Explaining the causes and treatments of stretch marks.
Pregnancy can have a beautiful, fabulous effect on a women’s body: you get into healthy eating habits, your senses are heightened, and your skin is naturally glowing. However, one part of pregnancy that mom’s don’t find very fabulous is the after-birth stretch marks.
While stretch marks affect nearly half of all pregnant women, they are not the only ones who may experience these frustrating skin lines. Stretch marks can also be common for people who experience rapid weight gain, swift puberty growth or for people who may use anabolic steroids.
Although a person’s skin is extremely elastic, stretch marks can be formed when the tissue under the skin to stretched too quickly. This is because sudden changes in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of the skin that allows it to hold its shape, can cause a disruption in your skins collagen production. The result of this is lines that appear red or purple in color at first, then eventually become glossy scars that appear silver or white.
While both men and women can form stretch marks anywhere throughout their body, they occur most frequently around the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, arms and back areas.
The best way to prevent stretch lines from forming is to eat a healthy diet and nourish your skin. Drinking lots of water is one of the very best things you can do to maintain healthy skin. The average person should drink eight glasses of water a day (10 glasses during the summer). Also, be sure to avoid caffeine drinks such as coffee or tea. Caffeine can increase your risk of developing stretch marks.
Also, be sure to consume foods that promote skin health. Foods that are high in Vitamins A and C, such as carrots and citrus foods, are great for maintaining fresh looking skin. Protein-rich foods such as eggs can also help your skin fight against stretch marks.
While some lotions and creams can help fade prominent skin lines, only surgical or aesthetic treatments can truly improve the appearance of your stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both minimally invasive procedures that can reduce skin discoloration and smooth stretch marks.
If you have small fine lines or minute stretch marks, Microdermabrasion is a simple procedure that may help rid your body of these lines. It works by using fine aluminum oxide spray to exfoliate your skin and leave you with a fresh, healthy glow.
Chemical peels, such as the Red Carpet Peel, are suited more for people with mild stretch marks and skin lines. These peels can stripthe layers of the skin much deeper than Microdermabrasion, which helps to reveal much younger and healthier skin. The skin that is underneath these layers typically is smoother and has a more even skin tone.
If you have very noticeable, prominent stretch marks on your body, Mesotherapy may the best treatment for you. While this treatment is commonly used to eliminate cellulite and treat aging, sagging skin, it can also rejuvenate skin that is affected by stretch marks. Mesotherapy works by improving impaired skin circulation and breaking down damaged connective tissue. The overall effect is smooth skin clear of stretch marks.
If you are unsure about which treatment option would work best to get rid of your stretch marks, be sure to contact a doctor who is trained in the procedures. With these many treatment options and healthy lifestyle tips, you can help restore your skin back to its original freshness.
Image source: Jupiter Images
