Skin Care Articles
Getting Rid of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a hotly discussed topic on web forums and getting rid of stretch marks is the main thing most people are interested in. While it is mainly women that have this issue commonly due to pregnancy, men can also have stretch marks as a result of bodybuilding or sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Stretch marks are actually a scar that develops in the deeper layers of the skin. If there is enough of a stress on the skin, due mainly to too quick a growth under the area of that skin, then the collagen fibres will stretch and strain and the fibres then start fraying.
After repetitive stress and tension they actually break, causing an abnormal surface texture which is crinkled and has lost all its support. So when the skin fibres in the deeper layers break, they create marks on the surface, and these are known as stretch marks.
Most dermatologists advise that prevention of stretch marks is strongly advised as they are much, much easier to handle before they appear. However, getting rid of stretch marks once they have become a reality is able to be achieved with a number of solutions. Some of these solutions may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so consult your healthcare professional if you are in doubt.
1. Drink Green Tea
A popular antioxidant, green tea is known for its various health enhancing properties. Although little is known clinically about its effects on getting rid of stretch marks, some people attest to this and recommend drinking it daily for better results. Since they come in either decaffeinated or caffeinated selections, loose or bagged packaging, you’ve a lot of options when it comes to choosing the one that’s most convenient for your hectic lifestyle.
2. Consume Soy Products
Soy products have always been great for women coping with menopausal issues by keeping hormone levels in check and combating certain ailments. It’s also found to be very beneficial for the skin. For starters, you can get those soy supplements and add them in your meals gradually. Once you’re more accustomed to the taste, you can then add more or cook your meals with soy products directly.
3. Get Some Sun
Although excess sun can be a bad thing and we are constantly reminded about the possibilities of melanoma on television, some sun is essential for health. For example, it is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Just make sure you get morning or afternoon sun and don't be out for long periods in the midday sun. Tanning can make the stretch mark lines fainter but it’s important to apply sun screen first. Sunscreen prevents the exposure of the collagen & elastin within the deeper layers or the skin, reducing the compromising of the skin’s elasticity. We recommend a natural mineral-based sunscreen such as that produced by "Natural Instinct".
While we're on the subject of Vitamin D, D3 is necessary for new skin cell production and complements the function of vitamins A and E in the regeneration process of the epidermis. This vitamin is produced in the upper skin layers upon exposure to sunlight. When this vitamin is applied directly to the affected area, it helps to increase the cellular activity around stretch marks and to rejuvenate skin.
4. Hot Baths and Massages
Increased blood circulation can reduce stretch marks and hot baths and massages are designed to do just that. In the middle of an Australian Summer you're unlikely to want a hot bath so massage may be a better option. And there's no need to pay a professional masseuse, get your partner to help you out, or if he can't be convinced you can always do it yourself as a last option.
5. Squalene Oil
Squalene oil is naturally derived from olive oil isolates. It has very strong regenerative properties when used on skin as it is very similar to natural skin oils. So when applied it acts much like a natural protector and stimulates regeneration of the skin surface. These properties make this ingredient essential to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is also a potent antioxidant and protects your skin from environmental damage while keeping it soft and healthy.If you're serious about getting rid of stretch marks, this oil is an essential part of your program.
6. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract also helps promote skin health. Collagen and elastin are responsible for the skin's elasticity. Grapefruit seed extract helps to promote collagen and elastin production, which strengthens and retextures the skin. For pregnant women, not only does this compound improve the condition of your stretching skin, after the delivery it will also aid in the contraction of your skin to its previous appearance.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant and essential ingredient for skin regeneration. It comes in a number of forms but the type with the highest bioactivity for topical use on the skin surface is alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate the growth of new cells, helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. As such, the stretch marks become thinner, shorter and fade over treatments. As vitamin E stimulates the production of new skin cells, it increases skin elasticity and firmness and helps in the regeneration process helping to reduce the likelihood of stretch marks in the first instance.
8. Stretch Mark Creams
Stretch mark creams are designed to either prevent or remove stretch marks, in some cases they can do both. Stretch mark creams are usually a combination of a number of ingredients, such as those listed above, that will diminish stretch marks resulting from pregnancy and other causes. There are a number of products on the market, however the product that has received the best ratings consistently is Revitol Stretch Mark Cream. It has been around for over 15 years and is a totally natural product. This product is not available in retail stores but can ordered online at www.revitol.com, direct from the manufacturer. You may also wish to read our concise review of this product - Revitol Stretch Mark Cream Review
Getting rid of stretch marks can take a while so patience is required. However. the good news is that there are a number of solutions available that are natural and inexpensive. So, don't lose heart. You can get rid of those ugly stretch marks!