By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-08-23 15:20:47 | Word Count: 664
Stretch Marks, also known as "striae," are unpleasant scars caused by excessive or over stretching of the skins elastic middle layer dermis. Stretch marks most commonly develop during or after pregnancy but rapid weight gain or loss and rapid growth during puberty can also cause the formation of these scars. Although, it is common to see stretch marks in women, men can also get these marks. The reddish scars forming after overstretching of the dermis become silver or white streaks over time. The look and feels of the skin in these problem areas are quite unattractive, and both men and women are not happy to live with these marks for the rest of their lives.
Getting rid of stretch marks permanently when they already reached their last phase is almost impossible. So dont be fooled and spend fortunes on this. Nevertheless, there are many different ways to reduce the appearance of these scars.
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To heal the damage at this depth topical creams and lotions will not be enough. The product that you use should penetrate deeper beyond the superficial layers of the skin. Your best bet is massage oil or stretch mark oil rich in essential oils and vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to help restore skins elasticity. It diminishes stretch marks and prevents new ones from occurring. Vitamin E makes your skin firmer (to resist tearing) and also more elastic (to help it cope with the stretching). Among essential oils, choose wheat germ oil known also as the scar healing essential oil. It contains proteins and minerals that help the skin to recover from rapid stretching, and evens out skin tone.Organic sweet almond oil, organic safflower oil, organic lavender oil are all essential oils that will both diminish stretch marks and prevent them from developing.
Of course, topical solutions will not be enough without the nutrients you need via your diet. To improve elasticity and firmness of your skin, you should increase your daily intake of Vitamins A and E, found in such foods as carrot, pumpkin, raw nuts and seeds, olive oil, eggs, meat, sardines and Wheat germ oil. Don’t forget vitamin C, the main collagen-strengthening vitamin. Eating lots of green leafy vegetables will help boost your vitamin B levels, also very important for skin integrity. The herb Blackthorn is known for maintaining a strong vital force throughout rapid growth at adolescence and makes an excellent strengthening tonic for women during pregnancy. Stinging Nettle tea is also highly beneficial.
Finally, do not forget a good old massage. Massage is said to be the iron of the skin. Many skin care experts recommend regular massage as a very effective way to prevent stretch marks and even cellulite. The premise of massage therapy is the specific stimulation of the skin that leads to profound changes in the muscles and tissues underneath. Try all these techniques to prevent stretch marks from occurring. And make sure you dont go under the knife, because it will not work
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