Stretch Marks Men
by Joanna
When it comes to stretch marks men may not think they are vulnerable to this unsightly skin condition. But stretch marks can be formed just as easily in men as they are in women.
Granted stretch marks are often formed during pregnancy and men don’t have to worry about that, but other things men do can cause stretch marks. For example weightlifting is one of the common causes of stretchmarks, as some call them bodybuilding stretch marks.
Bodybuilding stretch marks are sometimes formed when starting a new weightlifting routine especially if the muscle grows quickly and stretches the skin. These weightlifting stretch marks are often formed on the arms, but they can develop anywhere muscle is grown and the skin is stretched.
Stretching of the skin isn’t the only thing that causes these unwanted marks. Stretch marks in men may be caused by a combination of skin stretching along with increased levels of cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
It appears cortisone may play a role in weakening the elastic fibers within the layers of skin. If these fibers are weakened the skin won’t be able to stretch as far without causing damage. Damage occurs when there is tearing in the dermis layer of the skin; this is how the stretch marks are formed. The more elastic your skin, the less likely you are to develop stretch marks.
Certain medications can also be a contributing factor with the formation of stretch marks on men, or striae. Steroid use can cause stretch marks as well as corticosteroid lotions, creams and pills can also be a contributing factor.
The other main contributing factor to stretch marks in men is weight gain. Especially if the weight is gained quickly, stretch marks are not an unlikely result.
The best way to prevent stretch marks in men includes following a healthy diet to avoid too much weight gain. Eating a well-balanced, varied diet will also help maintain skin health. This includes drinking plenty of water. This can help the skin’s ability to remain elastic making stretch marks less likely.
To help with stretch marks treatment it’s also important to follow a healthy exercise routine. Bodybuilding is great exercise but to reduce the formation of stretch marks start slow and build up instead of trying to quickly bulk up; and avoid the use of steroids.
To avoid stretch marks men may want to take some precautions, just as many women do. If the stretch marks have already formed you may want to consider using one of the effective stretch mark creams available.