How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?

Posted by jones on February 18, 2009

Pregnant women expecting twins, as well as people who have put on extra weight, are in a constant battle to eliminate stretch marks from their bodies. There is also evidence that may link stretch marks to our genes so are we genetically pre-disposed to these unsightly marks, or is there something we can do about them? So once you give birth to your child, what can you do to remove stretch marks for good. Are there any lotions, creams or safe surgeries that one can use to alleviate these dark marks on your skin? What are the best stretch marks treatments?

Give It Time

Mother Nature is your best friend here. That dark, livid, stretch mark coloring comes from ruptured capillaries and small tears just below the surface of your skin. These will gradually fade, ending up anything from a shade or two lighter than your normal skin tone to translucent white. Most people will hardly notice them.

And post-pregnancy hormones (oxytocins) will speed the process, if you let them do their job.

In a few unlucky individuals, preventing pregnancy stretch marks doesn’t work and the resulting scars just don’t fade. In such cases, all the creams, hydration and healthy nutrients in the world won’t work.

If this describes your situation, you may need to turn to laser surgery or chemical peels. These procedures can provide the boost you need by stimulating your natural collagen production and tightening flaccid skin. Be warned, however – both are expensive. And chemical peels won’t work on naturally dark-toned skin.

Topical Creams And Lotions

Applying topical creams and lotions is the first thing most people do. It can actually be helpful, for two reasons:

If you pick a good cream, it can help your skin heal, providing anti oxidants, moisture and relief from further irritation that makes you scratch (and damage!) your already-traumatized skin

The regular massage and oxygenation that rubbing creams and lotions into your skin provides can actually help kick-start natural collagen production.

Just make sure you pick a good skin care product, one that does contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, A and E – and doesn’t contain toxic chemicals!

Bad ingredients to watch out for: petroleum or petrolatum products, parabens, dioxanes, Triclosan and alcohol. (The latter is not toxic, but very drying, and can open the way to fungal infections if it destroys your pH balance.)

Foods That Can Help

It is important to keep your body well hydrated. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily is important to ensuring your skin stays well hydrated as this will aid in eliminating toxins. Many foods and drinks can also cause your skin to feel and look dry. Try cutting back on caffeinated drinks as well as other fatty foods that can dry out the skin.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants that contain large amounts of E and C, as well as foods high in fiber, are all excellent in helping to get rid of toxins and wastes from your skin.

Also a diet that contains lean meats, citrus fruits, vegetables, eggs and fish all contain potent vitamins and minerals that aid in the healing of the body a lot faster. These foods will help the skin to glow and stay healthy all year round. They are also excellent to aid in shedding that extra weight you have gained after your pregnancy.

Trying to eliminate stretch marks while pregnant can prove to be a difficult task but adopting a triple style approach may go a long way to preventing them from occurring. This includes eating a proper diet and keeping the skin hydrated, skin massage, and proper moisturization. Time is also one of the best healers. Try and not to worry and allow mother nature to do its job.

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