What Causes Stretch Marks

Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched for a prolonged period or when it happens rapidly. Of the three layers of skin; the epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous stratum, it is the dermis that appears to be affected by the expansion. It is this region that helps skin retain elasticity.

The dermis contains concentrations of collagen and elastic fibers called elastin. When these substances and tissues are weakened, skin damage occurs. When rapid weight gain happens the resulting stretching seems to lead to tearing of underlying fibers and that results small rips and scarring.

What Causes Dry Skin

Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture or oil in the skin and is especially common during winter months when heating systems can dry up the air.

Bathing with hot water, the skin’s aging process, spending time in the sun and exposure to other factors can also lead to dry skin such as low humidity, using alcohol based lotions, using or coming into contact with certain chemicals and cleaning products, pregnancy can cause dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal skin infections, heatstroke, sunstroke, hypothyroidism, uremia Ichthyosis and Vitamin A deficiency.

Inherited factors and metabolic factors like an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss are also believed to be causes of dry skin.