Stretch Marks and How To Treat Them
Stretch marks occur on skin when the small connective fibres break. This happens when the skin is constantly stretched. The middle layer of skin called the dermis is where this stretching action and connective fibre breakage occurs. You can have stretch marks in different areas of your body including the stomach, arms, thighs, buttocks, hips, lower back, chest and the breast area.
Whether or not you will get stretch marks depends on several factors. Common factors for getting stretch marks are family history, lack of proper nutrition, lifestyle, pregnancy, rapid and also excessive weight gain or weight loss.
Stretch mark treatments basically penetrate the skin and interact with the skin cells in the layers of skin. Different products may work in different ways. Some products are made to hydrate the skin, reduce fat storage, dehydrate fat cells, or are to supply special nutrients that are designed for skin health. Some of the treatments are capable of helping the body to produce elastin and collagen two important substances that increase the elasticity and strength of your skin.
Some of the more successful stretch mark treatments contain Squalene Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamins (A, E, and D3), Hydrolyzed Collagen, or Cocoa Butter.
Some other things you can do to have healthy skin:
Drink plenty of water (minimum 8 – 8oz glasses daily).
Eat proper nutritious meals and snacks.
Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes.
Avoid consuming alcohol.
Do not smoke tobacco products.
Limit the amount of carbonated drinks you consume.
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. This includes coffee, tea, chocolate and sodas with caffeine.
Vitamin C is your skin’s friend, take 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Use a body moisturizer every day.
Use sunscreen every day.
Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Techniques such as yoga are helpful in reducing stress.
Stretch mark treatments take time and you need to use them for a minimum of 6 months. If you have been using a product consistently for 6 months and you do not notice a reduction in stress marks or that it has helped prevent new stress marks from forming than it is safe to assume that the product is not working for you. Not all products work for all individuals. One person may see results from a particular stretch mark product and someone else will use the same product and not see any results. It is important to follow the directions when using any medication or skin care product; stretch mark treatments are no different. Read the product instructions before you start applying it to your skin. Do not miss applications, or “double-up” unless the instructions say that you can. Do not use more than product at the same time that is the same type of product.
To increase your risks of reducing or preventing stretch marks, drink plenty of water, get proper nutrition, try not to gain or lose weight rapidly, exercise on a regular basis, moisturize your skin daily, use stretch mark treatments as directed.
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