subject: How to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks [print this page] How to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
If you have unsightly stretch marks, you're not alone. Stretch marks (known as striae) usually develop after rapid weight gain or loss. They are often seen in pregnant women but they can also appear in younger years, such as during puberty when growth spurts occur. They can appear anywhere that the skin has been stretched, such as the stomach, breasts, buttocks, thighs and upper arms.
Stretch marks look like irregular, parallel stripes that offshoot in all directions, almost like branches on a tree. Stretch marks can be different colours, such as pink, red or purple. The colour will eventually fade to white or gray, but they never complete go away.
All is not lost, however. There are several methods to try that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Good advice to prevent and/or smooth over the stretch marks:
Over-the-Counter Creams and Lotions, when used regularly, can help moisturize the skin and help in the production of collagen. Collagen helps to keep the skin soft and flexible. The active ingredients to look for in a cream are Vitamins A and E. These creams not only help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, they can also keep your skin healthy and itch free.
Drink lots of water and participate in a physical activity that makes you sweat. Water keeps your entire body and your skin hydrated. When we sweat, we clean our body of toxins and also keep the skin hydrated. Hydrated skin is suppler and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Apply a self tanner to your skin. This helps to even out the tone of your skin, therefore concealing stretch marks at the same time. Makeup or concealers on your stretch marks work in the same way to conceal. Just make sure it is waterproof. There are products on the market for this very purpose.
An obvious way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks is by simply wearing well-placed clothing. You do not have to sacrifice your sense of style.
A trip to the beauty spa for a massage is another fantastic option to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
