Five Common Misconceptions About Stretch Marks

Five Common Misconceptions About Stretch Marks

Even with the access to information we have now, rumours, misconceptions and untruths are easy to come across. This bad information may lead you to think that you’re not at risk for developing stretch marks, or that you’ll never get rid of them, or that it’ll take some expensive and dangerous treatment to remove. So here are the facts about some of the most common myths.

Stretch Marks Only Come With Pregnancy

Anyone can develop stretch marks. Adolescent boys and girls sometimes get them due to hormone changes and growth spurts. People frequently get them due to rapid weight gain or steroid use. And many women find them on their thighs and buttocks for no reason at all, it’s just the way their body is.

Stretch Marks Go Away On Their Own

Though technically this is possible, it’s not very common. Most of the time stretch marks will not disappear completely on their own though they may fade overtime. But there are treatments that can help minimize or get rid of them.

Stretch Mark Treatments Are Covered By Insurance

Sadly, Canada’s healthcare plan and extended private insurance packages do not cover treatment for stretch marks. Procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or tummy tucks can get rid of them, but because they do not cause health issues, such treatments are considered cosmetic. So you’ll need to check if your extended health plan covers cosmetic procedures.

Stretch Marks Can’t Be Prevented

There are a few ways that you can prevent stretch marks if you believe you might develop them. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking a lot of water will mean it’s less likely to break. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar can prevent the lower layers of your skin from becoming brittle. There are also stretch mark prevention products like Prenatal Ease’s Ultimate Oil, Hydrating Lotion, and Nourishing Cream, all of which help strengthen your skin and reduce your risk of developing stretch marks.

Stretch Marks Will Never Go Away

Both time and treatments can help fade or even remove stretch marks. There are over the counter options to try and procedures like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Research is constantly being done on how to best treat the skin and hopefully the future holds even more options to treat stretch marks.