Beauty Articles

For a variety of expectant mothers, the worst thing that can go wrong to them during gestation is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. This is a common event during pregnancy, with fifty to ninety percent of all expecting mothers being affected by some type of apparent markings. It can develop on the hips and thighs, breasts, and butt but is most commonly found on the lower stomach area. When collagen is torn apart from the epidermis it forms stretch marks. They can be light in appearance all the way to a dark red or even purplish color in the later period of pregnancy.

There are some things you can do to maximize the pliancy of your epidermis even though it is largely a hereditary problem. Besides trying to lose weight (which, during pregnancy, is not advisable for the child's welfare) women can promote healthy skin by exercising regularly, even during the gestation period. Women will of course have to alter their exercise routine while they are expecting, but low impact and light cardio exercising is healthy for both mother and baby. Staying away from coffee and alcohol, limiting the use of caffeine and carbonated beverages, and eating as nutritiously as possible are steps that ladies should take during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should also avoid cigarettes during the whole pregnancy period.

Obese people and as bodybuilders can also develop stretch marks. With rapid bodily changes, the skin does not have time enough to adapt to the shifts in weight. Weight lifters will get them as a result of building muscle too quickly. Somebody can also get them from using creams and solutions that have steroids for a long amount of time. The fortunate news is that even though they might be darker in color at first, they will usually fade and become lighter and less obvious after a few months.

Striae gravidarium is not painful but can often be irritated or dry and certainly can be unsightly. They are caused when the skin is extended and altered faster than the collagen fibers can handle it. Genetics, which for some is too bad, is the dominant component when it comes to getting stretch marks. There is a high risk you will get them if your mother and aunts or siblings had them. Besides heredity, other factors that cause stretch marks are diet, physical activity level, and lifestyle choices.

Women need to make their epidermis as elastic as possible to prevent and avert stretch marks. Drinking plenty of water daily assures well hydrated skin that pulls more easily. To strengthen the immune system and have skin at maximum health it is recommended to take 1000mg of vitamin C daily. To prevent skin spots and worsening marks when exposed to the sun, use a sunblocker when going outdoors. It is also smart to keep the skin hydrated and supple by putting on a moisturizing cream. Participating in anti-streesing activities such as stretching or aerobic exercise will prevent the skin from becoming damaged because of stress.

There are a number of products available that promise to be able to prevent and heal striae gravidarium to make them vanish and dissipate. These products may do a little good but are generally not proven to be good for any permanent effects. There are many surgical procedures, but they can be drawn out and expensive. For a number of women the one way to minimize stretch marks is to get the help of a physician. Often, because the body still has some growing or changing still to do, this kind of surgical procedure is not recommended until later.