Prevent Stretch Marks With Pregnancy
Stretch Marks and Pregnancy
Anyone can get stretch marks. They can occur on any part of the body where rapid weight gain occurs. Body builders and athletes often get them from muscle gain in the legs and arms. Adolescents often get stretch marks when they experience rapid growth spurts. But the group that is affected most by stretch marks is pregnant women. Over fifty percent of women get them after childbirth.
Rapid weight gain causes collagen deposits deep in skin tissue to tear and break apart. Healing tears cause scar tissue to form. This scar tissue is what we see on the skin surface as stretch marks. They usually start out as red or pink depressed streaks. They can be less than ½ inch long up to 4 inches long. In time stretch marks loose their color and turn white or gray.
Avoiding rapid weight gain is the best way to prevent stretch marks. For pregnant women this is not usually possible. Genetics also play a big part in a persons risk for stretch marks. Fair-skinned women tend to get more marks. Dry skin also tends to be less elastic and be more prone to stretch marks.
There are a few steps expecting women can take than can help reduce or even prevent stretch marks. First of all try to stay within the recommended amount of weight gain. Next skin should be kept well moisturized. A daily cream should be applied starting in the first trimester before skin has begun to stretch. Some ingredients that are helpful in moisture retention are Vitamin E, Vitamin A, emu oil, lanolin, and cocoa butter.
Expecting mothers should also follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruits vegetable and greens. Foods that are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, silica and zinc will help skins elasticity and its ability to bounce back after birth. Staying hydrated is also important as are proper prenatal vitamins.
If stretch marks do occur there are ingredients that can be helpful after pregnancy to fade them. Matrixyl is on that has been shown to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. When used in conjunction with aloe, emu oil and vitamin E its effectiveness is increased. A cream with these ingredients must be used regularly over a period of time for results to be seen.
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