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Monday, July 27, 2009

Stretch Marks - What's The Most Effective Form Of Treatment?

By Meghan D. Ernest

While stretch marks aren't a serious medical condition, they can often be a source of frustration and embarrassment for those who have them. Most women will be forced to deal with them at some point, and they can be caused by many different things. If a person gains weight suddenly, or gets pregnant, or has dry skin or lives in a dry climate, they have a much higher chance of getting stretch marks.

Why do stretch marks happen? They happen because the uppermost layer of the skin gets stretched, making tears that are too small to be seen. As these heal, the skin is left wrinkly and sometimes discolored. Most of the time, stretch marks fade as time goes by, but sometimes they remain no matter what you do. Some have no other option but to get corrective surgery for stretch marks, and while they can't always be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight and taking care of your skin will definitely help.

Other possible causes for stretch marks are poor nutrition, dry skin, and up-and-down weight gain/loss. All of these factors can contribute to the breakdown of your skin's natural collagen and elastin, making your skin lose its resiliency and giving you those dreaded stretch marks. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of getting stretch marks, or to treat ones you already have.

Exercise on a regular basis. It increases circulation to all parts of the body (including the skin, keeping it supple and toned). A workout that makes you break a sweat keeps your pores clear of toxins, which will stimulate the skin's natural renewal process.

Fresh skin is more evenly textured and resilient, which will prevent stretch marks from forming. A good workout will reduce stress and possibly keep hormones balanced, which will help your skin stay healthy.

If you don't already, choose a good moisturizer and apply it consistently. Ideally, your moisturizer will contain vitamin E, and cocoa or shea butter. Apply it twice a day, preferably after a bath because that will seal moisture into your skin. Remember, consistency is key!

Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Your metabolism will stay high and your skin will be healthier. Choose foods that are rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. They will improve the condition of your skin and stimulate cell turnover, building stronger skin and reducing your chances of getting stretch marks.

Laser treatments work well for facial rejuvenation, but they can also be used on other parts of the body. Non-ablative lasers, like Fraxel, will remove the top layer of skin, which is where stretch marks appear. A fresh and new layer will develop within a few weeks, smoothing out your marks and leaving behind more youthful skin.

Some cosmetics and skin care products work against stretch marks, also. Those that are loaded with vitamins (such as vitamin A and vitamin E) are excellent at preventing stretch marks from forming, as well as treating ones that are already present.

If you'd rather go the all natural route, there are many herbal remedies that are proven to make skin more smooth and resilient. Products with ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin A, aloe, and olive oil work best when they are applied to the stretch marks. All of these things will deeply moisturize your skin, making it more resilient and elastic.

Home remedies, while not as quick acting as a surgical procedure, can and do provide results. Things like oatmeal and egg whites will over time make stretch marks less noticeable, and new skin will grow in. With these slower-working remedies, you must be consistent to see results.

Unfortunately, there's no real way to guarantee that you won't get stretch marks. Most cases can be minimized through a balanced diet and a good workout program. Most of us will have to deal with stretch marks eventually, and no matter how you choose to treat them, it is possible to maintain healthy and stretch mark-free skin. - 17273

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