How to Reduce Stretch Marks
Stretch marks or Striae are a form of scarring on the skin. They are caused by tearing of the dermis and sometimes over time diminish but do not disappear completely. In most cases, stretch marks occur across the skin when the exterior is stretched quickly due to rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or weight loss. They generally start out as dark purplish lines and slowly turn to lighter whitish lines.
Many scientists argue that if you are genetically prone to stretch marks there’s not much you can do to prevent them. But, there are more than thousands of preventive products out on the market claiming to help prevent them all together. They say that prevention is always better than a cure and following these precautionary measures are ways to emerge out of the delivery room or after a strict weight loss regimen with very little or no stretch marks.
* An excellent diet rich in vitamins can help in preventing them during and after pregnancy and weight loss. A balanced diet helps you with nutrition and contributes to the strength and health of the skin.
* Staying hydrated and drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily can help reduce the risks.
* Gently applying and massaging the parts of the body most likely prone to stretch marks with a body brush and cream, helps improve circulation to that particular area of the skin such as the hips, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, breasts, inner and outer upper arms and stomach area.
* Avoid allowing your skin to dry out. Cold weather and hot showers or baths will dry out your skin. Hydrate your skin using a moisturizer or make your own stretch mark cream out of cocoa butter, olive oil and vitamin E cream. Some say wheat germ oil also may be helpful. Visit your OB/GYN or Dermatologist for suggestions. Remember to apply moisturizer two to three times as often as you normally would especially during cold weather.
Remember that it is important to take care of one self, especially before, during, and after pregnancy. Following the above guidelines can be the first step to limiting or preventing the ever so dreaded and embarrassing marks. And if it is true that you can only minimize the appearance of them with constant and regular use of creams and other applications then it might just be worth it to incorporate the routine into our daily lives.
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