Questions:
Why do we always avoid the topic of stretch marks?
Why is it such a taboo to stare over in places we’ve got them?
Why do we even loathe that we’ve got one (or many) in the first place?
What are stretch marks all about then?
Escapable questions that need inescapable answers.
Stretch marks are in the form of scars anyone gets on their body when the subcutaneous layer of their skin, also known as the dermis, is overly sensitized. Or when the dermal layer of the skin is overly activated.
This leads to the upper or cutaneous layer of the skin (which is the part we see and feel) to be covered in streamline or string-like patterns.
The sight of these marks normally appears red, purple, or gold like in color — which mostly signifies that the stretch marks are brand new, healing, and totally healed/faded respectively.
But the process of the healing of a stretch mark can take a long period of time to achieve. Depending on how much and the part of the body it’s inflicted on, it takes about 6 weeks to 6 months to see a significant deterioration or fading of the marks.
There are many products out there in the market, shops, supermarkets, drugstores, online and others, where stretch marks solutions, formula, creams are sold. Most of these products come highly recommended (both refined and unrefined) such as the classic shea/Palmers cocoa buttercream, bio-oil. All in all, it’s been ascertained that non-invasive cosmetic surgeries like micro-needling, microdermabrasion, laser surgery, are some of the techniques one can implore to get instant eradication.
Stretch marks till today, are regarded as a bad omen. It’s a “God forbid” kind of infliction anyone would ask for even those who are naturally more prone to it. Like pregnant women, sturdy-built men and women, rapid weight gain, and loss in both genders, you name it.
Yet, stretch marks can never be fully accepted.
The majority of the people I know don’t easily like the notion of being identified with their stretch marks. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t exist. We don’t want to know about it nor even how to avoid it. It’s completely sour to think of.
But stretch marks aren’t supposed to be regarded this way. It’s part of the bodily functions. Just like a migraine, you develop one when there’s been a stretch in the brain capacity.
What about edema?
Edema comes from an accumulation of fluid in a spot.
Other cognitive disorders that affect the mental state can arise from an overstretch of one hormone or undertone of another.
If the body malfunctions based on either excess fluid, exertion, hormone, or other constituents, why must we exclude the same manner of acceptance with developing stretch marks?
Yes, I get it, the sight of some, if not many, stretch marks can be “gory” looking. It can diminish one’s self-confidence and restrict them to certain types of clothes, people, and even places too. But when we understand more, the mechanism of stretch marks, it would enable us to make sense out of it, and embrace it more.
Personally, I’ve come to discover that when you accept the stretch marks (not your stretch marks), it’s easy to deal with. In a similar fashion that you would accept your flaws. By so doing, it gives you the mental comprehension which allows you to decipher what could have led to it and work your way out of it.
How do you embrace it?
Well, for starters, stop hating it.
You don’t have to love it either.
From time to time, look at it, feel it.
It’s your skin, your body, nobody else’s. Learn to accept it the way it has come to be. Just like you would accept whatever you’re already made up of, devoid of the good, bad, and the ugly.
Stretch marks are just marks. A sign that something is happening in the deeper layer of your skin. And if self-awareness is anything to go by with this, it helps you to detect it on time. Find out the possible cause. Stop what might be reinforcing it the more. It could be weight gain, pregnancy, certain harsh creams, puberty, and so on, and so forth. And take your time in imploring the different techniques aforementioned in treating them — because it’s treatable. It’s not a disease. So let’s stop treating it as one.
Other forms of abnormal stretches can occur in different areas of our lives. Why must the stretch marks on our physical bodies be singled out?
