Fade Stretch Marks Today: Making it Happen
November 30, 2009 by Sapphire Rylee
Filed under Weight Loss
Is there a method to fade stretch marks? A resounding yes! Make stretch marks disappear? Unfortunately this is still a no. Despite the many advances in skin care technology, no treatment has yet successfully made these often than not embarrassing stripes totally disappear. However, there are now many available treatments to make stretch marks appear less conspicuous and ease associated signs (such as skin dryness) that may arise with having these marks.
Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks
Causes
The human skin is the largest as well as the most elastic organ. It can spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:
- Abrupt Changes in Weight - When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. - Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. - Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. - Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.
Appearance
- Color - Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white - Shape - crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks - Texture - can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy
Associated Symptoms
- Dryness - Itchiness - Thickening or raised skin - Pain - Tenderness
Common Location for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:
- Abdomen - Thighs - Hips - Breast - Upper arms and axillary area
Treatment
Cosmetic
- Laser therapy and chemical peels - work by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature - Microdermabrasion - exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals - Skin removal - usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention - Topical medications - include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. Most of these topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). - Lifestyle improvement - healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one’s weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.
Nothing works as well as these methods on how to prevent stretch marks. Better yet, find out how smart people really get rid of it without undergoing laser for stretch marks!
How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks | Stretch Mark Prevention
February 2, 2009 by Dana Smith
Filed under Weight Loss
Immediate weight loss, weight gain, or pregnancy are the main causes of unpleasant stretch marks on the body. Stretch marks can be in different forms and colors, mainly like thin lines on the outer layer of the skin. These marks are pleasant to look at and are often frustrating. Both genders face the problem of stretch marks. Hence, learning how to get rid of stretch marks is a subject that people are always searching out more information on.
One form of stretch marks treatment is cosmetic surgery, or laser treatment. It can assist in bringing back the elasticity of the skin and can also change the discoloration of the skin. But though these types of treatments are effective and often show permanent results, they are very costly and cannot be affordable by all classes of people. An alternative option to this can be different types of stretch mark products recommended by most doctors and skin specialists.
There are different types of creams and lotions available that can help to eliminate stretch marks from the skin. The ingredients present in these creams or lotions are cocoa butter, wheat gram oil containing vitamin E, lanolin, etc. These are all ingredients that work together very well and when applied on the skin go deep into the skin and help heal the skin by improving the torn collagen which led to the stretch mark. For more good results you can also massage, with oil rich vitamin E, the area where you have stretch marks. During your shower you can scrub the area with a loopah. Regular use of these things will help you to get fast and best results.
Apart from the medical treatment, there are some natural therapies that can help get rid of those unattractive stretch marks. People suffering from stretch marks should consume a nutritional diet rich in Vitamins E, D, C, and A. Any food items that contain zinc, essential fatty acids, and protein can also prove to be beneficial. The healthiest foods are soybeans, brown rice, green vegetables, pepper, and whole grains, which help in the formation of collagen on the fibers of the skin. Supplementary food along with the diet can also aid in preventing stretch marks. In order to make the skin soft and supple it is advisable to drink plenty of water everyday. Ensure that you reduce the intake of caffeinated food drinks like tea, coffee, or soda as they increases the chance of stretch marks.
The first thing to get rid of stretch marks is to prevent the occurrence of it. You should try to avoid doing work or exercise which causes stress on your skin and results in stretch marks. Also you should not allow your body to gain or reduce excessive weight quickly. A steady muscle gain when exercising and consuming a nutritious and vitamin and mineral rich diet can keep your body fit and will help prevent further stretch marks on the body.



