Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks

Author: Lori Stryker

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.

About the author:

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.

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Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks

Article : Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks