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So What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are scars left behind when skin is overstretched, and fibers in the middle layer (dermis) have broken. They are usually found on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, legs, and upper arms and tend to effect people during pregnancy, bodybuilding, extreme weight gain, occasionally puberty. New stretch marks appear initially as red lines and then slowly fade to a pale white color over the course of sometime. Rather than trying to eliminate and reduce stretch marks, although it’s possible it is much easier to prevent them.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur when the skins elasticity it stretched to its limit thus the best prevention occurs by reducing stretching increasing elasticity or both.
You can improve your Skin’s Elasticity by any number of stretch mark creams and treatments. Creams that have cocoa butter in them are said to help reduce stretch marks and even prevent them entirely. Any cream or oil that is made especially for the prevention or treatment of stretch marks will help keep your skin healthy and elastic. Some ingredients may be passed on to your baby through breast milk however so it is important to consult your doctor first if pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamins A, E and C are other options. These vitamins help with the skins elasticity and strength tus by supplementing them into your diet you may help prevent stretch marks forming.
The Removal of Stretch Marks
There are many treatments to choose from, ranging from home remedies, to medical and cosmetic procedures to remove stretch marks. The healthiness of your skin will also be promoted by these remedies and healthier skin heals easier.
Some home remedies to remove stretch marks include time as stretch marks, like all types of scarring fade over time. To improve your skin exfoliating daily with a loofah or scrunchy is important. Stretch Mark Creams and lotions will help heal and beautify your skin and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Ingredients such as Cocoa butter, Rose hip oil, Emu oil, Jojoba oil, Castor oil and Shea butter have proved beneficial for this purpose. Increasing your circulation by taking hot baths and massaging the areas regularly will help with treatment . Tanning is another solution as long as you use sunscreen as it can help eliminate and diminish stretch marks.
Medical Procedures for Stretch Marks
Microdermabrasion is one possible cosmetic procedure popular in spas and salons where the top-most layer of skin is removed by chemical or mechanical means. Another is endermologie machines which massage and work the skin in order to increase circulation and expel toxins. And finally to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and heal the skin there are several lazer therpy options available.
See your dermatologist for the latest information on stretch mark treatments.
