Beauty Articles

During gestation, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the most feared thing that can happen for a variety of expectant mothers. 50 to 90% of all expecting mothers will be affected by some kind of visible markings during pregnancy. It can appear on the hips and thighs, breasts, and butt but is most commonly found on the lower abdomen. When collagen is seperated from the skin it develops striae gravidarium. They can be light in hue all the way to a dark red or even purplish color in the latter period of pregnancy.

Even though stretch marks are mostly a genetic problem, there are many activities you can do to encourage maximum pliancy of the epidermis. Even during the gestation period women can regularly work out to maximize healthy skin. Low impact and light aerobic exercises are modified activities that women can perform that are good for mother and child also. Pregnant women should eat as healthy as possible by consuming nutritious foods, controlling carbonated sodas consumption, decreasing caffeine consumption, and staying away from alcoholic drinks and coffee. Expectant mothers should also avoid smoking during the entire pregnancy period.

Stretch marks can be dehydrated and irritated as well as unsightly even though they are not painful. They are caused when the epidermis is stretched and changed faster than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Unfortunately, the chance of getting striae gravidarium is largely genetic. If your mom and aunt or siblings had them, there is a high risk that you will be affected by them as well. Lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity level are other factors that affect stretch marks besides genetics.

To avoid and counter stretch marks women should attempt to make their epidermis as elastic as possible. Well hydrated skin stretches more easily so be sure to consume plenty of water each day. 1000 mg of vitamin C per day is advised to strengthen the immune system and keep the skin at maximum health. To avoid spotting and highlighting marks when exposed to the sun, use a sun blocking cream when going outside. Applying a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and supple is also advisable. Because stress can cause breakdowns in the immune system it is advisable to partake in some type of destressing activity such as yoga, cardiovascular activity, and meditation.

Obese people and as bodybuilders can also develop striae gravidarium. With quick bodily changes, the skin does not have time enough to readjust to the fluctuations in weight. Developing muscle too fast results in striae gravidarium for body builders. Someone can also get them from applying creams and solutions that have steroids for an extended period of time. The good news is that even if they might be darker in color at first, they will usually fade and become lighter and less obvious after a few months.

There are a number of products in the world that promise to be able to prevent and heal stretch marks to make them vanish and dissipate. While generally not proven to have any permanent effects, some may do a little good. Surgical options are expensive and timely. Often seeing a dermatologist may be the only way to minimize stretch marks for some women. This type of surgical procedure is not advised until later because many times the body will still have some growing or alternating to do.