Stretch Marks Essay
Don't believe the hype when you see those creams and ointments promising to prevent or cut pregnancy stretch marks. Dermatologists are still learning about what causes stretch marks in the first place, and skin stretching is not the only risk factor.
"Most of the existing products aren't based on solid scientific research," said Frank Wang, M.D., assistant professor and dermatologist at the University of Michigan Health System. "Very few to none of the items touted to prevent or fix stretch marks really work."
For a new study in the British Journal of Dermatology, Wang's team investigated what could be causing stretch marks at the molecular level.
Wang has spent more than eight years studying stretch marks, a field that hasn't received much …show more content…
After giving birth, this network remains disrupted. Elastic fibers give skin its elasticity, or the ability to "snap back," after stretching. The skin tries to repair the disrupted elastic network but it does not seem to be effective, which in turn promotes the lax, loose skin seen in more mature stretch marks.
Unfortunately, present research of topical treatment options doesn't find anything now available to effectively repair those disrupted elastic fibers.
"It may, therefore, make more sense to focus on preserving the elastic fibers you have and not repairing damaged ones within stretch marks," Wang said. "Regardless, it's more complicated than just rubbing something on your stomach."
Looking foward, Wang is already continuing his research with the end goal of helping pregnant women prevent or effectively improve the appearance of stretch marks. Another study in the works examines changes in collagen in stretch marks. Collagen is what gives skin its strength and support.
Wang's team is also studying changes in more established stretch marks that have become less visible, and finishing a survey study of about 200 pregnant women to learn more about the effect on quality of life.
The authors see the potential for expanding this knowledge to other reasons people get stretch marks, such as obesity, growth spurts or steroid
"Most of the existing products aren't based on solid scientific research," said Frank Wang, M.D., assistant professor and dermatologist at the University of Michigan Health System. "Very few to none of the items touted to prevent or fix stretch marks really work."
For a new study in the British Journal of Dermatology, Wang's team investigated what could be causing stretch marks at the molecular level.
Wang has spent more than eight years studying stretch marks, a field that hasn't received much …show more content…
After giving birth, this network remains disrupted. Elastic fibers give skin its elasticity, or the ability to "snap back," after stretching. The skin tries to repair the disrupted elastic network but it does not seem to be effective, which in turn promotes the lax, loose skin seen in more mature stretch marks.
Unfortunately, present research of topical treatment options doesn't find anything now available to effectively repair those disrupted elastic fibers.
"It may, therefore, make more sense to focus on preserving the elastic fibers you have and not repairing damaged ones within stretch marks," Wang said. "Regardless, it's more complicated than just rubbing something on your stomach."
Looking foward, Wang is already continuing his research with the end goal of helping pregnant women prevent or effectively improve the appearance of stretch marks. Another study in the works examines changes in collagen in stretch marks. Collagen is what gives skin its strength and support.
Wang's team is also studying changes in more established stretch marks that have become less visible, and finishing a survey study of about 200 pregnant women to learn more about the effect on quality of life.
The authors see the potential for expanding this knowledge to other reasons people get stretch marks, such as obesity, growth spurts or steroid