Beauty Articles

For a number of expectant mothers, the most feared thing that can happen to them during pregnancy is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. This is a common event during pregnancy, with 50 to 90 percent of all expecting mothers being affected by some kind of apparent marks. It generally develops on the lower stomach area but can be seen on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the butt. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being separated in the skin. In the later period of pregnancy they can be a dark red or a darker nearly purplish hue.

Striae gravidarium can appear in overweight people and body builders as well. With fast bodily changes, the skin does not have enough time to acclimate to the fluctuations in weight. Weight lifters will get them as a result of gaining muscle too quickly. Somebody can also get them from using creams and solutions that have steroids for an extended amount of time. The good news is that they will usually recede and grow lighter in color after a while.

Striae gravidarium is not painful but can often be itchy or dry and certainly can be unappealing. They are caused when the skin is expanded and altered faster than the collagen fibers can handle it. Genetics, unfortunately for some, is the key component when it comes to getting stretch marks. There is a high risk you will get them if your mom and aunt or siblings had them. Besides heredity, other components that cause stretch marks are eating habits, activity level, and lifestyles.

There are several things you can do to promote the elasticity of your skin even though it is mostly a genetic disorder. Besides attempting to lose weight (which, during pregnancy, is not recommended for the child's welfare) women can promote healthy skin by exercising frequently, even during the gestation period. Women will naturally have to alter their physical routine while they are expecting, but low impact and light aerobic exercising is healthy for both mother and child. Staying away from coffee and alcohol, limiting consumption of caffeine and carbonated sodas, and eating as nutritiously as possible are steps that women should take during pregnancy. Expectant women should also avoid smoking during the whole gestation period.

To avert and counter striae gravidarium women need to try to make their skin as pliant as possible. Well hydrated skin pulls better so be sure to drink plenty of water daily. 1000 mg of vitamin C daily is advised to boost the immune system and maintain the skin at maximum health. Use a sunscreen when going outdoors to avoid skin spots and worsening marks. Putting on a moisturizing cream to keep the skin moist and supple is also advisable. Participating in destressing activities such as yoga or cardiovascular exercise will prevent the skin from becoming damaged because of too much stress.

A variety of products claim to make stretch marks dissipate and vanish by recovering and keeping them from coming in the first place. These products may do a trivial amount of good but are generally not proven to be good for any permanent effects. Surgery is pricey and time consuming. For a number of women the only way to counter stretch marks is to get the assistance of a physician. This type of surgical procedure is not advised until later because often the body will still have some growing or alternating to do.