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Tips for preventing Stretch Marks in pregnancy and weight loss/gain
It is important to understand the functioning of the skin and what are the possible causes leading to stretch marks. The skin has three layers: epidermis-outer layer, dermis-middle layer and the subcutaneous stratum, which is the innermost layer. Stretch marks occur in the dermis due to constant stretching over a period, which results in the skin becoming less durable and elastic. This may be due to excessive exercise, weight gain or rapid weight loss and most commonly, due to pregnancy- when the skin stretches to accommodate extra fat; thus, stretch marks form when small connective fibers within the dermis start breaking apart.
Appearance and Causes of Stretch marks: weight gain or weight loss
The raised pink, reddish brown or dark brown lines that gradually change into a brighter violet or purple can be identified as stretch marks that fade to a lighter color than even the natural skin tone, given time.
- Most growing girls develop stretch marks during adolescence as the skin swells and develops along with bodily changes and stretch marks appear because of weight gain. Some may develop stretch marks due to binge eating or fad diets, involving periods of eating, starvation, purging or other extreme steps, which result in quick weight loss, accompanied by stretch marks. These are unhealthy practices and should be avoided.
- The abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs, hips and the butt are the commonly afflicted areas of the body. Pregnancy, too, brings along its share of stretch marks as the female body skin stretches to accommodate another living being and weight gain is imminent.
- Avoiding fatty foods, balanced meals with 8-10glasses of water daily, sufficient moisturizing and effective exercises helps maintain moisture level in the body and prevent further stretch marks.
- Pregnant women are advised to watch their weight and eat healthy, with eating for two being increasingly regarded as an old wife’s tale and eating the correct proportion of fruit, vegetables and white meat, being the solution to maintaining ideal weight and preventing stretch marks.
Tips for treating and preventing stretch marks
- It is extremely important for pregnant women to control the weight gain-though inevitable-through light physical activities, eating right and massaging/moisturizing the body with Vitamin-E or lanolin based creams, which are extra greasy and provide nourishment for the skin.
- A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can provide correct information about surgical techniques, micro-dermabrasion and laser treatments, which are cosmetic options for removal of stretch marks.
- Skin care products containing essential natural oils help lighten stretch marks and improve the look of the skin. Depending on the severity and location of the scar tissue of stretch marks, exfoliation - removing layers of dead skin and unveiling soft, fresh skin- may be helpful in minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.
- Oatmeal or baking soda is a home remedy for new stretch mark treatment but fragranced moisturizing formulas are commercially available too.
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