Every time I visit my skincare specialist, I try to put to use all those few minutes I have with her. So, when I visited Amira Nassar – Laser and Skincare specialist – to finally experience the Hollywood Peel, I decided to dig into her brain on a different skincare subject while she was busy micro-exploding my face. You see, most or some of us (ladies and gents), take issue with stretch marks. Some understand what those tiger lines are, while others tend to lean on the myths peddled on the same. Feel free to thank me later because this skincare specialist was more than happy to answer some burning questions I’m sure most of us have.

Q: What really are stretchmarks (and why are they so annoying)?

Amira: To put it simply, stretchmarks are dermal scars that form as a result of the skin stretching to a point where it breaks. This results in small tears on the layers of the skin, which disrupts collagen and elastin production in the middle layer of the skin. This is characterized by atrophy of the epidermis layer, which, is also known as stretch marks. Annoying? Not really (speaking for herself).

Q. What leads to stretch marks?

Amira: Stretchmarks are mostly caused by rapid weight gain, which causes the dermis (middle layer of the skin) to tear up. They are also associated quite often with pregnancy compared with other factors. In fact, 3 out of every four women who give birth end up with stretch marks. Other factors that can lead to stretch marks include genetics and hormonal changes (puberty).

Q. Can they be prevented?

Amira: Depending on your body and lifestyle, you can prevent them. For instance, controlling and maintaining your weight (stop yo-yo dieting) can help prevent them. Also, keeping your skin hydrated, eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (good for your skin), exercising to keep your body toned, and using a topical cream or oil can definitely help, although it’s not guaranteed.

Q. Is there a way to stop them from getting worse?

Amira: In my professional opinion, the best way to stop stretch marks from getting worse is by toning your muscles through exercising, even during your pregnancy if your doctor allows it. Check out these easy tips on how you can achieve toned legs.

Q. Are there any natural remedies for stretch marks?

Amira: Yes there are natural remedies, but these will not get rid of the marks. The best they can do, depending on your skin, is making them less visible. Examples include a mixture of sugar and almond oil or using coffee to exfoliate the skin in order to improve blood circulation. In addition, massaging the skin with Aloe vera gel can also help improve them especially if you have red ones.

Q. What are the cosmetic skin treatments used to fight them?

Amira: Fractional Co2 laser, which works by heating the skin and boosting the collagen, is so far the leading treatment. Then there is Radio Frequency Microneedling, which helps reduce the marks by stimulating new collagen and generating new skin cells. Actually, microneedling causes micro-injuries to the skin, which signals the skin to produce more collagen to heal those micro-injuries, which also ‘heals’ the stretchmarks while at it.

Q. Can you get rid of them completely?

Amira: This is one of the most asked questions so far when it comes to stretch marks. Unfortunately, they cannot be completely eliminated. The best that can happen is to drastically reduce them, and improve their appearance.

Q. Can old stretch marks be treated?

Amira: Old stretch marks are very hard to treat. Any treatment, whether laser, radio frequency or creams and oils that are used will only improve them but will not eliminate them completely, sorry.

Well, there you have it. I hope these answers some of the basic questions you have on those tiger marks. On the other hand, stretch marks are not a disease, nor are they contagious (myths). They only bother some of us because we see them as aesthetically unappealing, while the chosen few see them as a mark of strength.