Unsightly pink or white stretch marks abound in body areas such as the abdomen, breasts, legs, and buttocks of pregnant women and people who have slimmed down or gained weight drastically. What are the causes of stretch marks, you may ask? Various factors contribute to the appearance of stretch marks:
1.Pregnancy or sudden loss or gain of weight
2.Natural growth because of adolescence
3.Depression
4.Nutrition deficiency
5.Sudden change in environmental or physical conditions
After learning the root cause of why these annoying lines suddenly have shows up, you might be contemplating on how to get rid or at least prevent them, right?
Ever considered surgery? You think it’s too bloody or painful, for you? How about drinking medications that are supposed to combat the appearance of stretch marks? How about VITAMINS? Do you know what vitamins are known to avoid the ugly stretch marks from lining one’s skin? Here are three of the most popular anti-stretch mark vitamins:
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant which is believed to encourage skin healing and scar reduction.
People with post-operation stretch marks attest to the fact that Vitamin E oil capsules can help in making their stretch marks fade away. Vitamin E is also a common key ingredient to lotion and creams that are said to fight stretch marks. Its anti-inflammatory effect is theoretically known to attribute to its effect in working against aggravation of stretch marks.
If you prefer eating natural source of Vitamin E, foods that have it include:
Sunflower seeds
Nuts
Seabuckthorn berries
Whole grains
Green leafy vegetables
Peanut butter
Fish
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin is known for its effect on the growth of teeth and bones, correct functioning of epithelial cells, night vision, and reproduction. Vitamin A is also regarded as one of the best vitamins guarding the skin.
The derivatives of this vitamin are known as anti-aging substances that are easily absorbed thru the skin. This elevates the turnover of the skin and temporarily boosts collagen production, which in turn produces a youthful appearance for the skin.
Natural sources of vitamin A include spinach, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apricots, mango, liver, broccoli, eggs, sweet pepper, winter squash etc.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is another antioxidant that aids in collagen production in connective tissues. It is also important in the synthesis of hormones and theoretically helps in going against cancer and in skin health and repair.
Its natural sources include papaya, lemon, melon, raspberry, cauliflower, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, passion fruit, cabbage, cucumber, mother’s and cow’s milk, goats, etc.
Vitamins A, C, and E are believed to be the best vitamins to fight stretch marks’ appearance. However, they can’t get rid or prevent stretch marks all by themselves. They are only supplements that help in making such endeavor possible. A sensible diet, regular exercise and avoiding losing and gaining weight drastically is still required to fully wage war against those unsightly skin problems known as stretch marks.
They are often included as ingredients in lotions, creams and oils to augment one’s regular skin maintenance. This is because according to studies, vitamins can’t easily penetrate the deeper parts of the skin to repair stretch marks. Vehicles like other plant and animal oils are believed to help in making that goal possible.
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Stretch marks can be the least thing that one can expect during and even after the pregnancy. Thanks to science which has made possible for many kinds of crèmes and lotions to be made available in the market. Good technology improvement has made many revolutions. Stretch mark is not an exception to this. Since many years, many kinds of preventive measures have been followed for erasing the stretch marks. Many organic and inorganic materials are used to rid away the marks.
Now coming to the products that have been launched in the market which has given great promises to the customers, but truly are these crèmes and lotions really effective in erasing the marks over the skin or is it just hype? Frankly speaking, these crèmes or the lotions can not be completely effective in removing the stretch marks from the skin. The reason to support this statement is discussed below. The reason why stretch marks were formed might not be a new concept for all of you since almost every article about stretch mark discusses about this topic that it is formed due to the inability by the skin to extend so large to accumulate the internal a stress caused due the ghastly forming fat tissues below the skin layer. In order to defend itself the skin forms a kind of scar also called as the stretch marks. Almost all are very much aware of this fact!
When coming to this point as how these stretch marks are formed, they are formed or at least have originated from the internal layers of the skin also called as the dermal layer and even below them known as the mesoderm. Since the stretch mark has been formed so deep layer that any lotion or crème might find it difficult to penetrate in to then to repair the damage. But one thing can be said for sure that these lotions try to repair the damage caused on the epidermal layer. The repair system works by merely thoroughly hydrating these layers. Some lotions also help the repair by providing the protein forms like collagen and elastin molecules that are required for the rejuvenation of the skin.
Many lotions also contain various vitamin molecules like the alpha hydroxyl acids also known as fruits oils commercially. Also almost all the lotions are enriched with vitamin E. They work together with the skin to help to produce collagen which is required to make or repair the damaged skin cells. As said earlier, they are merely effective in treating just the epidermal layer, and it can not be considered as a permanent cure because there are chances that these marks can reappear any time.
Yeah, cocoa butter is a best known treatment for stretch marks owing to its natural origin. The advantage of using cocoa butter is its exceptional property of being very easily and rapidly absorbed in the skin layers to provide a better cure. Again, the results can not be seen over night but a continuous application is essential for visible results.
In addition to these treatments the laser therapy also has proved to give good results but the cost for the treatment is very high.
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Stretch Marks Defined
You have been hearing familiar concerns from people like how to lose stretch marks but may not be aware what they are and how they come about. Stretch marks are the visible pale white lines commonly seen in the buttocks area, the thighs, the abdomen, and the arms and legs resulting from too much stretching of the skin causing tearing of the middle layer or the dermis. They usually appear because of the following instances:
Prevention of Stretch Marks
Yes, you heard it right. Stretch marks may be prevented. The key factor in preventing formation of stretch marks is to maintain the elasticity of the skin. It has been observed that those who have been consistently moisturizing the skin over a period of time with vitamins and oils have a lesser probability to have stretch marks. A more natural way of skin maintenance is by eating a healthy diet and drinking sufficient amount of water. The different organs of the body-and that includes the skin, which is the largest of them all-need to have constant and the right amount of hydration to make it work properly and at the same time remove toxins from the body. It takes patience and persistence in taking care of the skin, but in time, you will be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy glowing skin.
Reduction and Elimination of Stretch Marks
There are times when stretch mark formation cannot be prevented. Although total elimination may not be possible, there are ways to reduce its visibility, and this includes:
The Effective Solution
Retinol has come up with a product answering the problem on how to lose stretch marks. Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream works by preventing and eliminating scars. It strengthens the skin and improves its elasticity and at the same time works inward to improve cells growth and production.
Original article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Tips-on-How-to-Lose-Stretch-Marks-Naturally&id=1925409
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Stretch marks are one of the biggest problems of women around the world. With the advent of pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing, it seems that women have little choice when it comes to taking charge of their own skin. Stretch marks occur when small or large parts of the skin on the abdomen or near the breasts experience unprecedented expansion, then a sudden contraction. The space that was taken up by the extra body mass leaves a mark on the human skin.
Stretch marks are usually thin lines that run across the surface of the skin. Often there are red and resemble live arteries. While these marks do not pose any health problems, it poses a social problem to women who want to look as good as they did before they got pregnant.
Let’s face it, stretch marks don’t look good at all. They disrupt the continuity that we see on the surface of the human skin. But in the final analysis, they don’t really mean anything at all. Of course, we can’t tell people this, and we can’t really detect whether the people around us are judgmental or not. It seems that science has been listening all along, and is providing us with a means to take charge over stretch marks once and for all.The New Treatment for Stretch Marks
In the new treatment for stretch marks, the patient’s very own skin cells would be injected into the problem areas on the skin to rejuvenate old tissue and to eventually erase the stretch marks. The treatment, which was also aimed at helping individuals with gum disease is being seen as less painful and less expensive way of dealing with stretch marks.
In the United Kingdom, the new treatment is being tested on select individuals. The test site is at the University College, located in London. The new therapy, which is known in medical parlance as “living cell therapy” requires only a very, very small skin sample from the patient. Usually, the skin sample is taken from a part of the body that is known to exhibit rapid cell growth, such as the human ears.
After the sampling is done, the next step in the process is the isolation and extraction of fibroblasts from the skin sample of the patient. The fibroblasts are responsible for the distribution of collagen, and important catalysts in the growth of nails, hair and human skin.
Basically, stretch marks are “trauma sites” on the human skin. Simply put, these areas have been dealt with an internal or external pressure which causes the skin to expand or contract beyond the natural or normal, pre-trauma dimensions. The fibroblasts help heal these trauma sites by regulating the growth of new skin cells on the area.
By increasing the pace of growth on a particular area, scars and stretch marks can hopefully be removed. With luck, this new treatment may also be used in other instances, such as the re-growing of normal skin on burn patients and even for the treatment of individuals who have been suffering from excruciating ulcers.
Stretch marks are a type of skin scar, often caused by rapid pulling of the skin, such as occurs in pregnancy, or with sudden weight gain. Stretch marks can also appear after fast weight loss.
They arise due to breakdown of the dermis, the middle layer of skin which is responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and tone. When the dermis breaks down, the surface of the skin will show stretch marks. These normally start out a reddish-purplish color and then gradually fade to a glossy white or silver.
The best way to manage stretch marks is to do your best to prevent them. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin soft and well hydrated, allowing it to have more “give” before it breaks. Minimizing caffeine intake, and eating foods high in zinc, protein, and the A, C, and D vitamins can also give your skin a bit more elasticity, thereby reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.
You can also boost your skin’s hydration and “stretch-ability” from the outside, by keeping your skin well moisturized. Using an oil rich lotion, such as one made from cocoa butter or shea butter, will reduce your chances of developing stretch marks.
Sometimes, though, total prevention is not possible, and you develop stretch marks anyway. When this happens, what are your treatment options?
Treatment Option #1: Surgical methods
Dermabrasion or chemical peels may be your best surgical options for addressing stretch marks. New advances in laser surgery also make this another possibility. The best treatment for you will depend on your age, skin tone, severity of stretch marks, and level of health.
Laser stretch mark treatment works by building new collagen and repairing the stretch mark from the inside out.
Surgical options can be expensive and may not be covered by your medical insurance.
Treatment Option #2: Lotions or Creams
There are many stretch mark treatments on the market, many of which promise amazing results. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to determine which creams really work. Your best plan would be to get direct referrals from your doctor, or from trusted family or friends who have successfully treated their stretch marks. Be sure to select lotions or creams which have research and proven results. If you’re not totally certain that a cream will work for you, consider asking for a sample or trial size container so you can try it out before committing to a full size container.
Treatment Option #3: Patience
This option refers to being patient, as your stretch marks will fade naturally over time. (Not the fastest treatment option, that’s for sure!)
Again, remember that it’s better to prevent stretch marks than it is to have to treat them. Maintain a healthy diet, keep your skin well moisturized, and avoid excess caffeine. If you do all this, but still have a stretch mark or two, consider a lotion or cream to treat them. If your stretch marks are severe, talk to your doctor about the best surgical treatment options for you, based on your age, skin tone, and stretch mark severity.
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Stretch mark is a scar caused primarily by stretching of the skin. The stretch mark and its ungainly appearance are the bane of countless women, and men too. Thus, there is no dearth of people flocking to get a stretch mark treatment. Stretch mark treatment encompasses the entire gamut from the cream to the surgeon’s knife.
The stretch mark is a common occurrence along with a glow on the face during pregnancy or when becoming plump. It can be caused by nutritional deficit and taking certain hormones and steroids. According to your complexion, the mark appears as pink, reddish brown or brown and gradually lightens. Stretch mark treatment aims to prevent or hastily remove the mark.
Diet and exercise are integral to stretch mark treatment geared to prevent the appearance of the mark. Stretch mark occurs when the skin loses its elasticity and suppleness. Thus you should have protein-intensive foods like diary products and eggs, Vitamins A, C and D-enriched foods like carrots, oranges and lemon and zinc-containing fish and nuts to maintain a healthy skin.
Drink plenty of water and steer clear off aerated and caffeinated drinks. After all what you eat shows on you!
Also, have your daily quota of exercise in some form or the other. Regular exercise has its proven benefits: a sculpted body, improved blood circulation and healthy, firm skin.
If that obstinate stretch mark simply refuses to budge, you can opt for surgical modes of treatment. There are treatment methods like chemical peels that scrape away at the skin surface, thereby effectively getting rid of the stretch mark.
To remove a stretch mark, the TCA peel is the safest bet. Proven effective against a plethora of skin ailments like acne, pimple and pigmentation, TCA peel is widely used in spas, salons and is the treatment of choice of many dermatologists.
The prime reason for the widespread fame of the TCA peel is that it guarantees immediate results and is completely devoid of side effects, making it safe even during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby.
After a session with the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, expect a sun burnt skin on the first day. On the second day, the pigmentation will reduce significantly to resemble a healthy just-back-from-the-beach tan and your skin will feel taut.
In the subsequent days, the skin will peel to a more younger, healthier, porcelain smooth look. And lo and behold, not a hint of a stretch mark either.
Laser therapy is drastic method used to remove the stretch mark. In this treatment, your skin will be subject to laser beams. Thus, either your mark lightens or there is additional pigmentation, so that after the treatment, the stretch mark matches your skin tone.
In an advanced form of stretch mark treatment, laser beams are used to stimulate collagen production, so that you get rid of the stretch mark.
Consult your physician before embarking on any stretch mark treatment. After all, your skin is obliged to a tender care.
Stretch Marks Removal Tips
Jan 11
Stretch marks form when the skin stretches too quickly. Stretch marks will fade over time. Try using cocoa butter on the stretch marks at least twice a day, especially before bed. And this may sound silly but maybe you could try self tanning lotion on your breasts to even out the color.
First off all stretch marks are caused because the skin actually rips instead of stretching. That’s why when women get pregnant or gain or lose an good deal of weight quickly the skin can’t stretch quick enough so it rips. Secondly depending on how dark your skin tone & how severely they are it is possable that giving your age it is totally possable for them to heal completely, good luck!
If you’re noticing stretch marks on your body, you’re not alone. Most girls and women have stretch marks, which tend to show up on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. Many women get them during pregnancy. And while they’re more common in girls, guys can get stretch marks, too.
Increase the intake of foods containing Vitamin A, E and C like carrots, papayas, tomatoes . Also food rich in essential fatty acids like fish oils will help in growth of skin cells. Alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate the skin, soften the skin, and improved elasticity. Tretinoin or Retin-A. This compound loosens the keratin in the outer skin layers and helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Surgery to remove the affected skin. A tummy tuck is one example when surgery removes stretch marks
Stretch marks are a part of puberty. If you gain muscle or weight very quickly then you get stretch marks. It can also be from stretching. Stretch marks and scars can be removed by massaging cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin E oil or taking capsules.
Creams are good like everyone said especially aloe and vitamin E, but you also need to stay well hydrated. Water keeps your skin elasticized so that it can stretch easily and snap back into place after you give birth without leaving stretch marks. Although there are tons of creams and other skin products on the market that claim to eliminate stretch marks, the truth is that most are ineffective and often costly.
Mix one ounce of carrier oil ( try avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, they are the best ) with seven drops of lavender and five drops of chamomile. To make stretch mark cream, mix 1/2 cup cocoa butter, 1 tsp wheat germ oil, 1 tsp apricot kernel oil, vitamin E oil and 2 tsp grated beeswax. Heat the mixture until cocoa butter and beeswax melt, stir well and store in air tight conditioner.
You can’t make stretch marks go away entirely without the help of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These doctors may use one of many types of treatments – from actual surgery to techniques such as microdermabrasion and laser treatment – that reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These techniques are expensive and are not usually recommended for people in their teen years because they are not finished growing and their stretch marks will probably diminish over time anyway.
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Stretch marks is usually defined as the scarring when the dermis tears just underneath the skin due to rapid skin expansion or growth. The area where the tearing occurs redden over time then takes on a color that is silvery to the naked eye. It is these silvery areas that we know commonly as stretch marks.How is this connected to steroids? Since stretch marks occur when there is rapid growth or stretching of the skin, this can lead to the assumption that steroid hormones and stretch marks actually do have a connection. This is because steroids stunt ordinary growth which is something that our skin is not ready for naturally.Stretch Marks & AthletesMuscle Building – In order to vastly boost athletic performance, some people work out so that it will build their muscles faster and make them more efficient. Most athletes have stretch marks because of this heightened physical activity. It is simply because their dermis is not ready or strong enough to hold together from all the muscle growth and therefore the tearing begins and the stretch marks start to form. This is a common occurrence mostly in bodybuilders. Stretch marks that do occur usually are found where the greatest muscle mass has formed in a short period of time.How Does This Happen?The Glucocoricoids – There are many different theories today that are being tested so that people understand stretch marks even more. One of these theories suggests that they are a result of what are known as glucocorticoids. When these substances are richly present in the bloodstream, they are assumed to cause stretch marks more than anything else.Now, what are glucocorticoids? The interesting part is that these substances are a class of steroid hormones that are produced by the body. We can actually cause the substance to be released when we are in a state of physical or mental stress by producing cortisol which is a group of hormones glucocorticoids belongs to. Bodybuilders do go through a lot of physical and mental stress and this is how we connect the steroid hormones and stretch marks formation.The Connection – When this hormone is released, the body is sent signals and the body will react in many different ways to the stress that released the hormones. This leads us to eat more so that we can balance the glucose that we feel is lost when we are stressed. If this stressed state is prolonged, then there is a greater tendency for the body to burn excess fat a lot slower. We therefore gain weight a lot quicker than normal and this can produce numerous stretch marks around the body where skin is stretched.It is essential to get to the root causes stretch marks so that we might be able to counter the effects or prevent the marks from occurring. But other people who are more wary of their skin can take more natural methods in making sure that they do not produce stretch marks. This involves a good diet and just the right amount of time of exercise.
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Having stretch marks is considered a nightmare by many women. The obsession with physical beauty has made women want to look perfect in every part of their body. Certainly, having breast stretch marks can ruin that unforgiving concept of beauty. The good news is that stretch marks can be somehow avoided and, if you have the money, can be cured.
Dermatology has defined stretch marks, also called as striae, as a form of scarring on the skin caused by the tearing of the dermis, which is the middle layer helping the skin retain its original shape. Stretch marks develop when there is rapid stretching of the skin, which happens during immediate growth in early puberty or in the last stages of pregnancy. When the rapid stretching of the skin overpowers the elasticity of the dermis, causing streaks in a silvery white due to appear on the affected areas, which may be the thighs, buttocks, hips, belly, arms, and/or breasts. This means that, as long as the dermis is supported, no breast stretch marks will occur.
Thus, perhaps the best way to fight breast stretch marks is to avoid getting them. You must ensure the dermis in your chest area remains supported especially when you are experiencing weight gain due to pregnancy or some other cause. To help you do this, use an effective moisturizer, lotion or oil and massage your breasts regularly to help improve blood circulation and the elasticity of your skin. Studies have shown that regular application of Trofolastin or Verum can prevent the development of several depressed skin streaks or stretch marks. Trofolastin is a cream that contains collagen-elastin hydrolysates, vitamin E, and extracts of Centella asiatica, while Verum is yet another creams that contains elastin, hyaluronic acid, menthol, panthenol, and vitamin E. Together, these ingredients provide the supportive material that prevents epidermal and dermal tearing.
There is an ingredient found in creams, ointments, lotions, and other topical medications that claim to lighten stretch marks which you should avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: Retin-A. There have been studies that associated Retin-A with risks in pregnancies. Although there is no proof that Retin-A has adverse effects on mothers who breastfeed and their babies, doctors have advised against using stretch marks solutions containing this substance. Cocoa butter, on the other hand, is one ingredient that enjoys popularity and is highly recommended.
Stretch marks first appear in a color that’s far from your skin color. They are usually born in purple, brown, or reddish color but will soon fade into gray. While stretch marks will totally disappear, breast stretch marks can be cured to lighten fast and blend with the color of your skin so that they will become less noticeable to the unknowing eye.
Some women resort to cosmetic surgery to remove their breast stretch marks. Laser treatments and dermabrasion are some of the technological cures for stretch marks, not only in the breast area but in other areas in the body that have stretch marks.
Stretch marks are more common that you think. In fact, stretch marks are a plague to not only women, but men and children as well. The bad news is that you cannot remove stretch marks 100%, but the good news is that you can treat, cure and reduce them till they are barely visible.
Basically, stretch marks are created when the skin is suddenly stretched, the reduces back to it’s normal size. The stretched part of the skin however has lost it’s elasticity and forms a “bump” scar line that is visible.
It can also happen for both men and women due to rapid weight gain and body-building, as expanding muscles or fat can stretch the skin. When the skin stretched to the extreme, the tiny shin fibers tear up. Besides that, body changes and development such as pregnancy and puberty may also be responsible.
As the saying goes, prevention is the best cure. But most people are ignorant about stretch marks until they can see clear visible lines on their body. By this time however it’s too late. In most cases if you apply the right cream to you skin and drink lots of water, it should be in a condition good enough to keep it elastic. However, those who gain their stretch marks via heredity genes are unlikely to prevent or even diminish it.
One popular way to reduce the appearance of lines is by using stretch mark creams and lotions. It’s a slow process no doubt, but safe and affordable. Creams and lotions for stretch marks can be easily obtained at supermarkets, pharmacies or even purchased online.
The Mustela brand stretch marks cream for example, costs only about $39 online. It actively stimulates the skin cells and favors tissue regeneration, with AHA, silicium and vitamin B5. Other brands worth taking a look at are Decleor’s “Perfect Sculpt” stretch mark restructuring gel cream and HydroPeptide’s Full Body Anti Aging Moisturizer which really helps a lot in terms of repairing or curing your stretch marks.
Products such as the Mama Mio tummy rub oil, a specialist product which that helps prevent the formation of stretch marks, are very popular among pregnant women. Pregnancy is a very critical time for your body, and the chances of stretch marks forming during this period is high, even if you do not already have a history of stretch marks.
If it’s already too late to prevent them, you can also look at other possible methods of stretch marks removal like stretch mark vitamins, laser surgery, collagen, cocoa butter and even some traditional home remedies.
If all else fails you can still cover up your stretch marks using tattoos. It doesn’t have to be permanent – you can always use a temporary tattoo that is washable. It’s perfect for special occasions where your stretch marks will be visible to everyone. Now instead of displaying ugly lines, you have a piece of art on your body which is also a great conversation starter!
So really, don’t worry about stretch marks. You’ll be shocked to know that even celebrities like Kim Kardashian and many others had stretch marks at some point. It’s just a part of your body’s natural functions and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.