How to Remove and Avoid Stretch Marks
Stretch marks or striae, as they are called in dermatology, are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue. They are caused by tearing of the dermis, and over time can diminish but not disappear completely. It is a common misconception that stretch marks are solely the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (common in puberty) or weight gain (e.g. pregnancy and/or muscle building) that overcomes the dermis's elasticity. Stretch marks are influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, muscle building etc.Although stretch marks are generally associated with pregnancy and obesity, they can also develop during rapid muscle growth. Medical terminology for these kinds of markings includes striae atrophicae, vergetures, stria distensae, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum (in cases where it is caused by pregnancy), lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante, or simply striae.
Stretch marks are caused by rapid fluctuations in weight, through dieting or as a result of weight gain during pregnancy, for example.
There is almost nothing you can do to avoid them in pregnancy as much depends on your hormones, although controlling your weight gain will help.
Keeping your skin firm and elastic with body lotions can also be helpful. In addition, vitamins and minerals in your diet have been shown to maintain strong connective tissue.
Unfortunately, once the stretch marks have formed, no treatment or cosmetic will remove the scars. However, they will fade, even if they do not disappear completely, with time.
Stretch Marks - Symptoms and signs
They first appear as reddish or purple lines, but tend to gradually fade to a lighter color. The affected areas appear empty and are soft to the touch.
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape. No stretch marks will form as long as there is support within the dermis. Stretching plays more of a role in where the marks occur and in what direction they run. Stretching alone is not the cause.
Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly-button), breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself.
Stretch Marks - Prevention and Removal
Between 75% and 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. The sustained hormonal levels as a result of pregnancy usually means stretch marks may appear during the sixth or seventh month, primarily during the 3rd trimester, as that is when skin tends to be subjected to higher levels of stretching forces. Often, of all the factors involved in stretch mark development, the only one over which an individual can retain control is that of diet.
Only one randomised controlled study has been published which claimed to test whether oils or creams prevent the development of stretchmarks. This study found a daily application of a cream (Trofolastin) containing Centella asiatica extract, vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy. Another study, though lacking a placebo control, examined a cream (Verum) containing vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, elastin and menthol. It was associated with fewer stretch marks during pregnancy versus no treatment.
1. Vit E capsules - cut the end and apply the liquid .
2. cocoa butter - u have to apply it every 2-3 hrs and not let the area dry ..
3. You can use vitamin oil or bio oil and its cheap its not that expensive its better to use it takes up to 2 weeks to clear you have to use it regulary after you bath in the morning and at night and rub it on the area of which the stretch marks are, its better to use bio oil instead of going and having surgery done and costing yourself alot of money!
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