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Stretch marks are a cosmetic blight most of us will encounter at
some point in our lives. Here are some helpful hints on how to prevent
and treat them
We have three layers of skin: the
epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the
subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks occur in the
dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its
shape. When the dermis is constantly stretched over time, the skin
becomes less elastic and the small connective fibres within it break.
The result is what we know as stretch marks.
Depending
on your natural skin colouring, stretch marks begin as raised pink,
reddish brown or dark brown lines that later turn a brighter violet or
purple. Gradually these bright marks flatten and fade to a colour a few
shades lighter than your natural skin tone. They usually become less
noticeable over time.
Stretch marks can appear
anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched, and they often
occur as a result of weight gain. They're most likely to appear in
places where fat is stored, including the abdomen, breasts, upper arms,
thighs and buttocks. They pose absolutely no health risk and don't
compromise your body's ability to function healthily.
Preventing
stretch mark must avoid excessive weight gain. Excessive weight gain is
one of the main reasons stretch marks develop. When the skin is
stretched excessively over a short space of time dermal tearing occurs
which creates scars in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) which we
refer to as stretch marks. The epidermis (outer layer of skin) is also
affected, the cells become thin and flattened which makes the defect in
the dermis more visible.
A healthy diet rich in
vitamins and minerals that maintain healthy skin can help to prevent
stretch marks. These vitamins and minerals include: Vitamin C, vitamin
E, zinc and silica. If your diet is lacking these vitamins and minerals
you might want to consider consulting a doctor or nutritionalist about
a suitable supplement. Vitamins and supplements that help to prevent
blood vessels under the skin and spider veins can also be helpful,
these include: Bioflavonoid complex or vitamin P. Drinking plenty of
water and regular exercise can also help to keep the circulation
working properly.
Massaging
oil, moisturizers or creams into your stretch marks on a daily basis
can help to keep the circulation working properly in the affected
tissue. The moisturizer, oil or cream will also keep your skin soft and
supple. Vitamin E oil/cream or Cocoa Butter are two of the most popular
choices for preventing stretch marks. There is no scientific evidence
to prove that they work, but many women swear by them for preventing
stretch and treating stretch marks. Prescription creams that contain
tretinoin or retin A can also be used to keep stretch marks at bay, but
they can not be used when pregnant or nursing.
You
don't have to be obese or have gained a lot of weight in a short time
span to develop stretch marks. Those who are slim can also develop
stretch marks and it is thought that hormones have a part to play in
this. It has been suggested that certain hormone based medications such
as steroids can cause stretch marks.
Wear
a Supportive Maternity Bra during pregnancy. It is quite common for
women to develop stretch marks on their breasts during pregnancy and
breast feeding. A good quality maternity bra can help to give extra
support.
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