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stretch marks remedies and prevention

Health & Beauty Tips for Mums-To-Be


Stretch Marks Facts For You

by Jen Hopkins

Have you noticed stretch marks on your skin? Scientifically, these marks are known as stria gravidarum. These form when the skin overstretches and it is unable to recover and return to its original shape. As a result, the layer of the skin begins to tear and form these marks. Especially as we grow older, we always have to make sure to prevent this from happening.

Primarily, stretch marks appear as purple or red lines on the skin. These are fresh tears on the middle layer of the skin. In the dermis layer, this is where the elastin and the collagen are produced. Since it is in between layers of the skin, it is very hard for the stretch marks to treat. Eventually, as the scars begin to heal, the purple lines begin to turn silvery-white in color.

Causes of stretch marks may vary from person to person. Puberty causes most of us to gain weight due to the hormonal changes in the body. If the skin is unable to follow with this increase in weight, that is when the skin begins to tear and form scars. Other causes may be due to sudden increase in muscle mass and even pregnancy. As long as the body has sudden gain, it will most likely lead to stretch marks.

Prevention is still the best solution to these stretch marks. As we grow older, the skin begins to lose its elasticity. For younger ones, stretch marks is not as threatening for them. As you grow older, you have to be more conscious about these so that you can prevent them easily from happening. Besides, it is your loss if you do not prevent these from appearing.

Still the most effective treatment is laser. Most people really rely on this even if it may cost money. Laser effectively vaporizes the skin cells completely removing the damage. Though effective, it may require a couple of sessions before it takes effect. If you really want the effective solution, this is highly recommended.

One prescribed treatment for this is retinol A. For stretch marks that are reddish or pinkish, retinol is very effective. It renews the skin, preventing permanent scarring. As soon as you see stretch marks, you should already start using this. Take note that if you apply retinol on white marks, it may not be as effective.

Vitamin E is another recommended treatment for stretch marks. Vitamin E is good for the skin which actually makes the skin look better. It gives it a firmer structure and even makes the skin supple. If you give your skin its daily dose of vitamin E, you can guarantee that you will be able to reduce the appearance of these stretch marks.

Stretch marks should never scare you. Even if there is a big chance that this may form on your skin, you should always keep in mind that there are ways to reduce the appearance of these stretch marks. You just have to know what will work for you. If you just take your time in treating these marks, you will get the beautiful skin that you have longed for.

Learn more about prevent stretch marks. Visit Jen Hopkins's site, www.SecretsToGetRidOfStretchmarks.com, where you can find out all about remove stretch marks and other valuable information about the topic.

Published July 20th, 2010

Filed in Beauty, Health