understand About Stretch Marks

« « HGH Information | Hoodia Can Be Great For Your Health » »

understand About Stretch Marks

Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Stretch Marks
Most of us look forward to warm summer days, water skiing at the lake or river rafting. Some of us prefer cold weather for it’s winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding. And some of us are glad for the colder weather in order to avoid being seen in shorts, sleeveless shirts or even worse, a bathing suit! All this in an effort to keep stretch marks well hidden.

Stretch marks are a form of scarring just under the outer layer of skin. This supportive, elastic layer allows the skin flexibility, enabling the skin to stretch. When the skin is stretched too quickly this layer can be pulled and torn. Pregnancy, rapid growth at puberty, or rapid muscle growth from body building are the most common cause of stretch marks. These form most often along the lower back, hips, abdomen, thighs and breasts. When they first appear, they look like red or purple streaks. Later they begin to look like what they are, overstretched, thin skin in the form of silvery transparent-like scars.

What can you do about stretch marks? Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend and explain the benefits of a number of over the counter treatments. Many of these products contain collagen. Collagen is the substance found naturally in your skin which provides elasticity. When applied to the skin, creams with collagen are absorbed and may help to tighten the skin.

For some, laser treatments are an option. Laser treatments are most effective when when they are preformed at the point where stretch marks are still new and dark in color. Usually a series of treatments are necessary to be effective.

As with many things in life, it is best when you can focus your efforts on prevention. The most effective way to prevent stretch marks, is over all care for your skin. Well hydrated skin is more elastic skin. Drink plenty of water. Try to avoid coffee or other drinks with caffeine such as tea and certain soft drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic. If you plan to continue consuming caffeine, drink the same amount of water as you do caffeinated drinks. Think of drinking caffeinated drinks as “un-drinking”.

How to Remove Stretch Marks & Best Stretch Mark Remover

Whether you enjoy spending time in the sun participating in summer activities, or hitting the slope during the winter, protect your skin from the elements. We are all becoming aware of the damage that the sun can do to our skin. But sun, along with the wind, can also cause dehydration. Be sure to drink extra water whenever you are exposed to these elements. Use additional moisturizers, before and after spending time outside.

Eating a well balance diet is important for over all heath. Foods that help specifically with skin health are nuts and fish which are high in zinc. Zinc aids in healing. Consuming a sufficient amount of foods with Vitamins A and C, such as carrots, citrus fruits, and milk helps maintain elasticity. Protein rich foods are important to the process of skin renewal.

Whatever your approach to dealing with stretch marks, don’t let them hold you back from enjoying life. Get out there and swim in your bikini or ski in your full winter attire. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Tags: natural remedy for headache, natural remedy for diabetes, Traditional Chinese Medicine