Removing Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a well-known skin problem, which causes distress and low self confidence to those that have them. Stretch marks are caused when someone gains weight quickly and the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, becomes damaged and broken. Stretch marks are very common and painless, although when they form at first they may be itchy and uncomfortable. Stretch marks can happen in both sexes but are more common in women.
The Causes of Stretch Marks
There are two main reasons for why stretch marks appear on the body. The first is that the skin has been stretched more than normally and the second reason is that there has been a hormonal change in the body that has weakened the skin. It is often a combination of the two that leads to the development of the problem. Stretch marks are a type of scaring on the body and are caused because skin fibers have ripped.
The most talked about cause of stretch marks is pregnancy but there are a lot of other causes as well. People who gain and lose weight can develop this scaring and so can people taking certain medications. Stretch marks can also occur as a part of some disease processes. Anything that interferes with the body's ability to make collagen or elastin can lead to stretch marks and so can anything that stretches the skin beyond normal limits. It is most usual for these stretch marks to appear on parts of the body where there are fat deposits; this is why you see them on the abdomen area, thighs, and breasts. Cited: Reduce-stretch-mark, 2011.
Treatment
There are many ways of removing stretch marks including creams, home remedies and surgery. Thus this article only highlights the following home remedies:
Home Remedy for Stretch Marks Removal
One of the simplest, yet effective home remedies for stretch marks would be to apply lavender oil on the marks, three times a day.
Another home remedy would be to apply Aloe Vera gel on the marks. They would initially, lighten and finally, remove the marks from the body.
Prepare a mixture by adding seven drops of lavender oil and a few drops of chamomile oil to 30 grams of carrier oil (avocado, sweet almond or jojoba oil). Use it to massage the affected area.
Includes lots of green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, liver and dairy products in your diet.
Consume seeds and nuts that contain zinc. They will prove effective in removing stretch marks.
In a blender, mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup Aloe vera gel, liquid from 6 Vitamin E capsules and liquid from 4 Vitamin A capsules. Store it in a container and place it in the refrigerator. Apply this mixture wherever stretch marks appear.
Aroma oil is beneficial in treating stretch marks problem. Apply some of this oil on the stretch marks and massage well.
Rub the affected area with apricot scrub. This is likely to remove the stretch marks gradually.
Cocoa butter is beneficial in treating stretch marks. Apply it two times a day, in the morning as well as in the evening, over the affected area. This would help remove the marks. Cited: iloveindia, 2011.
You can also buy over-the-counter treatments to prevent stretch marks skin problem. These include Vitamin E oil, stretch mark removal cream, coconut oil, butter lotion, olive oil remedy, aloe Vera, cocoa butter. Bio-oil stretch mark removal may be one such specially prepared home remedy formula for both stretch marks and scar removal (scars and acne).
Your diet and taking regular light exercise can go a long way in helping you to maintain a healthy skin, as can drinking plenty of water. An adequate daily supply of water keeps it soft and elastic, so it is less likely to be affected.
A nutritional deficiency can cause stretch marks too; so, to avoid stretch marks, cellulite, and to take care of your beauty, make sure you eat foods, which are known to promote a healthy skin and weight loss, such as nuts, and fish that are rich in zinc. Milk, fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin A, C, D and protein rich food, like fish and eggs. Cited: howtogetridofstretchmarks, 2011.
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Page Created: 28 June 2011
