Healthy Lifestyle

What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are skin lesions that occur when skin is pulled rapidly and the problem is caused by rapid weight gain. Although most of us tend to associate the problem of stretch marks with women, post-pregnancy, the problem is not restricted to women alone. The problem of stretch marks has become increasingly common with many being afflicted with the condition, particularly after resorting to fad diets and medications for rapid weight loss.

Symptoms of Stretch Marks

When skin is excessively pulled it hampers the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, causing them to thin out and weaken. This causes the skin to stretch and discolor. When stretch marks first appear, they take on an angry red color. The skin is stretched so much that it appears transparent and the blood vessels show through; this is what gives the marks the red color. Over time the blood vessels contract and leave the skin looking pale. This whitish color that replaces the red comes from the body fat that is visible through the stretched skin.

Causes of Stretch Marks

This may be a result of pregnancy, when the skin gets pulled as the belly size increases, as a result of puberty in teens experiencing a growth spurt, a side effect of obesity or of illnesses like diabetes. Stretch marks usually appear on the abdomen and thighs

Remedies for Stretch Marks

While stretch marks don’t vanish, they do fade with time. The use of over the counter creams and ointments helps the scars fade. One such effective ointment is cocoa butter cream. It is widely available and will help moisturize skin and is effective in smoothing out scars. In extreme cases patients seek laser therapy and surgery to correct the scars left on the body. These are painful and invasive treatments that serves no great cause. So instead of taking such a drastic step, it would be better to opt for simple and effective home remedies for stretch marks. Though the marks won’t vanish over night, they will fade away with proper treatment and dieting. Try some the following home remedies and observe the progress:

• Lavender Oil – Lavender oil is a highly recommended home remedy for stretch marks. Rubbing a few drops of lavender oil on the affected area twice a day ensures the scars fade quickly. Applying olive oil is also very effective.

• Sandalwood – A great preventive measure for stretch marks is applying sandalwood on the skin daily. It keeps the skin moisturized and prevents it from stretching.

Diet for Stretch Marks

An important aspect in the treatment of stretch marks is eating right. Eat foods that are good for your skin. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin A, C and D. These foods improve skin tone and minimize blemishes. Zinc rich foods like nuts and fish also help diminish scars on skin. It is also of great importance that you drink lots of water through the day.

Suggestions for Stretch Marks

For anyone fighting off stretch marks, it is important to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily schedule. Exercising helps tone and firm up muscles, which in turn firms the skin. Yoga is a good option as it allows you to stretch and tone every muscle in the body