Stretch marks or tiger strips, as many like to call them, are known to ruin self-esteem. Have you ever debated using or not your favorite bikini because you don’t like those thunder-like marks? If yes, stretch marks make you feel uncomfortable. But know you are not alone. Stretch marks are more common than you may think and is not only a sign that you may have experienced gain weight/loss. Did you know that even athletes have stretch marks? But what are stretch marks? How and why do we get them? Can we actually get rid of stretch marks? 

WHAT ARE STRETCH MARKS? WHAT CAUSES THEM? 

Before anything else, you should understand what stretch marks are and what causes them to appear on the skin. The technical name for stretch marks is striae, and they are basically a series of rippled lines that are noticeable in different areas of the body. These lines can be long, small and have different colors. While they are not harmful to your physical health, they can make you self-conscious and seriously affect your confidence.

The most common causes for the appearance of stretch marks are growth during puberty, obesity, pregnancy, genetic propensity and weight loss. Sudden growth and weight gain can easily lead to the appearance of these skin tears.

Our skin has three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The dermis is a complex world of collagen fibers and elastin, and when the skin stretches too quickly and to a certain limit, the dermis collagen fabric tears causing stretch marks. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRETCH MARKS

There are different types of stretch marks classified according to their appearance or cause. According to MediccalNewsToday, there are 7 different types of stretch marks:

- Striae atrophicans These stretch marks are associated with thinned skin and can follow medical conditions, particularly Cushing’s Syndrome or during treatments that require the use of corticosteroids.

- Striae gravidarum
Striae gravidarum are stretch marks related to pregnancy. Pregnant women are prone to stretch marks during and after pregnancy due to the drastic body changes in such a short time.

- Striae distensae
Stretched skin due to weight gain or rapid growth.

- Striae rubrar
Pink or red stretch marks. These marks are the initial stage of formation. The red color of the stretch mark will fade over time to a white appearance.

- Striae albae
These are mature stretch marks. They are white and can be permanent.

- Striae nigrae
Striae stretch marks are usually associated with darker skin tones. They can be dark grey or black.

- Striae caerulea
These stretch marks appear in dark blue or purple color. Common in darker skin tones. 

WHERE CAN YOU GET STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks are more common than you may think, and they appear in certain areas of the body due to continuous stretching:
- Abdomen & waist
- Chest
- Shoulders & upper arms
- Buttocks & thighs   

ARE STRETCH MARKS PERMANENT?

A stretch mark is a kind of scar, and unfortunately, they are permanent. Some may fade away, others will get less noticeable, but if they appear on your skin, they will not go away. However, stretch marks can change color and fade over time. There are also new technologies available that help to minimize their appearance over time.

HOW TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS?

As we said before, stretch marks are permanent, and is unlikely that they will vanish from the skin. However, there are ways to prevent and lessen their appearance.

1. The best way to prevent stretch marks is to keep a healthy weight and lifestyle. Healthy food packed with vitamins and minerals and frequent workout sessions will help keep stretch marks away.

2. Hydrate your skin every day. We tend to neglect the body and focus on our face skincare routine. However, other body areas need as much attention as the face, and moisturizing your skin with rich formulas will help to support and regenerate the epidermis.

3. Red & NIR (near-infrared) light therapy treatments
One of the most effective treatments to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is red and NIR light therapy. What visible red light and NIR do is stimulating the production of ATP cells. By giving energy to these cells, they are able to regenerate and repair, fighting the appearance of stretch marks. This technology is non-invasive and proven to be safe. According to WebMD, “The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says laser or light therapy can make stretch marks less noticeable - light triggers skin changes that help stretch marks blend in”. 

VISIBLY REDUCE STRETCH MARKS WITH TOUCHBEAUTY REVIVE

If there is a device that can help you diminish the appearance of stretch marks, it’s TOUCHBeauty REVIVE. This device was specially designed with TOUCHBeauty exclusive RNR Tech™ to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, tone and shape your figure. What makes this device special? It is the first device to combine these 4 technologies - RF, EMS, red and NIR light therapy with multipoint RF and EMS treatments to give you superior results. This device is three times more effective than other devices.

WITH REVIVE YOU CAN: 

- Tone muscles and shape body contours
- Boost elastin and collagen regeneration
- Visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Reduce localized and stubborn fat deposits
- Promote body maintenance and post-exercise recovery