5 Ways to Reduce Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur during the mid to final stages of the pregnancy life cycle. They can appear anywhere on your breasts, abdomen, upper legs on the thighs and hips and insides of upper arms. They also occur in those parts of the body that store more fat. Fair skinned women are more prone to stretch marks than dark skinned ones.
Causes
Some factors that trigger stretch marks are:
- Rapid weight gain in your body during pregnancy
- Presence of increased levels of hormones such as glucocorticoid, relaxin and estrogen
- Naturally dry or itchy skin
- Hereditary in your family
Symptoms
Some symptoms that identify the presence of stretch marks are:
- Scars on your tissues when the skin stretches
- Itchiness as the skin becomes dry and stretches
- Pink or reddish in colour and indented in nature.
Prevention
There is no proven method to prevent stretch marks. Some studies suggest retaining a moisturised skin by massaging the skin upward with oils such as olive oil, almond oil and coconut oil. These enhance the elasticity of the skin and avoid itchiness and dryness thus preventing stretch marks.
Treatment
Some ways to minimise stretch marks are:
- Ensure a healthy balanced diet. Foods enriched in vitamin E and Vitamin C contain nutrients that are essential for healthy skin.
- Maintain the weight gain recommended by your doctor and do not exceed it.
- Drinking a lot of water also helps to maintain a healthy skin.
- Exercising regularly reduces the visibility of stretch marks.
- Moisturisers that prevent itchy or dry skin. However, you may want to use a medicated one after discussing with your doctor.
There is a surgical option to remove stretch marks after your pregnancy as well.
