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CLICK HERE to Find How You Can Erase Your Stretch Marks for Good |
Stretch marks
are narrow streaks or lines that develop on the surface of the skin.
They
are often referred to by doctors as Stria or Striae and Striae Gravidarum during pregnancy. The areas of the body most often
affected by stretch
marks are the abdomen (tummy), buttocks, and thighs.
They
develop when the the skin is stretched suddenly and the middle layer of your skin (the
dermis) breaks in places, allowing the deeper layers to show through. The
dermis can be stretched:
·
during
pregnancy
·
as
a result of weight gain
·
due
to growth spurts during puberty
Stretch marks
are often red or purple to start with and will gradually fade to a
silvery-white color. They are usually long and thin. Read more about the
characteristics of stretch marks.
Can
I get rid of stretch marks?
Most
stretch marks are not particularly noticeable and will fade over time. If
you have stretch marks that are unsightly or which affect a large area of your
body, there are treatments available. Creams, gels or lotions, laser surgery
and cosmetic surgery are all used to treat stretch marks.
However,
there is little in the way of medical evidence to show that these treatments
are effective, so it's important to be realistic about what they can achieve.
Also, laser treatment and cosmetic surgery are not available on the NHS, so
treatment can be expensive.
You
should see your GP if your stretch marks do not seem to be linked to weight
gain or growth because they might be a sign of another condition. In rare
cases, stretch marks can be a caused by conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome
or Marfan syndrome.
Preventing
stretch marks
In
some situations, such as during pregnancy, it isn't possible to prevent stretch
marks. However, controlling your weight and looking after your skin can reduce
your risk of developing them.
Stretch
marks are very common and cannot be prevented altogether. However, the
following advice may help reduce your risk of developing stretch marks.
Healthy
weight
Gaining
weight rapidly over a short period of time is one of the most common causes of
stretch marks. Diets that cause your weight to quickly go up and down can cause
stretch marks to develop because your skin is stretched by the sudden increases
and decreases in your size.
Therefore,
avoiding rapid weight gain and weight loss can help prevent stretch marks from
occurring.
If
you need to lose weight, you should do it slowly by eating a healthy, balanced
diet and getting plenty of regular exercise. You should not lose more than
0.5kg (1lb) a week.
Skincare
Massaging
your skin every day with moisturizer or a massage glove can help improve your
circulation and encourage new tissue growth. It is also important to eat a
healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E,
vitamin C, and the minerals zinc and silicon. These vitamins and minerals will
help keep your skin healthy.
During
pregnancy
Stretch
marks that develop during pregnancy are usually due to hormonal changes that affect
your skin. However, gaining pregnancy weight steadily may help minimize the
effect of stretch marks.
During
pregnancy, it is normal for a woman to put on weight over a relatively short
period of time. However, it is a myth that you need to 'eat for two', even if
you are expecting twins or triplets.
You
do not need to go on a special diet if you are pregnant, but you should eat a
variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients for
you and your baby. Your diet should be rich in whole wheat carbohydrates, such
as bread and pasta, as well as fruit and vegetables.
During
pregnancy, your weight gain should be slow and gradual. The amount of weight
you put on will depend on the weight you were before you became pregnant. It is
normal to gain 1-2kg (2.2-4.4lb) over the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
As
a rough guide, during pregnancy, women who are:
·
underweight
(have a BMI of less than 18.5) should gain 12.7-18.1kg (28-40lb)
·
a
normal weight (have a BMI of 18.5-24.9) should gain 11.3-15.9kg (25-35lb)
·
overweight
(have a BMI of more than 25) should gain 6.8-11.3kg (15-25lb)
·
Obese
(have a BMI of more than 30) should gain 5-9.1kg (11-20lb).
Speak
to your GP, midwife, or health visitor if you are worried you are not gaining weight
at a healthy rate, or if you are concerned about your stretch marks.
Watch
this Video – How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast and Naturally - It Works!
By Justin E King, author of the Erase Your Stretch Marks
program. This program will teach you the natural ways to treat your stretch
marks, how to minimize them, how to get rid of them by using some homemade
cream recipes and nutritional guidelines. For more information about this
program, CLICK HERE to Find Out How to Remove Stretch Marks.
