Beauty Articles

During gestation, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the most terrible thing that can happen for a number of expectant mothers. This is a common event during pregnancy, with fifty to ninety percent of all expectant mothers being affected by some type of visible markings. It generally develops on the lower stomach area but can be seen on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the buttocks. When collagen is torn apart from the skin it develops striae gravidarium. In the later months of pregnancy they can be a bright red or a darker nearly purplish hue.

Striae gravidarium can develop in obese people and weight lifters as well. The epidermis does not have long enough to acclimate to fluctuations in weight when the body changes rapidly. Building muscle too rapidly results in striae gravidarium for body builders. Someone can also get them from applying creams and solutions that contain steroids for an extended period of time. The good news is that they will generally recede and grow fainter in color after a period of time.

Striae gravidarium can be dehydrated and irritated as well as unattractive even though they are not painful. They are caused when the skin is expanded and altered more quickly than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Genetics, which for some is too bad, is the dominant component when it comes to getting stretch marks. There is a high possibility you will be affected by them if your mom and aunt or siblings had them. Lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity level are other factors that cause stretch marks besides genetics.

Women need to make their epidermis as elastic as possible to prevent and avoid stretch marks. Consuming plenty of water each day assures well hydrated skin that pulls more easily. To strengthen the immune system and have skin at the most health it is advised to take 1000mg of vitamin C every day. To avoid skin spots and worsening marks when exposed to the sun, use a sunscreen when going outdoors. It is also wise to keep the skin hydrated and supple by putting on a moisturizer. Because too much stress can cause breakdowns in the immune system it is suggested to partake in some type of destressing activity such as yoga, cardiovascular activity, and meditation.

Even though stretch marks are mainly a hereditary problem, there are various activities you can do to encourage the most pliancy of the skin. Besides attempting to lose weight (which, while pregnant, is not recommended for the child's sake) women can encourage healthy skin by exercising regularly, even during pregnancy. Low impact and less intensive aerobic exercises are modified activities that women can do that are healthy for mother and baby also. Pregnant women should eat as healthy as possible by consuming nutritious foods, limiting carbonated beverage consumption, limiting caffeine consumption, and avoiding alcoholic drinks and coffee. Expectant women should also avoid cigarettes during the entire pregnancy period.

Many products promise to make stretch marks disappear and fade away by recovering and keeping them from coming initially. While generally unproven to have any lasting effects, some of them may do a little good. There are many surgical operations, but they can be drawn out and costly. For many women the one way to minimize striae gravidarium is to get the help of a dermatologist. This kind of surgery is not recommended until later because often the body will still have some growing or changing to do.