a study published in StatsPearls, stretch marks often appear on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, back, breasts and groin. Sudden changes in the body cause collagen and elastin to break down, and as the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. Stretch marks often appear during puberty, pregnancy, or unusual weight gain or loss.
In the chest, stretch marks may appear when:
- During puberty , hormonal changes can cause breast tissue to grow rapidly, causing the skin to stretch. Thinning skin on the chest can cause stretch marks. Some people may notice stretch marks on the buttocks, hips, and thighs.
- Pregnancy is a very common cause of stretch marks on the breasts. In the 6th week of pregnancy, higher estrogen levels stimulate breast growth and the growth of milk ducts causing breast enlargement which can cause stretch marks.
- Women who gain weight often see larger breasts, and stretch marks may develop as their breasts enlarge. Although fatty tissue shrinks as you lose weight, stretch marks on your breasts may not go away. The cause is the loss of collagen that occurs after weight loss, leading to reduced skin elasticity.
How to prevent stretch marks on breasts
Stretch marks appear as discolored scars on the breasts, these usually start as red, purple or dark brown streaks and can gradually turn lighter in color over time and can be itchy or painful . Here are some ways to prevent stretch marks:
- Drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water a day helps restore skin elasticity, smooth and supple skin can prevent stretch marks.
- Always exfoliate and moisturize your skin.
- Add foods rich in vitamin C such as berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwifruit, melons, peas, bell peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and radishes. diet helps fight toxins and free radicals.
Eating plenty of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, salmon and cauliflower, can help avoid stretch marks.
