Stretch Mark Reduction Efforts To Combat Embarrassing Body Marks

How to attain stretch mark reduction is an important concern among most men and women, who carry these embarrassing marks on their body. Known as ‘striae' in dermatology, stretch marks are a form of blemish on the skin characterized by an off-color tone. These scratches are formed mainly due to weight gain or loss, and are observed to be a common occurrence during pregnancy. Most young boys and girls get stretch marks during puberty; since this is the time they experience sudden weight gain. These fine lines are also associated with hormonal influxes also.

Even though our skin is fairly elastic with inbuilt mechanism to contain extra mass, rapid stretching of the skin beyond its elasticity limit upsets the collagen - the major insoluble fibrous protein found in the connective tissue of skin. This disruption of collagen causes scars called stretch marks. Pregnant women get stretch marks in their abdomen due to the sudden over stretching of their skin.

Though these marks do not pose any health risks, concern regarding these marks is high mainly due to the embarrassment it causes to beauty conscious individuals. People try diverse methods to fade stretch marks with the ultimate objective to enjoy a body worth exposing and to regain self confidence. Different stretch mark reduction solutions are highly sought after.

Surgical process is an effective method to remove these scars, but risks associated with it should be taken into account. A whole variety of lotions and creams are available to help in stretch mark reduction. Rubbing the skin daily with protein-rich creams will help in encouraging better blood circulation and hence will reduce the possibility of stretch marks from appearing.

Prevention Is Better

Even though stretch marks become less noticeable in due course of time, severe ruptures in skin are not easy to remove. In the initial stages, with the proper intake and external application of sufficient proteins, one may be successful in getting rid of these embarrassing lines. Once these scars pass the initial stage, getting rid of them becomes nearly impossible. Therefore, adequate care should be taken to fade stretch marks as soon as they become visible. Casual attitude towards this problem in the beginning will make stretch mark reduction a more challenging task.

Taking defensive measures during pregnancy will help in preventing stretch marks. Keeping the skin extra hydrated is the first step to avoid these ugly marks. Viscous, natural oils can be applied on the skin to keep it supple and elastic. Cocoa butter, olive oil or coconut oil can generously be applied on the skin to prepare it for stretching without cracking.

Since weight gain from fat is usually unplanned, stretch marks start appearing all of a sudden. Prevention in this situation is not even thought of, as these marks creep up by surprise. The best way to avoid getting stretch marks is to watch what you eat and thereby keep a check on weight gain. Drinking plenty of water helps in keeping the skin moisturized.

Even though the results of stretch mark reduction efforts seem to be time-taking, the thought of getting a body without any ugly scars and marks makes the efforts and time worthwhile.