Stretch marks are actually little tears in the tissue beneath the skin surface caused during pregnancy, due to the body's inability to deal with the natural weight gain. This weight gain causes the skin to stretch. Specifically the stretch marks are caused because the body can't produce enough collagen to repair the skin.
Some skins have a better capacity to stretch than others, so pregnancy does not necessarily mean you will get stretch marks. Also by using aromatherapy oils you can minimize the scarring and speed up the skin’s healing process.
With a little care stretch marks can be very mild or completely prevented. The best way to prevent pregnancy stretch marks is using a stretch mark cream. Getting regular massages on your arms, legs, breasts and abdomen with a special stretch mark cream is by far the best way to keep stretch marks away.
Aromatherapy stretch mark oil
Add three drops of frankincense and three drops of tangerine oil to a carrier blend of 2 fl oz (50 ml) of avocado oil and 2 fl oz (50 ml) of wheatgerm oil. Frankincense has a rejuvenating effect on your skin and tangerine oil is rich in vitamin C helps to maintain your skin’s elasticity.
Start using this blend from the beginning of your pregnancy, paying special attention to your breasts, tummy, hips and thighs. Massage it gently into all those areas at least once a day. A good time to do this is at night, after your bath, when your skin is soft.
Apart from this, follow these simple tips to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy –
1. A quick weight gain will increase the chance of stretch marks. You need to eat correctly during your pregnancy.
2. Keep well hydrated during the pregnancy. As this will keep your skin hydrated and gives it more elasticity.
3. Exercise during pregnancy, this keeps the muscles toned and keeps the skin flexible.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.
By: Nick Mutt
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Stretch Mark Information and Solutions
Stretch marks (or striae as they are referred to in dermatological terms) are caused when an individual's skin is stretched too quickly: More accurately, the skin is torn rather than stretched. They are most common around the stomach area, breasts, thighs and hips. Both men and woman can suffer from them and they affect the majority of the adult population. Fortunately, for all of us, they pose no health risks and are simply a cosmetic concern. Of course, these concerns grow in the warmer seasons as the amount of our bodies we show, increases.
This stretching occurs when the body grows at a rate that the skin cannot keep up with. They are most commonly associated with pregnancy but are also a normal part of puberty: Body building or quick weight gain can also result in stretch marks.
Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it is overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. It is this collagen which keeps skin tight and supple. There are several external factors which affect the skins natural ability to produce and maintain collagen levels such as a persons diet and smoking.
These collagen levels also affect the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the face. They also largely dictate how other blemishes, such as acne scars, heal.
When they first form, stretch marks appear as reddish purple lines. They appear indented and maintain a different texture to the surrounding skin. Over time, the discoloration does subside, turning lighter and less noticeable. The ability to heal however does vary considerably from individual to individual.
There are several methods of tackling problem stretch marks. These vary widely in both cost and effectiveness. They range from simple solutions such as creams and lotions, up to more extreme and expensive methods such as laser surgery.
What all these solutions have in common are that they assist, in one manner or another, the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. The skin is the largest organ in our body and anyone who has ever cut or scraped themselves, would have seen how it heals itself. Our natural defensive mechanisms are indeed one of the most wonderful things in nature.
Where our bodies do fall short, is that these natural defences do not account for our ongoing desire for aesthetics and looking good. It is here that nature needs a little helping hand. Fundamentally, to overcome this problem, we need to promote what happens in our bodies naturally, but stops once the body deems itself healed. By effectively extending the healing process, we can “trick” the body into healing itself too much - This way it may look and feels as though no physical trauma ever occurred.
By: Christopher Evans
This stretching occurs when the body grows at a rate that the skin cannot keep up with. They are most commonly associated with pregnancy but are also a normal part of puberty: Body building or quick weight gain can also result in stretch marks.
Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it is overstretched, the normal production of collagen is disrupted. It is this collagen which keeps skin tight and supple. There are several external factors which affect the skins natural ability to produce and maintain collagen levels such as a persons diet and smoking.
These collagen levels also affect the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the face. They also largely dictate how other blemishes, such as acne scars, heal.
When they first form, stretch marks appear as reddish purple lines. They appear indented and maintain a different texture to the surrounding skin. Over time, the discoloration does subside, turning lighter and less noticeable. The ability to heal however does vary considerably from individual to individual.
There are several methods of tackling problem stretch marks. These vary widely in both cost and effectiveness. They range from simple solutions such as creams and lotions, up to more extreme and expensive methods such as laser surgery.
What all these solutions have in common are that they assist, in one manner or another, the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. The skin is the largest organ in our body and anyone who has ever cut or scraped themselves, would have seen how it heals itself. Our natural defensive mechanisms are indeed one of the most wonderful things in nature.
Where our bodies do fall short, is that these natural defences do not account for our ongoing desire for aesthetics and looking good. It is here that nature needs a little helping hand. Fundamentally, to overcome this problem, we need to promote what happens in our bodies naturally, but stops once the body deems itself healed. By effectively extending the healing process, we can “trick” the body into healing itself too much - This way it may look and feels as though no physical trauma ever occurred.
By: Christopher Evans
Saturday, April 25, 2009
All About Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks and Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty and laser treatment for stretch marks are two of the most sought after methods to eliminate stretch marks. If you're trying to choose between the two procedures, you should first compare them with each other for you to come up with a more informed decision.
What They Are For
Laser treatment for stretch marks is a relatively new area in cosmetic surgery. Some critics feel that there is a need to study laser treatment for stretch marks further before it can be considered a valid procedure for stretch mark elimination.
Although it is not a procedure for stretch mark removal, abdominoplasty has been around longer than laser treatment and is also used as method for cosmetic surgery. People who want to get a tummy tuck simply want to get rid of a few extra stubborn fats on the tummy that do not respond well to dieting and exercise. The removal of stretch marks is simply an added bonus.
Before the Procedure
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a more risky procedure and it is even considered as a major operation. Your surgeon may require you to undergo some extensive preparation. Your doctor will first spend some sessions with you discussing the procedure, risks and more importantly, assessing your validity as a candidate. You may also have to spend some time being medically counseled about your decision to undergo abdominoplasty.
Compared to tummy tuck, laser treatment is less invasive as a procedure and may even be done by your dermatologist.
Who Are Candidates
For abdominoplasty, candidates should be close to their ideal weight and must only have a certain minimal fat to be removed. They should also be physically and emotionally stable and should have realistic expectations. Sometimes a tummy tuck may not be able to remove all the visible stretch marks. It is also understood that the procedure will leave you with a big external scar.
The best candidate for laser treatment for stretch marks is someone who has fresh stretch marks that are still colored pink or purple. Mature stretch marks may not respond to laser treatment for stretch marks. Some experts also say that there will still be visible streaks but will be less obvious.
Recovery
Compared to abdominiplasty, laser treatment will require less time for recovery. The procedure involves little pain and no external scars at all. Abdominiplasty on the other hand is a procedure that may require weeks of recuperation. You may also experience some swelling and pain on the treated area.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
Compared to abdominaplasty, laser treatment has only very little known side effects. A little temporary reddening of the area may be the only thing you have to endure. In the hands of an incompetent practitioner however, you might suffer from minor tissue injury.
Abdominoplasty may open you up to more side effects and risks. Aside from the swelling and pain, you are also at risk of infections and irritations. A slip from your surgeon may also result in organ damage.
Cost
Laser treatment for stretch marks is considerably less expensive than abdominoplasty. Costs for laser treatment for stretch marks may range anywhere from $400-$1500 while abdominoplasty costs may range from $5,000-$9,000.
By: Maia Pells
What They Are For
Laser treatment for stretch marks is a relatively new area in cosmetic surgery. Some critics feel that there is a need to study laser treatment for stretch marks further before it can be considered a valid procedure for stretch mark elimination.
Although it is not a procedure for stretch mark removal, abdominoplasty has been around longer than laser treatment and is also used as method for cosmetic surgery. People who want to get a tummy tuck simply want to get rid of a few extra stubborn fats on the tummy that do not respond well to dieting and exercise. The removal of stretch marks is simply an added bonus.
Before the Procedure
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a more risky procedure and it is even considered as a major operation. Your surgeon may require you to undergo some extensive preparation. Your doctor will first spend some sessions with you discussing the procedure, risks and more importantly, assessing your validity as a candidate. You may also have to spend some time being medically counseled about your decision to undergo abdominoplasty.
Compared to tummy tuck, laser treatment is less invasive as a procedure and may even be done by your dermatologist.
Who Are Candidates
For abdominoplasty, candidates should be close to their ideal weight and must only have a certain minimal fat to be removed. They should also be physically and emotionally stable and should have realistic expectations. Sometimes a tummy tuck may not be able to remove all the visible stretch marks. It is also understood that the procedure will leave you with a big external scar.
The best candidate for laser treatment for stretch marks is someone who has fresh stretch marks that are still colored pink or purple. Mature stretch marks may not respond to laser treatment for stretch marks. Some experts also say that there will still be visible streaks but will be less obvious.
Recovery
Compared to abdominiplasty, laser treatment will require less time for recovery. The procedure involves little pain and no external scars at all. Abdominiplasty on the other hand is a procedure that may require weeks of recuperation. You may also experience some swelling and pain on the treated area.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
Compared to abdominaplasty, laser treatment has only very little known side effects. A little temporary reddening of the area may be the only thing you have to endure. In the hands of an incompetent practitioner however, you might suffer from minor tissue injury.
Abdominoplasty may open you up to more side effects and risks. Aside from the swelling and pain, you are also at risk of infections and irritations. A slip from your surgeon may also result in organ damage.
Cost
Laser treatment for stretch marks is considerably less expensive than abdominoplasty. Costs for laser treatment for stretch marks may range anywhere from $400-$1500 while abdominoplasty costs may range from $5,000-$9,000.
By: Maia Pells
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