Remove Stretch Marks the Easy Way

If you have experienced stretch marks, it was most likely during puberty or a pregnancy where the skin underwent fast weight changes. However, you may be questioning what exactly is the cause of stretch marks and how to reduce stretch marks appearance after they have formed. As a general rule, stretch marks form in those body areas that store large amounts of fat, and they occur in the dermis, the skin layer which determines its shape.

Stretch Marks Defined

Stretch marks begin as actual tears in a thinned or technically atrophic skin, with fine dermal collagen bundles arranged in straight lines parallel to the surface. These marks are created by your own body to heal those tears. The reality is that stretch marks are really scar tissue developed by the body to heal damage caused by expanding skin that is too thin.

Recognized by doctors as “striae” (usually “striae distensae” or, in the case of pregnancy , “striae gravidarum”) stretch marks typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss. They are most prevalent during pregnancy and the teen years, when periods of rapid growth and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body. The reality is that almost 90% of pregnant females form stretch marks.

A little known fact is that the annoying stretch mark is really the most common form of skin lesion. Stretch marks, or Striae, are most commonly located on the breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and flank. You need to know that stretch marks are absolutely normal and aren’t considered a medical concern. The issue is that stretch marks can become an appearance issue and affect a person’s self esteem.

Prevent Stretch Marks - Your First Line of Defense

A secret to prevent stretch marks from developing is to keep the skin moisturized during periods of weight gain or loss. This will help reduce stretch marks and for those that do appear, repair themselve quicker. A process of exfoliation and massaging nutrient-rich natural oils into the skin ,such as wheatgerm, jojoba or vitamin E, will help eliminate stretch marks from your high risk areas.

The Art of Stretch Mark Removal

The act of massaging the stretch mark affected location is important and increases blood circulation to the affected area, also assisting the healing process. Exfoliation of the area will also help stretch marks removal by shedding dead skin cells and allowing the stretch mark removal cream to penetrate deeper into the damaged skin. A warning is warranted though - be careful not to overdo with the exfoliation as it may cause your already damaged skin to become extremely sensitive. Remember, the skin is already damaged so remove stretch marks with care!

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