Stretch Marks

story by Luca Crouch-Goodhue photos by Dylan Hanson design by Evan Brown

YOUR BODY AND STRETCH MARKS

Have you ever noticed stretch marks on your body? On your stomach, your arms, your back, your thighs, maybe your breasts? Do you wonder how they’re formed?

There are many ways stretch marks can form, and a multitude of ways you can get rid of them. Learning about stretch marks and how they can be dealt with is important, but it’s not something many people think about until it happens.

Read on for answers to your questions of why some people get stretch marks, different ways they impact people and ways to treat them.

WHY WE HAVE THEM

There is a large stigma surrounding stretch marks that having them is a bad thing and you’re no longer the best self you can be. The media can lead you to believe stretch marks are wrong and you’re wrong for developing them, even if you couldn’t help their development. They appear most often on breasts, stomachs, thighs, knees, calves and the buttocks.

Stretch marks are caused by many things: genetics, sudden weight gain or loss, steroids, pregnancy and hormonal changes. They happen when the middle

layer of skin, the dermis, stretches too far and the skin tries to repair itself. June Bredin, medical director of the Student Wellness Center on campus says stretch marks “can look different in people who are pigmented…and people with darker pigmentation will tend to get keloids which is a different kind of scarring.”

They are still a type of stretch mark, but it is more common to see them on a person of color. Body builders can get them when they use too much testosterone.

WAYS THEY AFFECT PEOPLE

CWU Alumni and former PULSE writer Angelica Bartorelli first noticed her stretch marks when she started puberty as a 9-yearold. She saw them appear on her chest, arms and thighs.

For Erica Georgia, a third year Psychology student, it was around the beginning of 2021 that her stretch marks started to show up. They slowly developed on her thighs and eventually covered the whole back of her leg.

They have both felt self-conscious of them. Bartorelli says “I would be lying if I said no,” since her weight has fluctuated over the years. When she started at Central and gained what she describes as the “Freshman fifteen/freshman twenty” she noticed the stretch marks on her lower back. Later in her senior year when the “college fifteen” became the “college fifty,” and got stretchmarks on her stomach is when she truly got self-conscious of the marks since they became purple or red.

For Georgia, at first they were small and faint but now they are “very thick” and “bright purple.” She didn’t get completely selfconscious of them until that summer when someone pointed them out.

She was able to shut down the conversation, but is still selfconscious about them when people make comments.

They have both used creams to reduce the look of the stretch marks with zero results. Bartorelli “was one of those original testers when they first launched that really popular shea butter/cocoa butter brand” and “went as far as purchasing bio-oil.” She found that “none of those over-the-counter methods actually work.” Georgia has also tried the creams, “massaging it [in], do it for weeks at a time, I was using it appropriately, nothing,” she says. They both have a message for anyone who has stretch marks: they are a part of you. Stretch marks are completely natural and normal. No matter how you look now, when you’re older, you are probably going to end up developing them. Bartorelli says that the skin is a unique organ, it adapts, it changes, it grows, it stretches and it’s miraculous and you should be proud of who you are, and if you feel compelled to change that, educate yourself. Bartorelli urges people to take time to learn about available anti stretch mark products and their potential ramifications: “I would hate for someone to feel so insecure that they do something they regret.”

Georgia says “everybody is different, everyone’s skin color is different, everyone’s shape is different…this is just another part of my body, and I’m not even saying that I’m 100% love, that I’m never self-conscious about them but it definitely gets easier as time passes.”

Georgia leaves off by saying that if you notice stretch marks on someone, don’t point them out unless that person brings it up because it will reinforce that people see and notice them, and it shouldn’t be the first thing you see on somebody.

WAYS TO MAKE THEM DISAPPEAR

The most common ways to get rid of stretch marks are creams, chemical peels, laser therapy and tattooing, which is the newest. Before attempting any of these treatments, be sure to consult a doctor. Creams are the least effective way to get rid of the stretch marks. There are currently no trials that support stretch mark creams’ ability to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

According to the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology “only a limited number of topical agents have been evaluated in formal studies.” The Journal also states that “there are many topical products, available commercially on the market, which claim benefits for prevention and/or treatment of [stretch marks], which have not been formally evaluated in any clinical study,” which translates to almost all of the commercial products have not been studied formally. If you go the chemical peeling route, be sure to consult a doctor, as it is a very intense treatment. It can help stimulate new skin growth which can get rid of the stretch marks, but you have to follow a specific care regime for them. Bredin says that laser treatment can be expensive and with low risks, but those risks can include bleeding and tissue damage. If the patient needs to be sedated or anesthetized, that adds even more risk. Laser treatment has been proven to decrease the width of stretch marks and improve skin texture. Tattooing is the newest form of treatment; tattooists use ink that matches your skin tone and trace over the stretch marks. Tattooing is often less expensive than laser treatment. If planning to follow this route, it is advised you make sure to go to a licensed esthetician and not a regular tattoo artist, unless they advertise that they have done this treatment many times. Bartotelli’s closing thoughts were that we have to protect ourselves physically, but we have to protect our mental health.

In today’s social media day and age, you see people, and jealousy or desire brew. People have this idea of beauty and what that means.

If we could take all the energy that we put out to other people and other things that don’t matter as much and give it back to ourselves, it would be easier said than done

Bartorelli empathizes with that mental struggle since she remembers feeling like the ugly duckling when she was a kid.

“This is my one life and my one body, I have to look hot within my own means,” Bartorelli says

Stretch marks are a natural occurrence. Whether a person chooses to hide them or show them off, that is their decision.

But as Bartorelli explains, it is important that no matter the decision you love yourself with or without stretch marks.

The Power of Crystals:

Healing, Empowerment and Everything in Between

Most of you have heard about crystals before; small rocks or stones that supposedly have healing powers and help with manifestations. But have you ever been told how to properly use them to their fullest extent or how to charge them, so their power remains strong? This will be your “How-To” guide on crystals, stones, chakra energy centers and mantras. Mantras are sayings that are vocalized repeatedly. They help you speak your intentions and verbalize your manifestations.

What are Crystals?

Crystals are rocks, minerals or gemstones that grow under the earth’s crust, forming into hard, energy filled objects. Those who use crystals believe we ourselves are made up of energy, which radiates differently from different parts of our bodies. Since crystals and beings like us are made up of the same energy, our mental, emotional and physical well-being can be regulated and helped. For centuries different cultures have been using crystals and stones to bring wealth and well-being into their lives. Cultures would make jewelry out of these crystals to wear around their necks or wrists to bring prosperity to them and their families. They believed that the “vibration and energy that came from the crystals would interact with their own vibrations and energy,” according to the article “Crystal Healing: What Are Crystals Used For” from the website Angel Grotto. Like the earth, we too have energy fields that surround us and are emitted from our bodies. Some people call this energy your “aura.” Essentially, crystals can cleanse your aura, ridding you of negative energy and feelings that may be clouding or holding you back from reaching your full potential. There are a lot of energy centers in your body that create your aura and they are sometimes referred to as chakras.

Chakras – Energy Centers of the Body

There are thousands of chakras all throughout your body but the main ones are your root chakra (near the tailbone), the sacral chakra (just below the abdomen), the solar plexus chakra (center of your belly), the heart chakra, the throat chakra (in the middle of your throat), your third eye chakra (center of your forehead), and your crown chakra (the top of your head). Each of these energy centers possess different properties that influence your everyday life and actions. We have these energy centers and different crystals can be placed on different parts of your body. “You don’t have to touch a crystal for its powers to work,” if it is around you, its powers are working, according to the Angel Grotto article on crystal healing. Some like to place crystals on their body while they are meditating. Some place crystals in their car to cleanse the air as they are traveling, and others wear crystals as jewelry. The following information contains information from blogger

Lisa Vernoese’s “A Complete Guide to the Best Crystals for each Chakra,” as well as mantras that have been made and used by PULSE writer Abby Snethen. The Root Chakra- This energy center resembles grounding and stability. It is our base chakra, so when we are feeling unbalanced in our lives due to anxiety and depression, we need to heal our root chakra. The colors that resemble this energy center are red or maroon. A couple of crystals that will help heal your root chakra are “smoky quartz, obsidian, blood stone, and black tourmaline.” Meditate with one of these crystals in your hands resting in your lap while thinking of grounding words. A mantra you can use is I am grounded and have security in everything I do. The Sacral Chakra- This energy center resembles creativity and passion. This is the main energy center that helps us control happiness in our lives. When this energy center is out of balance, we may feel a lack of joy or pleasure in doing things, along with a “lack of sexual expression and blocked creativity.” The colors that resemble this energy center are yellow and light orange. A couple of crystals that can help heal your sacral chakra are “carnelian, sunstone, orange jasper and citrine.” Meditate with one of these crystals just below your belly button (meaning you will be laying down for this meditation session). A mantra you can use for the sacral chakra is I am creative, sexually confident, and find happiness in my everyday activities. The Solar Plexus Chakra- This energy center resembles strength, motivation and power. The solar plexus helps us to “stand in our own power” as well as set and maintain healthy boundaries with individuals around us. When this energy center is off, we may feel angry or allow ourselves to get involved into relationships where we are in a powerless position. The colors that resemble this energy center are bright yellow or light brown. A couple of crystals that can help heal your solar plexus are “tiger’s eye, pyrite, and yellow jasper.” Meditate with one of these crystals in the center of your ribs (above the belly button but below the chest). A mantra you can use for the solar plexus chakra is I have control of myself and the relationships I am in. I am motivated to create a good life for myself and have the strength to do so. The Heart Chakra- This energy center “resembles kindness, compassion and love.” The heart chakra helps us love things in every form that they come in. It also allows us to love

What Crystals are Used for Which Manifestations?

story by Abby Snethen | design by Evelyn Perez-Sanchez

ourselves and show kindness to our own struggles. When this energy center is off, we may feel emotionally shut down, making it hard to empathize. The colors that resemble this energy center are all shades of green. A couple of crystals that can help heal your heart chakra are “rose quartz, malachite and rhodochrosite.” Meditate with one of these crystals directly over your heart or in the middle of your chest. A mantra you can use for the heart chakra is I resemble love and empathy and have great relationships with everyone I meet. I emit compassion and kindness everywhere I go. The Throat Chakra- This energy center resembles “truth, clarity and communication.” The throat chakra helps us communicate in the ways that we need to. It allows us to voice our own opinion and speak our own truth. When this energy center is off, we may be consumed in “gossip and lies, as well as becoming unable to express ourselves the way we want to.” The colors that resemble this energy center are all shades of blue. A couple of crystals that can help heal your throat chakra are “lapis lazuli, sodalite, blue kyanite, and amazonite.” Meditate with one of these crystals on your throat or near your mouth. A mantra you can use for the throat chakra is I am able to speak clearly and truthfully. I can communicate my needs and others will listen. The Third Eye Chakra- This energy center resembles intuition, thought and understanding. The third eye chakra allows us to think clearly and process our own thoughts. When this energy center is off, we may have “headaches followed by brain fog” and an inability to do any deep thinking. The colors that resemble this energy center are indigo and shades of purple. A couple of crystals that can help heal your third eye chakra are “amethyst, lapis lazuli, labradorite, and lepidolite.” Meditate with one of these crystals on your forehead, specifically between your eyebrows. A mantra you can use for the third eye chakra is I am able to think clearly and make complex decisions. I have a strong intuition and understand what is good for me, and what is not. The Crown Chakra- This energy center resembles “gratitude, joy, wisdom and spirituality.” The crown chakra allows us to dive deeper into reality while experiencing feelings of joy towards life. When this energy center is off, we may “feel cut off from life” as well as lack a sense of purpose. The colors that resemble this energy center are white or clear. A couple of crystals that can help your crown chakra are “selenite, celestite, crystal quartz and moonstone.” Meditate with one of these crystals directly on top of your head. A mantra you can use for the crown chakra is I am spiritually awakened and have wisdom in my spiritual beliefs. I have purpose in life and can show feelings of gratitude towards everything around me. Now that we have learned what crystals are and which ones are used for what purpose, we need to understand how to cleanse them.

Crystals, like us, can absorb negative energy, which makes them ineffective with their healing properties. Have you ever been in a bad mood because of something someone said and that affected you for the rest of the day? Crystals work a similar way, but they don’t get over that negative energy, they absorb it. When we cleanse them, we are getting rid of the negative energy that they are carrying. The following methods are recommended in the article “Cleansing your Crystals, How and Why” from the website Health Resonates: Saltwater Soaks- “Saltwater has always been known for its cleansing properties,” getting rid of negativity as well as healing. If you have access to the ocean or a moving body of water, dunk your crystals in it and allow them to soak for up to a day, or a minimum of two hours. Once they are done soaking, you can just pat them dry with a towel. Full Moon “Ritual”- “The moon has charging energy,” which is wonderful for your crystals. When a full moon comes, lay your crystals outside or near a window that is in direct light of the moon. Leave them out all night and the next morning, they will be cleansed! Now that you have learned what crystals are and where they come from, the powers they hold, which ones to use for which energy center in your body and how to cleanse them, you are all good to go. Use your crystals wisely and in the correct manner and happy manifesting!

How To Charge Your Crystals

SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTs:

36 A Year of Wearing the Red Shirt

photos by Dylan Hanson and Jacob Thompson

SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTs: what’s INSIDE

39 Central Athletes: The Mental Health Grind 45 Is an Injury the End? 48 Day in the Life of an Athlete

Sports are a great way to bring people together. No matter the differences we have in upbringings or ideologies, sports are a pastime that bridges the gaps in our experiences.

This quarter, PULSE has decided to spotlight sports. However, what we are spotlighting in our sports section is not something that can be measured in the win or loss column of the stat sheet. The student-athletes interviewed are not talking about game highlights or memorable plays.

The stories in our sports section are giving an inside look into the competition student-athletes have with themselves.

On page 36, we look into the life of athletes that take a year off from playing in competitions and instead focus on their development as a student-athlete in a different way with the story A Year Of Wearing The Red Shirt.

On page 39, we introduce a fight that every athlete goes through. When an athlete’s performance is struggling and they can’t seem to get out of a mental rut. We dive into the mental health aspects of playing collegiate sports with the story Central Athletes: A Mental Health Grind. On page 45, we see the side of athletics that no athlete ever wants to experience. What is it like being an athlete that is injured? Read Is An Injury The End?

Finally for sports look to page 48 to get a look into the life of two athletes and their preparation for a game that brings past and present players together for one grand moment. A Day In The Life Of An Athlete as they prepare for their sport’s Homecoming game.