You are here: Home / Archives for pregnancy stretch marks

Tips on Avoiding Stretchmarks during Pregnancy

Stretchmarks are the result of tearing of the elastic tissue of the skin caused by too much stretch.  The weight gain during pregnancy is a major factor in the formation of stretch marks on the thighs, abdomen but also on the chest. The weight gain, coupled with a disruption of hormonal balance of the pregnant woman is the main cause of stretch marks.

The stretchmarks appear during the advanced stages of pregnancy and even after you regain your figure, they do not always disappear completely: in fact, some skins are less resilient than others and will remain forever marked. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stretch Mark Prevention Tips

Stretch Mark Prevention Tips

Stretch marks are a common problem among women – especially during pregnancy. But stretch marks can be either avoided or removed once they are there. What are ways to prevent stretch marks from happening in the first place? One of the most important things you can do to prevent stretch marks is to maintain very healthy skin. Healthy skin is the foundation you need to prevent stretch marks. Below are some options to consider so that you can keep your skin looking its best and eventually prevent stretch marks from occurring.

Food: Make sure to eat from a variety of foods that promote healthy skin. Foods to consider are rich in zinc, Vitamins A, C, and D, as well as sufficient amounts of protein. Fruits and vegetables offer all you need and never get boring due to the large variety of available options.

Hydration: Drink at least eight 8 oz. of water daily. If you drink caffeinated drinks, you will need to increase the amount of water by at least 1/3. Water helps keep you entire body healthy and it is a critical factor to keep you skin more elastic and young to help prevent stretch mark formation.
 
Workout: Physical exercise programs keep your entire body healthy which, in turn, promotes healthy skin. You can opt for certain exercises that strengthens your abs and upper body skin. A nice side effect is a great looking body.
 
Scratching: Don’t scratch the areas where you are likely to get stretch marks. The skin is already under stress in those areas and you will make things worse. The skin should be gently massaged with oils or lotions (especially stretch mark prevention lotions) if it feels itchy. Scratching pulls and stretches the outer and middle layers of skin and can set up your skin for more damage. Massaging is not only good for your skin, it might also be a nice way to add some romantic moments with your partner. Let your partner be the active one giving you the massage while you enjoy the moment and relax at the same time. Another positive of a massage is increased blood circulation that helps to stimulate new cell growth – an important factor when it comes to preventing stretch marks.

If you are pregnant, try to stay within the healthy weight gain limits of 25-45 pounds. Consult with your OBGyn as needed. Sudden spurts of growth can occur during pregnancy as you know. This can cause your weight to grow too quickly for the skin to keep up and therefore increases your chance of stretch marks forming. If you experience large growth spurts, use a stretch mark cream or ointment more than once daily in the areas you are likely to develop stretch marks.

External Resource: Natural Skincare Products

Prevent Stretch Marks from Pregnancy

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , , , ,

Pregnancy and Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Pregnancy and Stretch Marks

Pregnancy Stretch MarkAre you afraid of stretch marks during or after pregnancy? As you probably know or have seen first hand – your skin does not bounce back if it’s been stretched by rapid growth due to having a baby (pregnancy), sudden weight gain, or extreme weight loss when being obese. Stretch marks can often start off as reddish or purplish in color. Stretch marks then eventually become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white color. Several medical studies have shown that stretch marks are often among the top five causes for insecurity and depression in women – especially after pregnancy.

What can I do about stretch marks? Several options are available today. The easiest (and most expensive) option is surgery. This expensive procedure is not covered by your health insurance and is considered cosmetical even in cases where it causes depression. You would think that health insurances would weigh the cost of treating depression compared to surgery, but they don’t do it. Your best alternative option to prevent stretch marks or to get rid of stretch marks after pregnancy is a combination of using special lotions and cremes + physical exercise. Several over the counter stretch mark treatments are available. If you want to start a treatment during pregnancy, please consult with your doctor first. Usually these treatments are safe, but baby’s health is your highest priority. Some stretch mark prevention cremes already have a proven record of being safe for you and the baby.

If you already had your baby, you are in a good position. These stretch mark lotions have shown good results among women of any age. Stretch Mark prevention cremes increase the production of your own body’s natural collagen and as a result your skin will become stronger and its natural elasticity will be increased. As a result the stretch marks will disappear fairly soon. Combine the treatment with physical exercise and you win twice. For one your stretch marks disappear even faster and you will be back to your pre-baby weight in no-time. Physical exercise is also a huge health booster.

Conclusion: You can already start stretch mark treatment during pregnancy and kick the process into high gear as soon as baby has arrived.

Prevent Stretch Marks from Pregnancy

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: , , , , , , ,