mommy’s skin

Keep in mind while reading the following article that preventing stretch marks all together may not be possible – whether or not we are inclined to get stretch marks is part of our genetic make-up. Recently it has been shown that certain creams may help to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin’s surface, a theory which may be behind the thought of preparing the skin for the stretching that happens during pregnancy……

It is not easy to determine the best stretch mark cream for you, but researching the better known stretch mark products will get you most of the way there. Some manufacturers make wild claims about how they can eliminate stretch marks in a matter of days, others claim to be the answer to all of your skin care problems.

Can Stretch Marks Go Away Without Treatment?

Well the truth be known, even the best stretch mark creams can only fade stretch marks and result in a less noticeable skin imperfection. Many of the better creams and lotions can effectively make your stretch marks almost invisible, but the usual indentation where the skin has torn can still be felt. The principle behind most creams is to regenerate the damaged skin with new, lighter colored skin cells that blend with the surrounding area.

Unfortunately, to totally remove stretch marks, one must undergo plastic surgery. With this procedure, the area of damaged skin is actually removed, totally eliminating the stretch marks. The downside of plastic surgery is that it is invasive surgery and costs can be prohibitive.

Is Stretch Mark Prevention a Reality?

Talking with a number of women who used a stretch mark cream as a preventative stretch mark treatment during their pregnancies, many believed that the treatments made a significant difference in the number and severity of their stretch marks. According to clinical trials about the efficacy of herbal stretch mark creams in pregnant women over their entire pregnancy period, it was found that the overall incidence of stretch marks occurring in pregnant women was almost three times lower when a herbal stretch mark cream was used. The conclusion was that the natural stretch mark cream penetrated the skin and worked its way into the deeper layers. This increased the suppleness and elasticity of the skin from within, allowing the skin to cope effectively with strains put on it during pregnancy.

Use a Natural Stretch Mark Cream

Based on testimonials and cost effectiveness, the best stretch mark remedy for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy is a product made by Barmon. The Barmon Stretch Mark Cream is an all-natural product that has been marketed for over thirty years with a large base of satisfied customers, many of whom are pregnant mothers. There are other products that claim to aid in stretch mark prevention, but the costs are considerably higher.

A convincing aspect of the natural stretch mark cream is there are no known side effects when it is applied topically. This is not to say that a very small number of users may experience skin irritation similar to an allergic reaction, but this is generally true with any topical cream or lotion. So, for a reasonable price, an individual can make use of natural stretch mark creams and ensure that their incidence of stretch marks will either be prevented altogether or reduced dramatically.

Stretch marks are purplish streaks and scars that normally appear on the buttocks, hips, abdomen, breast, and arms. They are a common side effect of growing too fast. They form when the dermis (the middle elastic layer of your skin) is stretched breaking down the elasticity in your skin. As the elasticity breaks down, the skin tries to reinforce itself with collagen in the over stretched skin, thus causing stretch marks.

Factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks are:

Heredity – some skin types are just genetically predisposed. If you mother had stretch marks, chances are you will.

Weight – excess rapid weight gain as found in pregnancy and bodybuilding or to the other degree excessive weight loss.

Skin type – Some skin types are dryer than others thus having less elasticity, while well-hydrated skin tends to have more elasticity.

Removal and prevention of stretch marks:

Surgical methods – Dermabrasion, chemical peel, and advancement in laser treatments can be used to treat stretch marks. As with any cosmetic surgery, age, skin type, and even diet will influence the results.

Lotions and Crèmes – Advancements have been made with over the counter crèmes. If you are pregnant or body building, consult with your doctor to begin a preventative treatment for stretch marks.

Diet – Maintain healthy hydrated skin by drinking plenty of water. Hydrated skin keeps your skin soft, supple, and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeinated coffee, tea, and soda tend to dehydrate the skin leaving you more vulnerable to stretch marks. Eat foods that promote skin health such as foods high in zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and protein rich foods.

Remember that not all stretch marks are created equal. They age and heal differently depending on the skin type, heredity, diet, and hydration. In time, they will fade, but the best advice is to maintain healthy skin, which will minimize the effects of stretch marks if they should occur.

Following is an article on the basics of how stretch marks are formed and how creams with certain key ingredients may aid in the reduction of the appearance of stretch marks.

Stomach stretch marks, reddish/whitish skin condition produced during pregnancy can make you hesitant about going to the gym, swimming at the beach and even ashamed to take your clothes off in front of your better half. Stomach stretch marks appear as a result of great weight gain and loss, usually due to pregnancy. Pregnancy stretch marks can leave ugly, reddish purple marks covering your hips and breasts, but are especially inclined to mark your belly.

Eradicate Old Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are produced when the skin is pushed beyond its ability to stretch, resulting in tiny tears. Upon healing, these tears are replaced with scar tissue. These rippled and pale scars are what we know as striae, or stretch marks. Because scar tissue contains less pigment than normal skin, they stay paler than the rest of your skin when you tan. Striae often begin as red, angry ripples, which slowly change into silvery white ripples as the years go by.

Besides being one of the most complex organs in your body it’s also the longest. Collagen and elastin, special proteins that give skin its binding nature and elasticity, allow the skin to stretch to extremes. When our skin doesn’t have the necessary amounts of collagen and elastin, stomach stretch marks can appear. In order to avoid stretch marks, it is helpful to rub a high quality cream that contains elastin and collagen regenerative triggers. By rubbing these triggers into your skin, twice a day you can help your skin’s recovery. This is not done with a cream that contains bovin collagen or elastin, those will do no more than temporarily attract moist to your skin. This is done by applying a cream that contains elements similar to those found in our own bodies. You can also use a cream that stimulates the replacement of flawed skin cells and the production of new collagen and elastin to repair striae that have already appeared.

However, skin care creams in the skin care community contain natural activators like those of your body’s own reconstructive processes to avoid and erase stretch marks. These creams trigger and control an orderly production of collagen, elastin and GAGs and the replacement of flawed skin with new skin cells.

An everyday use of (twice a day for a period of time depending on how old and deep the blemishes are) these types of cream dissolves flawed cells, gently fades skin lesions, reduces and even eliminates all signs of stretch marks. It also kills pathogens and stimulates the regeneration of normal collagen, improving elasticity.

This is why buying a natural skin care cream for the stretch marks plastered to your belly or for other skin conditions is a must. The natural components inside these creams may just be the remedy you need.