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Remove Stretch Marks with Care
Remove Stretch Marks the Easy Way
Stretch marks are most common during puberty and pregnancy – times when the body undergoes rapid weight changes. But you may be wondering what exactly the cause of stretch marks is and how to reduce stretch marks appearance once they form. In general, stretch marks are formed in those body areas that store large amounts of fat, and they occur in the dermis, the skin layer which determines its shape.
Stretch Mark Basics
Stretch marks are caused by actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface. These tears are a response from your own body to try to heal the damaged skin. The fact is that stretch marks are really scar tissue created by the body to heal damage caused by expanding skin that is too thin.
Known by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss. They are most common during pregnancy and the teen years, when growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body. In fact, almost 90% of pregnant women get stretch marks.
An interesting fact is that stretch marks are the most common types of skin lesions. Stretch marks, or Striae, are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank. The good news is that stretch marks are totally normal and aren’t a medical concern. The problem is that they can become an appearance issue and affect a person’s self esteem.
Prevent Stretch Marks – Your First Line of Defense
A secret to prevent stretch marks from developing is to keep the skin moisturized during times of weight gain or loss. This will help reduce stretch marks and for those that do appear, fade faster. A process of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E will help rid stretch marks from your susceptible areas.
The Art of Stretch Mark Removal
The act of massaging the stretch mark area is key and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process. Exfoliation of the area will also help stretch mark removal by eliminating dead skin cells and allowing the stretch mark cream to penetrate deeper into the damaged skin. A word of caution is warranted though – be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive. A little tenderness will go a long way to remove stretch marks effectively!
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The Cause of Stretch Marks
If you are puzzled as to the cause of stretch marks, be assured that they are not caused because of skin that is too dry or needs a special supplement. Stretch marks are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (common in puberty) or weight gain. In fact, studies show that 75% – 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy alone. Nobody can hide from stretch marks; men and women of any age or nationality experience these unsightly marks. We need to recognize that stretch marks are a common part of the growth process.
Stretch marks are also referred to as striae distensae. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings include striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae. The good news is that you can get rid of them to a certain degree though.
Women and Stretch Marks
Women often suffer from stretch marks on various parts of their body during puberty and pregnancy. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, and their unfortunate name, the stretch mark cause is not over-stretched skin. Women who are pregnant often experience stretch marks as the skin stretches at a rate too fast for the skin to keep up with. Obesity and bodybuilding can also lead to stretch marks as the body rapidly puts on additional weight.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Pregnancy is a time when your body changes rapidly – both weight and shape. Pregnancy problems like stretch marks are common in many women with up to 90% developing some form of skin damage. You may start to notice red or purplish streaks forming on your body, most commonly on your belly and breasts. Pregnancy is truly a wonderful time in a woman’s life, but this one aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed.
Weight gain and weight loss can also change the magnitude of your stretch marks. It is important to keep yourself hydrated, as this will help provide elasticity to your skin and allow it to stretch further without damage. If you are experiencing a significant weight gain or loss, you can take a proactive approach by using stretch mark cream products to help prevent the development of the marks.
Also, Weightlifters, especially men, are prone to stretch marks appearing on their upper arms and shoulder areas when large amount of muscle are built up quickly. A good stretch mark removal cream can provide the skin additional elasticity and help prevent stretch mark development.
Adolescents sometimes see the formation of stretch marks because of the tremendous amount of growth they experience during that period of time in their life. A natural approach to helping prevent stretch marks is to maintain healthy skin. This involves drinking lots of liquids and taking skin supporting supplements such as vitamin E.
Though the cause of stretch marks can vary, the most common culprit is rapid weight gain and weight loss. But fear not, there is still hope! A stretch mark prevention program consisting of stretch mark removal cream, drinking lots of water, and controlled weight changes can help reduce stretch mark development. A little focus on prevention now can help your self-esteem on those future trips to the beach.
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