Beauty Articles

During pregnancy, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the worst thing that can go wrong for a variety of women. This is a common occurrence during pregnancy, with 50-90% of all expectant mothers being affected by some kind of apparent markings. It generally can be found on the lower stomach area but can be seen on the hips and thighs, on the breasts, and on the butt. Stretch marks are caused by collagen being torn apart from the skin. In the latter months of gestation they can be a bright red or a deeper nearly purplish hue.

Women should make their epidermis as pliant as possible to counter and avoid stretch marks. Well hydrated skin flexes more easily so be sure to consume plenty of water each day. To strengthen the immune system and maintain skin at maximum health it is suggested to take 1000mg of vitamin C every day. Use a sunscreen when going outside to avoid spotting and highlighting marks. Putting on a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and supple is also recommended. Participating in anti-streesing activities such as stretching or cardiovascular exercise will prevent the skin from becoming damaged because of too much stress.

While stretch marks are generally a genetic disorder, there are many activities you can do to encourage the most elasticity of the epidermis. Even during the gestation period women can routinely work out to maximize healthy skin. Women will naturally have to change their physical routine while they are expecting, but low impact and light cardio exercising is healthy for both mother and baby. Avoiding coffee and alcohol, controlling the use of caffeine and carbonated beverages, and eating as nutritiously as possible are all steps that women should take during the gestation period. Pregnant mothers should also avoid smoking during the entire gestation period.

Stretch marks can be dry and irritated as well as ugly even though they are not often painful. They are caused when the epidermis is stretched and altered faster than the collagen fibers can sustain it. Unfortunately, the chance of being affected by striae gravidarium is mostly genetic. There is a good chance you will get them if your mom and aunts or sisters had them. Life choices, nutrition, and physical activity level are other factors that affect stretch marks besides genetics.

Stretch marks can develop in obese people and body builders also. The skin does not have enough time to acclimate to fluctuations in weight when the body changes quickly. Weight lifters will get them as a result of gaining muscle too fast. Someone can also get them from applying creams and solutions that have steroids for an extended period of time. The good news is that they will usually recede and grow lighter in color after a while.

There are many of products out there that promise to be able to prevent and heal striae gravidarium to make them vanish and disappear. While generally not proven to have any lasting effects, some of them may do a trivial amount of good. Surgery is pricey and timely. Often seeing a physician 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.