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Preventing Stretch Marks: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
By: Low Jeremy
Stretch marks are never a pretty sight. They may cause insecurities among those that have them - especially women. Unfortunately, unlike other types of scars and skin imperfections, stretch marks are pretty hard to get rid of. Given this, it certainly follows that stretch marks are better avoided than treated. And in this case, the old adage certainly applies: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Stretch marks are formed when the skin around an area is stretched beyond its elasticity. This then causes the skin to produce collagen on the stretched skin to cope. When the area then returns to its normal size, the stretched skin plus collagen form a purplish scar like formation that look pretty much like a keloid. (Article Continues Below)
This condition is common among mothers since their skin around the hips, tummy and thighs suddenly expand during pregnancy. Since the skin cannot cope with the stretching that then takes place, stretch marks form. However, stretch marks are not exclusive to mothers, they also occur in people that suddenly gain weight, and people with dry skin or skin that is not elastic. Here are a few ways to prevent stretch marks from forming and some commonly available treatments to combat this skin condition. 1. Moisturizers. For people with dry skin moisturizers are a must to avoid stretch marks. If the skin lacks elasticity, the body is more likely to produce extra collagen and form the stretch mark. Shea butter has been proven to be a great intensive moisturizing treatment. (Article Continues Below)
You could also help moisturize your skin by refraining from wiping yourself vigorously with a towel after a shower. What you should do is gently pat your skin dry in the bath. Better yet, you could pat yourself slightly and let the moisture seep into your skin and evaporate naturally. You could also spray on moisturizing oil while you are glistening moist in the bath.
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