Beauty Articles

For a variety of expectant mothers, the worst thing that can go wrong to them during pregnancy is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. This is a common occurrence during pregnancy, with 50 to 90 percent of all expecting mothers getting some type of apparent markings. It can appear on the hips and thighs, breasts, and butt but is most most often found on the lower stomach area. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being separated in the skin. In the latter period of gestation they can be a dark red or a deeper nearly purplish color.

Overweight people and as weight lifters can also get striae gravidarium. With fast bodily changes, the skin does not have time enough to adapt to the shifts in weight. Body builders will get them as a result of developing muscle too quickly. Somebody can also get them from applying creams and solutions that have steroids for a long period of time. The fortunate news is that they will usually fade and grow lighter in color after a period of time.

There are several things you can do to maximize the elasticity of your skin even though it is mostly a hereditary disorder. Besides attempting to maintain weight (which, while pregnant, is not recommended for the baby's sake) women can encourage healthy skin by working out regularly, even during pregnancy. Low impact and light aerobic physical activities are modified activities that women can perform that are healthy for mother and child also. Pregnant women should eat as healthy as possible by consuming nutritious foods, limiting carbonated beverage consumption, decreasing caffeine consumption, and avoiding alcoholic drinks and coffee. Pregnant mothers should also avoid cigarettes during the whole gestation period.

To avoid and prevent striae gravidarium women need to try to make their skin as flexible as possible. Consuming lots of water each day gaurantees well hydrated skin that stretches more easily. To boost the immune system and have skin at the most health it is suggested to take 1000mg of vitamin C daily. To prevent skin spots and highlighting marks when exposed to the sun, use a sun blocking cream when going outdoors. Applying a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and supple is also suggested. Participating in destressing activities such as stretching or cardiovascular exercise will prevent the skin from breaking down because of stress.

Striae gravidarium is not painful but can often be itchy or dehydrated and certainly can be unattractive. They are caused when the epidermis is expanded and changed faster than the collagen fibers can handle it. Unfortunately, the chance of being affected by stretch marks is mostly genetic. There is a good chance you will be affected by them if your mom and aunt or sisters had them. Besides genes, other components that cause stretch marks are eating habits, physical activity level, and lifestyle choices.

A number of products claim to make stretch marks dissipate and fade away by recovering and preventing them from coming initially. These products may do a little good but are usually not proven to be effective for any lasting effects. There are many surgical operations, but they can be time consuming and costly. Often seeing a doctor may be the only way to minimize stretch marks for some women. Often, because the body still has some growing or alternating still to do, this type of surgical procedure is not recommended until later.