Beauty Articles

During gestation, Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks, is the worst thing that can go wrong for a number of women. Fifty to ninety percent of the total expecting mothers will get some type of visible markings during their term. It can develop on the hips and thighs, breasts, and buttocks 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 bright red or even purplish color in the later period of gestation.

While stretch marks are generally a hereditary problem, there are many activities you can do to encourage maximum elasticity of the epidermis. Besides trying to maintain weight (which, during pregnancy, is not advisable for the child's welfare) women can encourage healthy skin by working out regularly, even during the gestation period. Low impact and less intensive aerobic exercises are modified activities that women can do that are good for mother and child also. Pregnant women should eat as nutritiously as possible by consuming nutritious foods, limiting carbonated sodas consumption, decreasing caffeine consumption, and avoiding alcoholic beverages and coffee. Cigarettes should also be avoided by pregnant mothers.

Striae gravidarium can appear in obese people and body builders as well. The epidermis does not have enough time to adapt to fluctuations in weight when the body changes quickly. Body builders will get them as a result of developing muscle too fast. A person can also get them from using creams and solutions that contain steroids for an extended amount of time. The good news is that even though they may be darker in color at first, they will usually recede and become lighter and less noticeable after a little while.

Striae gravidarium can be dry and irritated as well as unattractive even though they are not often painful. They are caused when the epidermis is expanded and altered faster than the collagen fibers can handle it. Unfortunately, the possibility of getting stretch marks is mostly genetic. There is a high chance you will be affected by them if your mother and aunt or sisters had them. Besides genes, other components that cause stretch marks are diet, physical activity level, and lifestyle choices.

To avoid and prevent striae gravidarium women need to try to make their skin as flexible as possible. Consuming lots of water each day assures well hydrated skin that flexes more easily. 1000 mg of vitamin C per day is advised to fortify the immune system and keep the epidermis at top health. Use a sun blocking cream when going outside to avoid spotting and highlighting marks. It is also smart to keep the skin moist and supple by putting on a moisturizing cream. Participating in anti-streesing activities such as stretching or aerobic exercise will prevent the skin from breaking down because of stress.

There are many of products available that promise to be able to prevent and heal stretch marks to make them fade and dissipate. While usually unproven to have any permanent effects, some may do a little good. There are many surgical techniques, but they can be time consuming and very expensive. Sometimes seeing a physician may be the only way to minimize striae gravidarium for some women. This kind of surgery is not recommended until later because many times the body will still have some growing or changing to do.