Stretch marks are fine lines that form on the skin after a period of "intense growth" such as pregnancy , puberty , weight gain, and weight loss. Pregnancy appears to be the main cause of stretch marks. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 52 to 59 percent of pregnant women notice stretch marks during pregnancy. Some estimates are much higher referring to 90 percent.
Other factors in the development of stretch marks include:
- steroids
- genetic predisposition
- hormonal imbalance
- breast augmentation surgery
- medical conditions ( e.g. 's syndrome)
- long-term use of corticosteroids
- chronic illness
- obesity.
Despite attempts by the pharmaceutical industry to cash in on attempts to eliminate stretch marks , home remedies are more effective.
Here are some ways to prevent stretch marks from developing:
Exercise:
Rapid weight gain is one of the leading causes of stretch marks. Exercise along with a proper diet can go a long way in preventing unwanted changes in the appearance of the skin.
Eat a balanced diet:
Along with proper exercise , be sure to eat food with the right mix of healthy fats , protein, and unrefined carbohydrates.
Healthy fats:
Fatty fish , avocados, and walnuts are three favorites.
Hydration:
Skin is 64 percent water , so it's important to drink 8 to 10 glasses of H2O a day. This will definitely promote skin health.
How to get rid of stretch marks
Try Coffee
, Honey and Sugar Scrub A natural homemade scrub may be just what the doctor ordered. There are many homemade skin scrubs , but coffee and sugar may be the best option. Honey is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and moisturizer that makes it a must-have addition to any home scrub.
Consider Laser Therapy
The bad news is that most insurance plans will treat laser therapy for stretch marks as a cosmetic procedure and , due to this classification , will not cover any costs. The good news is that laser therapy is becoming much cheaper , safer and more effective.
Skin Pigment
So , you need to find a great tattooist to pull this off. But if you can find one that 's good enough , they can match your skin pigmentation with the ink available. Needless to say , you don't want to cheap out here.
Talk to a Dermatologist
While research on the effectiveness of stretch mark removal is inconclusive , dermatological treatments are getting better. You can consult a dermatologist for advice in this area. Dermatologists are licensed physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.
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