Much research has been done to study the formation of stretch marks, and findings show that stretch marks are created when there is a breakdown and stretching of collagen which is located underneath the top layer of skin. Both collagen and elastin are found in our second layer of skin which is called the dermis. Did you say collagen? Collagen supports our tissues, cells, organs and even bone structure because it is a structural protein.

Stretch marks are damages to our skin they mean that the collagen has been stretched and broken down.

75 percent of our healthy skin is made up of collagen. When damage is done to collagen fibers in healthy skin there are noticeable differences. These differences can be wrinkles, fine lines, skin that looks over the hill, and good old stretch marks. Stretch marks can be the result of quickly losing weight or gaining weight this is way collagen fibers are damaged.

A good percentage of pregnant women have to deal with stretch marks, 75 percent to be exact. Since the body is preparing itself for a baby to be born the collagen in the ligaments around the abdomen are softened by the hormones in the body. Stretch marks occur because the softened collagen is actually weakened.

Exposure to sun is just another way collagen can be damaged. UVA and UVB rays damage a great deal of the collagen in our skin. When planning to hang out in the sun, sunscreen is very important because skin cancer and aged skin are other dangers.

The collagen in our skin can also be damaged by pollution. Pollution can cause stretch marks, wrinkles, and premature aging. Antioxidants through our diet and or supplements can be a way to prevent damage to our skin through pollution. If we have or want to prevent stretch marks maintaining the healthy collagen we have is important, but there are ways to produce new collagen synthesis. We can start this process by making sure Vitamin C is part of our daily routine.

Another way to encourage new skin cell growth is by exfoliating with alpha-hydroxy and poly-hydroxy acids which can be done at home. As most of us know we have numerous dead skin cells on the surface of our skin, and exfoliation is the best way to get rid of them.

A physician can always prescribe expensive stretch mark creams that can trigger collagen synthesis.

How to Best Aim for Stretch Marks Removal

I think we can now all agree that collagen is an important part of healthy skin. Maintaining and producing collagen should be part of our skin care routine. We can secretly let the years pass by while using these few tips to prevent not stretch marks but also, dull, aging skin and they will help our skin to look healthy and young.