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Oct 31

Alleviating Bodybuilding Stretch Marks

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Alleviating Bodybuilding Stretch Marks
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Bodybuilding stretch marks are formed due to muscles forming way too fast, harming the skin over them through overstretching. They are a signal of a hard and effective workout, but if you’re reading this, surely you want to get rid of them.
Stretch marks are an usual side effect of growing fast. They can result from packing on lots of muscle (a happy problem), or just plain packing on pounds of fat.
However, if you’re quickly packing on pounds of fat then you’ve got worse problems than simply stretch marks, and this is something that won’t be fixed even with the best stretch mark cream.
Most likely we’re talking about the resulting marks under your arms, specially the pec/delt tie-in region where the upper chest and front shoulder muscles connect. This region is most susceptible, due to the quick muscle growth there.

So, what exactly are stretch marks (striae)? They are the purplish streaks and scars that form when the underlying tissue grows so fast that the skin finally tears along the growth site. You’re surely thinking, “Yeah right, that can’t happen to me.” Well, just try Creatine or 4-Andro. You’ll grow so fast with your trainings that you’ll have them all over…!
Stretch marks treatment
So! how do you get rid of stretch marks? Prevention is the best medicine, but the simple true is this: whether you have flawless skin or not, if you’re a dedicated hard-training bodybuilder you will develop some stretch marks.
Therefore, the goal of this lines is not about avoiding them, but on reducing and curing them. So, how are you going to fix ‘em? Try these tips!
Tips & Tricks – Eat a well-balanced diet and take a multi-vitamin and mineral to have healthy skin.
- Avoid heavy bulking during the off-season, since stretch marks are associated with growing too fast. Bulking-up commonly means you’re accumulating pounds of adipose tissue, anyway.
- Every ounce of fat you gain you’ll just have to lose again anyway once you want to compete and look ripped. So, bulking up a little will surely be okay, just don’t abuse it.
- Apply lotion that is rich in vitamin E or a natural balm for stretch marks into the troubled areas. This will help speed up the healing process.
- Many bodybuilders report success with many popular suntan products. Coconut oil is also a favorite.
- Hey, you can’t forget about the best way to get rid of them… hide them! A dark tan will make them completely vanish (not to mention make you look better)! Unless the marks are observed at ultra-close distance, they will be imperceptible and you will be tanner.
- One more thing: make sure to use clean training clothes… besides not smelling too nice if you don’t, you will have a better opportunity of not having infection through the stretch marks in your skin.

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Oct 31

Myths About How to Eradicate Stretch Marks

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Many people live with stretch marks that they hate every day. Even with as much information as there is available about stretch mark removal and prevention, some people still believe the myths that they have heard..

Only women get them.

Fact: While it is a fact that 90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks, other people also develop them. Men can also get stretch marks and so can children. Men who weight lift and build muscle quickly are prone to develop them. Adolescents who experience quick growth spurts often see them as well.

Getting a tan can get rid of the marks.

Because of silvery color, most people have the misconception that they can cover up stretch marks with a tan. This however, will only serve to worsen the whitish appearance of stretch marks as the surrounding healthy skin darkens in color. This is because stretch marks are scars and if you’ve ever tried to tan a scar, you would know that they are particularly resistant to color changes.

Carrying small or dieting makes a difference.

Absolutely not, says Cambio. “The body is going to do what it wants to do,” she says, advocating eating healthy and gaining the amount of weight advised by your doctor. Dieting is a dangerous — and ineffective — method to try to prevent stretch marks.

Stretch marks are expensive to treat.-

Yes, some treatments such as plastic surgery can be quite costly, but there are other choices you can make to treat your stretch marks. Many lotions or creams can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Chemical peels are also a lower cost option.

Plastic surgery leaves no scars-

Reality: All plastic surgeries heal with scars. Though, the plastic surgeons are trained to make tissue incisions in strategic directions and positions to minimize their visibility. The cosmetic surgeries performed with endoscopes have minimum scars. Endoscopic cosmetic surgeries include endoscopic breast augmentation. Endoscopic tummy tucks and Endoscopic forehead lifts.

Stretch mark product is the answer to eliminate stretch marks-

Generally, people have lost hope on finding an effective solution for stretch marks because the market is obviously saturated with products that just don’t work. These products put a bad name on reputable brands.

Lotions and creams prevent stretch marks- This is another one people ask me because I just had a baby, but it also happens to people who have gained a lot of weight. There is NO cream that can prevent stretch marks!!! NONE!!! This is a fact! If you wanna know if you’re gonna get stretch marks, you have to look at family memeber cuz it’s genetic!! It all depends on how elastic your skin is and it’s ability to go back to it’s original state. No cream can help do that. None waste your money…unless your goal is just to have soft skin, or prevent itchiness that comes with stretch marks.

Make-up can cover up stretch marks.-

To at least eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, some people have resorted to applying the area with make-up. These products do not eliminate stretch marks but just mask them.

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Mar 29

Preventing Stretch Marks An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

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Stretch marks are never a pretty sight. They may cause insecurities among those that have them especially women. Unfortunately, unlike other types of scars and skin imperfections, stretch marks are pretty hard to get rid of. Given this, it certainly follows that stretch marks are better avoided than treated. And in this case, the old adage certainly applies: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.This condition is common among mothers since their skin around the hips, tummy and thighs suddenly expand during pregnancy. Since the skin cannot cope with the stretching that then takes place, stretch marks form. However, stretch marks are not exclusive to mothers, they also occur in people that suddenly gain weight, and people with dry skin or skin that is not elastic.1. Moisturizers. For people with dry skin moisturizers are a must to avoid stretch marks. If the skin lacks elasticity, the body is more likely to produce extra collagen and form the stretch mark. Shea butter has been proven to be a great intensive moisturizing treatment.2. Diet. A proper diet makes the body healthy. That includes the skin as well. While you may not really notice it, the secret to glowing, supple, elastic skin is proper diet and hydration. Make sure you take a good amount of water everyday to keep yourself from being dehydrated. If you are dehydrated, then your skin suffers as well.Gorge on vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamins A, C, and E, which are powerful antioxidants that can help reverse the effects of free-radicals on your skin. Moreover, such vitamins help keep smooth and healthy skin and reduce the chance that stretch marks could appear.Conclusion

While maintaining healthy skin certainly improves your chances against developing stretch marks, it pays to remember that this skin condition is also affected by many factors such as genetics, some ailments, and environmental factors. But with healthier skin, you can at least reduce the incidence of stretch marks dramatically.

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Jan 17

Stretchmarks!!?

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Question by MEDS [DF] The real snow white.: Stretchmarks!!?
So today when I was changing I noticed there were stretch marks on my stomach, I don’t know where they came from because I never saw them before. Do they just come out of nowhere?
How can i get rid of them?

Best answer:

Answer by alsjax11
coco butter

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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Jan 15

Try Lazer Treatments to Remove Stretch Marks

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Stretch marks are not just mere marks on the skin. They are, in fact, scars. These marks are the results of the skin overstretching. When this happens, the collagen that keeps the skin elastic and supple is disrupted in its production. When the collagen is no longer sufficient to help the skin stretch, red or purple lines appear. Over time, the lines fade to a light color, a color that is usually lighter than the surrounding skin. These are what are called stretch marks.

Stretch marks are commonly associated with bodybuilding, pregnancy, and obesity. All of these are things that can cause the skin to stretch. Many people feel embarrassed by their stretch marks, and look for ways to get rid of them. Treatments that include Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter have been around for years, helping to stimulate collagen production and reduce the look of scars. Now, however, a new method of treating stretch marks is becoming more popular: lazer treatment.

Laser treatment has become popular for a variety of uses related to beauty. Hair removal, age spot reduction, acne reduction, and wrinkle removal are all ways in which lasers can be used to enhance the way the skin looks. Lasers can also be used to reduce the appearance of, or even remove altogether, stretch marks. The lazer works by causing the scarred skin to slough off but removing the top payer. The heat of the lazer causes a small, pinpointed “burn” which is then healed over by new, young, elastic skin. Because lasers are so concentrated and accurate now, it is often possible to target only the affected areas, without damaging the healthy skin surrounding the stretch mark.

While lazer treatments for stretch marks are generally painless, there are some side effects possible. Usually these side effects are no more than a little redness around the affected area. The redness usually disappears in two to three days. Other side effects may include some swelling and a little soreness. If your side effects are beyond just a little annoying, and if they persist beyond a couple of days, you should probably see your doctor in order to make sure that you did not have an adverse reaction to the laser.

Many dermatologists are adding some sort of lazer treatment to their practices, as such lasers are becoming more and more popular ways to treat a variety of cosmetic ailments. They are non-invasive, and the treatments can be done in a short period of time, although removing some stretch marks may require three or four half hour visits. Additionally, the low occurrence of discomfort adds to the conveniences associated with lazer treatments.

It is possible to have your stretch marks removed. You can try more traditional treatments, or you can take advantage of what technology has to offer in the way of lazer treatment. In any case, it is possible to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and feel more confident. All you have to know is where to look for treatment.

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Jan 15

Plastic Surgery for Stretch Mark: What You Need to Know

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There are several treatment choices to select from and one option is plastic surgery for stretch marks. If you want to avoid experiencing a lot of pain or ending up with more scars than before you got your marks treated then choosing one out of the three minimally invasive surgeries can be your solution to a scars free skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peeling – Chemical peeling is a method which involves the application of a chemical solution on the skin. The chemicals strip off the dead skin cells to make way for new and healthy skin. The new skin is usually smoother and more even in color. This makes chemical peels an effective yet minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks.

There are different types of acids used in chemical peeling. The commonly used chemicals are glycolic, trichloracetic, lactic, and salicylic acids. Light or mild peels only penetrate into the surface of the skin. This kind of peel gives what they call a “freshening” effect and the patient will experience only a sunburn-like redness after every procedure. But more often than not, a series of procedures will be required and sometimes the strength of the acids is increased but this is dictated by the tolerance level of the skin. The redness that results from a mild peeling can be easily covered up with make-up.

The medium type of peels penetrate much deeper and has more effect on the skin. The patient will feel more of burning sensation after the procedure and the skin will need a week of healing and minimal sun exposure. With this type of procedure, there is a possibility of swelling and some blistering that may crust and turn brown but this will peel off after a week or so. The deep kind of peels penetrate even deeper into the dermis and can sometimes be a risky process. Some doctors would rather utilize lazer technology than perform deep chemical peels.

Laser Surgery

Treatment Prices – The cost and pain that accompanies lazer stretch mark removal has gone down in recent years. This method uses a controlled beam of light that focuses on the affected areas to break down scar tissues. The lasers also stimulate new collagen growth. The new collagen works to thicken and plump the skin so that new skin cells can fill up stretch marks from the bottom up.

Different Results – Not all stretch marks are the same and the effectiveness of lazer surgery will depend on a number of things. These factors can include the age and severity of stretch marks. A person’s genes and hormones can also affect the results of the treatment. There is proof that lazer surgery is more effective when used on fresher scars. Some people combine other methods with lazer therapy to get better results.

Dermabrasion

Another minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks is dermabrasion. This quick procedure has some success in treating stretch marks. It only takes a few minutes per procedure but the patient will need more than one session to see results. The skin is frozen first then a specialized instrument is used to “sand” the skin. This abrasive action removes the area of the skin with visible stretch marks showing only the “new” skin which has no stretch marks on it. The now smooth skin is usually pink but gradually fades over a six to eight week period. However, the patient is advised to avoid any direct or indirect sun exposure for the next three to six months after the procedure. If the treated area is exposed to the sun, this will cause temporary or worse, permanent darkening of the skin.

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Jan 15

Stretch Marks Cannot be Prevented But Can be Minimized

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Who gets it…

women carrying big babies

women with multiple pregnancies

women who have excess amniotic fluid

women who gain weight rapidly

fair skinned women; it appears less frequently in darker skinned women

women whose skin lack in elastin

Causes

The pregnant womans skin stretches a lot and rapidly during the pregnancy term. Some women even gain excessively, more than they should. The hormone relaxin causes collagen level in skin fibers to dive and this makes the skin more prone to developing lines. Its development cannot be stalled. Why some skins dont get these marks or dont get as many lines are largely attributed to the skin and body type. Some women are fortunate enough to be blessed with good elastic skin tone which they either inherited or earned through good diet and physical activity. You are a sure target for stretch marks if you gain excess weight rapidly and your body doesnt have enough elastin and collagen to deal with this change.

Stretch marks cannot be prevented but can be minimized.

Stretch marks are here to stay! Eventually, these marks do turn shiny, pearl white and narrower after delivery, but efforts on your part can minimize if not totally prevent it.

Control your weight: You can control how much you eat by eating right. Try and gain weight at a gradual pace since weight gain is an inevitable part of pregnancy. Stretch marks tend to increase as the pregnancy progresses. Those who are prone to them will still get them but with gradual weight gain, the skin will stretch without tearing so the number and severity of this problem is lessened. By keeping your weight gain at a healthy, steady level you will be able to minimize the gravity of this problem.

Modify your diet: A diet rich in protein and vitamin C helps to promote and maintain healthy skin. A diet packed with foods that are protein-rich certainly helps, and dont forget your fruits and veggies.

Lotions and salves: It is important to accept and remember that genetics and weight gain have a heavy role in determining whether you get stretch marks or not. Many people swear that vitamin E creams, expensive oils, salves and emollients help but many women who have used such products still got those marks. So it is really a question of you being predisposed to this problem or not. These creams at best moisten your skin and keep them well conditioned and this in turn will keep itchiness at bay. (Stretched skin feels itchy a lot of times.)

Dont lose heart

These marks appear prominent while you are pregnant but with time, after you have delivered, they tend to lighten and fade into silvery lines that are lighter than the surrounding skin. If you are still unhappy or uncomfortable with those lines, make an appointment with a dermatologist who will work on the scars through microdermabrasion or laser. Alternatively, you can resort to treatment with Isotretinoin gel (Retin-A), which you should only try after your pregnancy and if you are not breastfeeding. However, take note that this treatment is most effective when the streaks still have their dark pigments.

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Jan 15

Your Skin When You’re Pregnant

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As if you don’t have enough changes to go through when you’re pregnant. The skin, yes, it goes through many different types of changes in itself. For me most were unpleasant. Everyone told me to hang in there because I would soon experience the pregnancy glow, but of course for me, it never came.

These less-than-glamorous pregnancy symptoms such as acne, spider veins, pigmentation and several others are caused by the drastic change in hormone. This definitely doesn’t help the usually fragile state of most pregnant women’s body image. That’s why proper pregnancy skin care is so important. So before you bury your head in the sand, find out what you can do to keep your skin looking as fabulous as you are.

Stretch Marks

Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks are probably the most discussed of the skin changes during pregnancy. Nearly every woman fears them or thinks about them. They appear in 50 – 90 of all pregnant women, usually showing up in the later half of pregnancy. While the majority will be on the lower abdomen they can also be found on the thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms. They tend to be pinkish in light skinned women, and in dark skinned women they will be lighter than the surrounding skin. Stretch marks are not painful; however the stretching of the skin may cause a tingling or itchy sensation.

There are some factors that you should know contribute to stretch marks:

Family (If your mom or sister has them, guess what?)

Weight Gain (Rapid or excessive will make these worse.)

Nutritional Status (Well hydrated and healthy skin stretches better.)

Ethnicity (African American women get them less.)

Solution: Some people say lotions and creams work and others don’t think it helps any. However, if there was a chance that it might work for you then why not try it. The good thing about it is eventually they do fade after you have the baby. The stretch mark will be shiny like a scar. While most women don’t think about them much, or consider them badges of motherhood, others want them removed. There are new techniques and surgeries being explored all the time. Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you are concerned.

Mask of Pregnancy

Melanotropin, also known as cloasma, is secreted in greater quantity during pregnancy; this can cause a pigmentation to occur over the nose, cheeks, and forehead of an expectant mom. While it is not caused by sunlight, this will aggravate the situation. 45 – 70% of women will experience this beginning in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.

Solution: Chloasma will fade after the birth. Most women use make up to cover this if it becomes a problem.

Acne

Thought it was gone for good? Think again, while many women actually find that the hormones of pregnancy relieve their acne and leave them with that “glowing” skin of pregnancy, many women find their skin more oily and susceptible to acne break outs.

Solution: Here’s where the high school remedies come into play… Actually ensure you are drinking plenty of water, wash your face, and avoid things that cause you to break out. Basically do what works, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. Remember, acne is temporary.

Spider Veins

These can appear most commonly on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. They are caused from increased estrogen level in your body. They are often star shaped and slightly raised. They are slightly blue and do not turn white with pressure. 65 of the Caucasian women and 10 of the African American women will experience these.

Solution: These annoying spider veins usually fade after the birth.

Linea Negra

This is a darker line extending from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (fundus), usually showing up for first time moms around the third month. Multiparous women (had more than one child) will often see it earlier. While not all women experience this line, don’t believe the rumors that it means a boy baby is on the way.

Solution: This usually fades after the birth when your tummy goes down.

Palmar Erythema

A mottled or reddening of the palms of the hands. This is caused by increased estrogen levels during pregnancy. About 60% of Caucasian women will experience this, with about 35% of African American women too.

Solution: This isn’t really that noticeable and will fade after the birth.

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Nov 30

Stretch Marks and Wrinkles: What Relates Them

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While stretch marks are defined as a scarring of the skin, wrinkles are seen as ridges or creases on the surface. But can stretch marks and wrinkles be related in a way? It is possible that since stretch marks occur in the area beneath the skin known as the dermis, that the skin above the scarring can also become weak and therefore wrinkle over time and especially if stretch marks are not tended to.

In effect, wrinkles can probably also cause stretch marks because since the surface of the skin is damaged or weak, the dermis is also not protected in any that can lead to tearing and eventually to the formation of stretch marks.

The Common Factor

Collagen Factor – If there is one common denominator in skin and the dermis, it is that they both require collagen to stay strong and elastic. Collagen makes up for 75% of healthy skin and since the dermis is just underneath the surface of the skin, it applies to the dermis as well.

Now, if collagen formation is damaged in any way, this can cause wrinkles and it can also cause stretch marks. These marks become more and more visible as one gets older and as the skin ages as well. However, it is not uncommon to see a young people with stretch marks and wrinkles as well. This really depends on how much weight they put on and how much weight they lose.

Weight Gain – Putting on the weight may result in the formation of stretch marks. Losing the weight quickly will result in folds of the skin, sometimes where the stretch marks have formed. These tiny folds are wrinkles. This happens because as you gain weight quickly, the collagen fibers are stretched. And when you lost weight quickly, the fibers still remain stretched and therefore the skin does not shrink normally.

How Do I Prevent This From Happening?

Prevention – Stretch marks are easy to prevent. All one has to do is to maintain a strict diet that is high in essential fats like fish and vegetables. Hydration is also very important to keep the skin healthy and “glowing”. The hydration will help maintain the skins elasticity so that when the dermis is stretched it will not tear easily. When it comes to preventing wrinkles, this may get a little tricky and more hard work may have to be out in.

Gradual Weight Loss – If you are planning to lose weight, do not look for a way to lose weight rapidly. This will result in the forming of both wrinkles and stretch marks. What you want to do is maintain a solid exercise routine that will help you lose weight naturally and not too quickly. In time you will find that you will have good skin without wrinkles or stretch marks.

Stretch marks and wrinkles sort of work together when they form. As you grow faster, stretch marks may appear from the stretching. Likewise, as you lose weight quickly, wrinkles may take the place of those stretch marks. Neither of the two is pleasing to look at especially if you want to maintain a young and healthy look. But they can both be addressed with a healthy lifestyle and even some cosmetic help like from wrinkle and stretch mark products distributed in the market.

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Nov 30

Stretch Marks: The Facts!

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Stretch marks are purplish streaks and scars that normally appear on the buttocks, hips, abdomen, breast, and arms. They are a common side effect of growing too fast. They form when the dermis (the middle elastic layer of your skin) is stretched breaking down the elasticity in your skin. As the elasticity breaks down, the skin tries to reinforce itself with collagen in the over stretched skin, thus causing stretch marks.

Factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks are:

Heredity – some skin types are just genetically predisposed. If you mother had stretch marks, chances are you will.

Weight – excess rapid weight gain as found in pregnancy and bodybuilding or to the other degree excessive weight loss.

Skin type – Some skin types are dryer than others thus having less elasticity, while well-hydrated skin tends to have more elasticity.

Removal and prevention of stretch marks:

Surgical methods – Dermabrasion, chemical peel, and advancement in lazer treatments can be used to treat stretch marks. As with any cosmetic surgery, age, skin type, and even diet will influence the results.

Lotions and Crmes – Advancements have been made with over the counter crmes. If you are pregnant or body building, consult with your doctor to begin a preventative treatment for stretch marks.

Diet – Maintain healthy hydrated skin by drinking plenty of water. Hydrated skin keeps your skin soft, supple, and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeinated coffee, tea, and soda tend to dehydrate the skin leaving you more vulnerable to stretch marks. Eat foods that promote skin health such as foods high in zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and protein rich foods.

Remember that not all stretch marks are created equal. They age and heal differently depending on the skin type, heredity, diet, and hydration. In time, they will fade, but the best advice is to maintain healthy skin, which will minimize the effects of stretch marks if they should occur.

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