Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. One aspect of child-bearing, however, may not be so welcomed. For 75-90% of pregnant women, stretch marks, or striae gravidum, can appear in the later half of pregnancy. Stretch marks do not pose any health risk to either the mother or child, but can cause anxiety over their appearance for those who develop them. Stretch marks first appear as raised striations which vary in colour from pink, purple or brown, depending on the mother's normal skin colour. Striations develop where fat is stored in the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms.

Stretch marks develop during pregnancy because of rapid and excessive weight gain in areas such as the lower abdomen or thighs. As weight increases, the collagen and elastin in the dermal layer of the skin, responsible for retaining shape and firmness, is stretched to the point of breaking. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, or visible layer of the skin. The elastic fibres in the dermis weaken with stretching and increased cortisone levels normally produced in the last trimester. As these fibres separate and the skin stretches, collagen is overproduced to form scar tissue which result in striations.

There is no cure for stretch marks. The scarring process that has occurred in the dermis cannot be reversed, but stretch marks will flatten, fade and lighten over time. Creams which contain steroids such as hydrocortisone, or active agents like tretinoin (retin-A) should not be used during pregnancy, and especially not during the first trimester when the fetus is highly vulnerable. Plastic surgery methods are available to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as dermabrasion or laser, but treatments are expensive and results vary.

Genetics play a role in whether a pregnant woman will develop stretch marks, but equally influential factors are the condition of the skin and nutrition in determining the onset and severity of stretch mark development. Well-hydrated and healthy skin stretches more easily, so drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and silica, a component in collagen formation, are beneficial.

Lotions, creams and other topical treatments will not reach the dermis, but they can help relieve the itchiness or dryness associated with stretch marks. Keeping the skin moisturized decreases any discomfort that may be felt and if stretch marks are treated when they first appear, their appearance may be reduced significantly. Massaging nutrient-rich natural oils such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E can help heal the epidermis and also increase blood circulation to the affected area, assisting the healing process. Pregnant women should avoid products containing clary sage, basil, cinnamon or thyme, as these might adversely affect the fetus.

Stretch marks eventually fade and become less obvious over time. Maintaining a balanced perspective about stretch marks can keep pregnancy a most precious time for mother and baby.

References:

- http://www.naturalmakeup.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

---

Fashionable Mom

You're a mom and you're still thinking about being 'fashionable'?... Read More

9 Easy Steps To A Pedicure

Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make... Read More

Crazy Contact Lenses ? Freak Out Your Friends!

You've seen them before either in music videos, in theatre,... Read More

Home Tanning Beds Are A Great Investment

If you're like many of us and just have to... Read More

Make Those Brown Eyes Blue

Are you one of these people that were born with... Read More

Self Tanning - Tips for Getting the Best Results

Self tanning products are becoming more and more popular, many... Read More

Winter Skin Care Survival Guide

Skin care survival guide. Cold winter air is far less... Read More

Why Tanning Saloons Are The New Beauty Destination

Tanning is so much in fashion that tanning saloons are... Read More

How to Use Avocado as Your Hair Care Product

Let's role on?life must go on and the life of... Read More

Liposuction, or Baggy Clothes?

Let's face it ladies. There are very few of us... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids treatments have the ability to create a... Read More

How to Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliating dead skin cells is one of the simplest ways... Read More

Dermaglow For Natural Skin

Bring natural beauty to your skin with the launch of... Read More

Deep Skin Moisturizing

When it comes to skin care, moisturizing is usually one... Read More

Mineral Baths: Smart Bathing Versus Hard Bathing

"There is a power of choice- what we do today... Read More

Turning Back the Hands of Time

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department... Read More

Factors that can Influence Your Skin Type

Normal skin typeNormal skin is smooth, finely-textured, soft and supple.... Read More

How to Have Great Looking Skin

Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our... Read More

Sunquest Tanning Bulbs

Sunquest tanning bulbs are a good choice for tanning beds.... Read More

Lip Tips

Nice lips are every woman's wish but as we get... Read More

Can You be TOO Feminine?

I have a client, I'll call Julie. She's a beautiful... Read More

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch

When either cosmetic or plastic surgery are mentioned to us,... Read More

More Care Hair Myths - the Truth and the Lies

We all have a favourite myth about hair care ?... Read More

7 Essential Beauty Tips

BeautyBeauty is defined as the phenomenon of the experience of... Read More

Lease A Tanning Bed - A great option !

You go to the beach and you envy those beautiful... Read More

Fashion Wigs - Change Your Image in Seconds!

Do you want to be a blonde one day and... Read More

Unique Fun Contact Lenses - How To Stand Out In A Crowd

Unique fun contact lenses are what will make you stand... Read More

Manicure at Home

Required items to perform manicure:Bowl with warm soapy waterscrub lotionpetroleum... Read More

Understanding The Dangers Of Tanning Beds

When it comes to getting a tan in a tanning... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

In the following article we will attempt to shed some... Read More

7 Tips to Keep Your Skin Looking Great

1. Healthy Food: Keep your skin fresh and glowing by... Read More

Belly Fat and Cellulite Realities and Remedies

About Consumer products: As a scientist coming from the... Read More

The Advantages of Sunless Tanning Booths

While many people recall seemingly endless hours outdoors soaking up... Read More