All About Stretch marks!

How to prevent stretch marks from pregnancy

Stretch marks are a form of scarring generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, bodybuilding and puberty. They result from over stretching of the skin, which disrupts the normal production of collagen, causing a scar. They are also called striae, striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum, lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante.

Stretch marks are a common worry for pregnant women. In fact, they are the most frequent marks of a pregnancy.

What do they look like?
They are reddish - purplish ridges which gradually turn to a pearly white color, indicating actual scarring of the skin.

What causes them?
During pregnancy, under the effect of hormones, the fibres of collagen and elastin which ensure the skin’s structure and elasticity, pull apart. They are replaced by new fibers which are thinner and irregular. The skin covering them is also stretched thinner. The result is a visable scar on the surface of the skin.

Why do they appear?

* Basic hormonal factors
* Tightening skin as a result of weight gain
* Age of mother; pre-pregnancy weight; quality of her natural collagen; and genetics.

Did you know?

* Stretch marks affect more than half of all mothers-to-be
* They occur more often in young women
* There is no connection between the presence of stretch marks and weight gain
* The number of previous pregnancies has no effect on the occurrence of new stretch marks.

So how do we get rid of stretch marks from pregnancy? Here are a few tips

1. Prevent and minimize new and recent stretch marks. Start treating your skin when you first find out you are pregnant with stretch mark creams with AHA moisturizers (they promote cellular activity and growth) and softening oils that help preserve your skins elasticity.
2. Make sure you take care of the skin in the areas where stretch marks is prone to show up. Usually sensitive areas such as: abdomen, breasts, hips and upper thighs.
3. Confirm that any products applied to your body can be used during breastfeeding as some products will be excreted in your breast milk.
4. Like any scar, a stretch mark must not be exposed to sun without appropriate protection.
5. Cream to prevent stretch marks should be applied in a circular massage movement, twice a day. The massage itself is beneficial, as it promotes good circulation and relaxation.
6. Any woman who experiences an abrupt or excessive weight gain may be exposed to the risk of stretch marks. Such weight gains should therefore be avoided.

At Belly & Beyond, we carry a great selection of Stretch mark solutions. Check out our skincare category online!

Source information from: www.mustela.com

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