Beauty Articles

For a number of expectant mothers, the most horrible thing that can happen to them during pregnancy is Striae gravidarium, or stretch marks. 50-90% of the total expectant mothers will get some kind of visible markings during their term. It can show up on the hips and thighs, breasts, and buttocks but is most most often found on the lower stomach area. Striae gravidarium are caused by collagen being torn apart from the skin. In the later months of gestation they can be a bright red or a darker nearly purplish color.

Women need to make their skin as elastic as possible to prevent and avert striae gravidarium. Consuming plenty of water daily gaurantees well hydrated skin that pulls more easily. To strengthen the immune system and maintain skin at maximum health it is suggested to take 1000mg of vitamin C daily. To prevent spotting and highlighting marks when exposed to the sun, use a sunscreen when going outdoors. Putting on a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and supple is also suggested. Because too much stress can cause breakdowns in the immune system it is recommended to partake in some type of anti-stressing activity such as yoga, cardiovascular activity, and meditation.

Striae gravidarium can appear in obese people and weight lifters also. With rapid bodily changes, the skin does not have time enough to adapt to the shifts in weight. Gaining muscle too quickly results in stretch marks for weight lifters. Somebody can also get them from applying creams and solutions that have steroids for a long amount of time. The fortunate news is that they will generally recede and grow fainter in color after a period of time.

Stretch marks can be dehydrated and itchy as well as unsightly even though they are not often painful. They are caused when the epidermis is extended and altered faster than the collagen fibers can handle it. Unfortunately, the probability of being affected by stretch marks is largely genetic. 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 eating habits, activity level, and lifestyles.

There are many things you can do to promote the elasticity of your epidermis even though it is mostly a hereditary problem. Even during the gestation period women can routinely exercise to maximize healthy skin. Low impact and light aerobic physical activities are modified activities that women can perform that are good for mother and baby also. Avoiding coffee and alcohol, limiting consumption of caffeine and carbonated drinks, and eating as nutritiously as possible are all steps that women should take during the gestation period. Expectant mothers should also avoid smoking during the entire gestation period.

There are a variety 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 trivial amount of good but are generally not proven to be good for any lasting effects. Surgery is pricey and time consuming. Often seeing a dermatologist may be the only way to counter striae gravidarium for some women. Commonly, because the body still has some growing or alternating still to do, this type of surgical procedure is not recommended until later.