Do You Have Stretch Marks?
In these times of cultural emphasis on physical perfection,
anyone who is struggling with stretch marks on their skin may be
concerned about their appearance, their location, and their
marring of otherwise healthy-looking tissue. Yet most stretch
marks are harmless in themselves; they merely represent the fact
that skin in a certain area has been pulled or stretched beyond
its original position or placement on the body, which can occur
during pregnancy when the abdomen increases to accommodate the
growing baby, or during weight gain, as extra pounds pull the
skin beyond its original boundaries.
Sometimes stretch marks appear of their own volition, depending
on your skin's elasticity and the type of exercises or daily
movements you make that could impact your skin's conditioning.
Dry skin may seem to shrivel in spots and lose its elasticity,
producing reddish squiggly lines that will eventually shrink and
fade, but perhaps not quite disappear. Although millions of
people live with this condition and don't seem to mind a certain
amount of stretched skin area, others fight the appearance of
stretch marks with vehemence, determined to make their body as
beautiful and smooth as it was before these tell-tale wrinkles
appeared.
As with most unwanted conditions, prevention is the best
treatment. To avoid the appearance of those fine lines on areas
that are most likely to be affected, including the abdomen,
thighs, buttocks, and the underside of the upper arms, make a
point of eating a healthy diet. Most of us need at least two
fruits and three fresh or cooked vegetables each day, along with
a well-balanced set of meals that provide the nourishment we
need to get and stay healthy. Some people may even want to take
a multivitamin to be sure they are getting adequate protection.
Another thing that some experts recommend is to drink at least
eight glasses of clear fluids daily. Water helps to rinse away
bodily debris to keep skin supple and clear. Some medical
researchers believe that drinking plenty of water can improve
circulation and cleanse the body of toxins, both of which may
help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Avoid gaining extra pounds. Your frame has only a certain
ability to accommodate all the weight you put on. After the
limit is reached, extra tissue in the form of excess weight can
become stretched and dimpled to create an unattractive and
unhealthy impression. If you are already overweight, consult
your doctor about a plan to lose the extra pounds.
Women who plan to get pregnant should follow a sensible diet.
They also may want to rub baby oil or cocoa butter on their
abdomens to keep them supple. Some women claim this helps to
prevent the formation of stretch marks. Ask your doctor if this
might work for you.
Of course, if all else fails, wear clothes that cover the
offensive marks. But chances are that no one but you would
notice them anyway, so bear them proudly as evidence of your
life-giving ability, if you are a mother, or of your successful
weight loss efforts if the marks are due to pounds you have
lost.