Friday, February 27, 2009

What to do About Stretch Marks

By Crystal Mathison

Many don't know this, but skin is an organ. In fact it is the body's largest organ. Made from collagen and elastin, it is unique in its ability to stretch. When it is stretched past it's limit, stretch marks may form and they can afflict anyone.

Stretch marks are caused by a few things but the main cause is weight gain. Women are more likely to develop stretch marks than men are. Lots of new mothers get stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Today, 90% of women are prone to pregnancy stretch marks problem. Pregnancy stretch mark occurs during pregnancy because your abdomen gets stretched suddenly and looses its elasticity.

Remember that stretch marks are not a health concern; their impact is strictly cosmetic. When they are first formed they may be red or purple in color, however over time they change into silvery lines. They can in fact be very prominent and a source of embarrassment or self consciousness for many women.

As always, prevention is the best medicine, so if you are pregnancy you should try to prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place. A healthy diet and exercise will slow down the weight gain which helps to avoid stretch marks. Keeping your skin moisturized will make a big difference as well.

When it comes to treating them there are a few options. The effectiveness varies from treatment to treatment and there are no guarantees that they will be eliminated completely. Some choose herbal treatments of daily massage with cocoa butter, olive oil or wheat germ oil.

Another popular choice are the retail stretch mark creams that are available both over the counter and online. Some of these are much more expensive than others, but the best ones will have a money back guarantee so that if you are not completely satisfied you can get your money back. You could also discuss the possibility of surgery with your doctor.

There are many treatment options available and if you are stressed over your stretch marks then you should explore them. Try to keep it all in perspective though and remember that they are a souvenir you can proudly display of your pregnancy. - 15252

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