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Published on: May 23, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Stretch Marks: Causes And Treatment

Stretch marks are markings that often show up on the skin during pregnancy, estrus, or rapid growth spurts. They’re usually red or purple at first, but eventually fade to a silvery white. Pregnancy is the most common cause of stretch marks, but they can also be caused by weight gain during puberty or from certain medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. While stretch marks are harmless and don’t pose any health risks, many people find them unsightly and are looking for ways to get rid of them.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin during periods of rapid growth or stretching. The most common places they appear are on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and breasts. During pregnancy, these markings often show up around the sixth or seventh month as the skin stretches to accommodate a growing belly.

While stretch marks do not pose any health risks, many people regard them as unsightly blemishes. In general, there are two ways to treat them: topical treatments and laser therapy. Topical treatments for stretch marks include moisturizers, retinoids, creams containing Vitamin C, and body oils like cocoa butter. These products work by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation in the area . Stretch marks are markings that can occur on the skin after it has been stretched or distorted in some way. They’re often associated with pregnancy, weight gain, andgrowth spurts during adolescence. However, anyone can develop stretch marks, even though they’re more common in women than men.

Stretch marks usually first appear as reddish or purple lines, but over time they tend to turn a lighter color. They tend to be most visible on the stomach, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks—areas where larger amounts of fat are typically stored. There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of stretch marks. There are many different causes of stretch marks, from changes in weight to pregnancy and puberty. However, the most common cause of stretch marks is due to rapid weight gain or loss. When the skin stretches quickly, it can cause the collagen fibers to break down, resulting in stretch marks.

There are a number of treatment options available for stretch marks. topical creams and lotions can help to improve the appearance of stretch marks by increasing hydration and elasticity. laser treatments can also be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen production. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor before using any treatments as some ingredients may not be safe for your baby.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of fast growth or change. They’re most common during puberty, pregnancy, and after sudden weight gain. Between 40 and 90% of pregnant women get them. Up to 30% of adolescent girls and boys have them too.

For many people, stretch marks are a source of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize their appearance and even get rid of them completely. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes stretch marks and some of the best treatments available.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks happen when your skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. There are a number of factors that can cause stretch marks, including pregnancy, gain or loss of weight, changes in body composition, and pubertal growth spurts. There is no surefire way to prevent stretch marks from occurring, but there are some things you can do to minimize your risk. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer regularly. eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will also help to keep your skin stretched taut.

Stretch marks are markings that often appear on the skin during periods of rapid growth or weight gain. Though they're more common in women, both sexes can get them. Stretch marks happen when the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity, causing the dermis (the middle layer of skin) to tear. This results in a markings or indentations on the surface of the skin. Though they're not dangerous, stretch marks can be unsightly, which is why many people look for ways to get rid of them. There are a number of different treatments for stretch marks, though none of them are guaranteed to work. Some popular methods include topical creams and lotions, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. There are many different causes of stretch marks, but the most common cause is pregnancy. Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or shrinks rapidly, causing the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down. This can happen during pregnancy as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing belly. Other causes of stretch marks include weight gain or weight loss, pubertal growth spurts, and bodybuilding.

Stretch marks can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen on the stomach, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs. They typically appear as lines or streaks that are slightly darker than your surrounding skin color. In some cases they may be itchy or painful.

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Only Health-Based Rewards: Why Wellness-Focused Incentives Drive Healthier Workplaces

Corporate rewards have traditionally focused on monetary incentives, gift cards or generic perks. However, organisations are increasingly realising that such rewards offer only short-lived motivation. Only health-based rewards, such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers, represent a more effective approach to corporate wellness by reinforcing healthy behaviours that deliver long-term benefits.

In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly among working professionals, aligning rewards with health outcomes is no longer optional.

What Are Health-Based Rewards?

Health-based rewards are incentives designed specifically to improve or support employee wellbeing.

They focus on:

physical health
mental wellbeing
preventive care
recovery and stress relief

Unlike cash incentives, they encourage repeated healthy actions.

Why Traditional Rewards Fall Short

Cash rewards and generic gifts:

provide temporary satisfaction
do not influence daily habits
fail to support long-term wellbeing

Behavioural studies show that incentives disconnected from health goals have limited preventive impact.

The Case for Only Health-Based Rewards

Health-based rewards directly reinforce behaviours such as:

regular physical activity
stress management
recovery and self-care
preventive health participation

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise incentives that promote sustained behaviour change.

Types of Effective Health-Based Rewards

Massages and Recovery Therapies

Massage therapy:

reduces muscle tension
lowers stress hormones
improves circulation

Monthly or quarterly massage rewards support physical and mental recovery.

Gym Bags and Fitness Gear

Practical fitness accessories:

encourage regular workouts
reduce barriers to exercise
promote active lifestyles

Visible gear reinforces identity as a health-conscious individual.

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers:

track steps, activity and sleep
create accountability
encourage daily movement

Data-driven feedback increases participation and motivation.

Psychological Impact of Health-Based Rewards

Health rewards create:

intrinsic motivation
positive habit reinforcement
long-term lifestyle shifts

Unlike cash, they associate rewards with self-care rather than consumption.

Impact on Employee Health Outcomes

Regular participation in wellness incentives leads to:

improved physical activity levels
reduced stress
better sleep patterns

ICMR data links activity-based interventions with lower lifestyle disease risk.

Benefits for Employers

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive health rewards reduce chronic disease burden over time.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees demonstrate:

better focus
fewer sick days
higher energy levels

Stronger Wellness Culture

Health-first rewards signal genuine organisational commitment.

EY-FICCI reports show preventive wellness programs deliver measurable ROI within 12–18 months.

Why Health-Based Rewards Work Better in India

Indian workplaces face:

long working hours
sedentary routines
high stress levels

Health rewards directly address these risks rather than ignoring them.

Aligning Rewards With Preventive Healthcare

Health-based rewards complement:

health screenings
fitness challenges
mental wellbeing programs

This integrated approach strengthens outcomes.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Reward Design

Effective programs:

avoid one-size-fits-all rewards
offer choice within health categories
ensure inclusivity

Poorly designed incentives reduce engagement.

Measuring Success of Health-Based Rewards

Success indicators include:

participation rates
health screening uptake
employee feedback
reduced absenteeism

Data-driven evaluation improves program effectiveness.

Long-Term Behaviour Change

Sustained wellness improvement requires:

consistency
reinforcement
meaningful incentives

Health-based rewards support gradual but lasting change.

Role of Leadership Support

Leadership participation:

increases credibility
boosts engagement
normalises wellness culture

When leaders embrace health rewards, employees follow.

Health-Based Rewards and Mental Wellbeing

Rewards such as massages and fitness trackers:

reduce burnout
improve mood
enhance resilience

Creating a Preventive Wellness Ecosystem

Only health-based rewards work best when combined with:

education
screenings
access to care

WHO emphasises integrated wellness ecosystems for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Only health-based rewards represent a strategic shift from short-term perks to long-term wellbeing investments. Incentives such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers actively promote healthy habits, reduce lifestyle disease risk and strengthen workplace wellness culture. By aligning rewards with preventive health goals, organisations create meaningful engagement, healthier employees and sustainable productivity gains. Health-focused incentives are not just rewards—they are tools for lasting wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workplace Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion and Incentives
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lancet – Behavioural Incentives and Preventive Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports
Statista – Employee Wellness Incentive Trends

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