Friday, July 17, 2009

Reduce Stretch Marks from Pregnancy or Weight Gain


During pregnancy or rapid weight loss or gain, the skin goes into a state of shock. Both men and women can suffer with stretch marks, as a result. While the “suffering” associated with stretch marks is not physically painful or bothersome, dealing with stretch marks can be emotionally exhausting and trying. Some women and men think nothing of their stretch marks while others become so self-conscious they think of little else, especially during bathing suit season. Over the years, many skin experts have weighed in on the issue of how to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Here are a few tips you may want to try if stretch marks are making your life complicated this summer!

Lotions, Creams & Oil Treatments For Stretch Marks

One of the oldest treatments women use for stretch marks is cocoa butter. Even today, many obstetricians suggest using cocoa butter lotion to their pregnant patients. By massaging cocoa butter into the abdomen area before stretch marks appear or even after they are present, the appearance of stretch marks may be diminished. Other skin experts ask their patients to rub Vitamin E oil on their stretch marks after showering, to reduce the appearance of these unsightly skin blemishes. Before rubbing the oil into the skin, be sure to use a loofah or skin brush on the area during showering. Trilastin is also a new stretch mark cream on the market, which promises to get rid of stretch marks. Lotions and creams are usually inexpensive and easy to use, allowing for flexibility within the treatment of the stretch marks.

Vitamin Power In Your Diet For Stretch Marks

Nutrition experts often suggest changing your diet if you want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks in a natural manner. Foods high in Vitamina A, E and C can be very beneficial. If you don’t think you get enough of these vitamins through your diet, take supplements to meet your daily requirements. However, if you’re pregnant be sure to avoid too much Vitamin A. In addition to these vitamins, foods high in Zinc and Silica can also be great for the skin. Beets, brown rice, bell peppers, soybeans, leafy green vegetables and whole grains are great dietary additions. Foods rich with essential fatty acids (vegetables, vegetable oils and fish oils) are also helpful to minimize and preventing the appearance of stretch marks. They help with skin elasticity and collagen growth and can leave your body glowing. In contrast, avoid high fat foods or sugars so you don’t have to hide your body anymore!

Prescription Help To Get Rid of Stretch Marks

While prevention is most important when talking about skin care, if you want to eliminate large or dark stretch marks, you may need to see your doctor. A doctor can help you learn how to use treatments to eliminate and start fading stretch marks, without plastic surgery. Often, many treatments can be done at home while others are done with a laser in the doctor’s office to get rid of scar tissue or striae.

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