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Stretch marks, also called striae gravidarum, are lines that appear on the skin, during or after pregnancy or after a rapid weight loss. These lines can be of different lengths and thicknesses. At first, they may look brown, purple, or pale, but over time, they usually fade and become silver or white.
Stretch marks are more of a cosmetic problem than a medical emergency. In rare cases, these may cause itchiness, swelling, or irritation.
What Causes Stretch Marks to Appear?
- Stretch marks can appear after losing a lot of weight
- If someone gains a lot of weight quickly, then also these marks appear.
- During and after pregnancy, stretch marks often happen because of weight gain and then rapid weight loss.
- Skin that is dry or lacks nutrients is more likely to get stretch marks.
- These appear as a symptom in some genetic disorders like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfan’s syndrome.
Prevention Of Stretch Marks
- Hydrating Your Body – For the removal of stretch marks, staying hydrated and drinking 2 liters of water every day is recommended.
- Watch Your Weight – Do not lose or gain weight too quickly. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will eventually help you to prevent stretch marks.
- Vitamin C Intake – Eating vitamin C-rich green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, etc. Collagen helps in repairing damaged skin. Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen. Thus, by adding citrus fruits and vegetables, you can assist yourself in the treatment of your stretch marks.
- Vitamin D Intake – Getting enough vitamin D, ensures the health and elasticity of your skin, thus preventing wrinkles and stretch marks on your body. Getting a sun bath for five minutes during sunrise and sunset, every day is enough to ensure your daily vitamin D requirement.
- Choose Organic – Always try to include raw and organic foods in your diet. Add foods of different colors to your plate, as this helps ensure you get a variety of nutrients. For a balanced meal, you can include berries, a green vegetable, some lentils (dal), and whole wheat bread. This will fill you up and provide all the nutrients your body needs, preventing any “hidden hunger” or nutrient deficiencies. Choosing organic unprocessed food is known to be the best stretch marks treatment.
- Slow And Steady Weight Loss – Usually, after a drastic weight loss in a short time, results in stretch marks due to rapid loosening of your skin. This can be prevented by aiming to reduce weight slowly but steadily. This will provide your skin with sufficient time to tighten itself.
- Moisturization – Applying some moisturizer or an oil over the skin affected with stretch marks, gradually helps in getting rid of the stretch marks. This is usually effective on newer stretch marks, while the older ones take much more time to be treated.
What is the Cure for Stretch Marks?
Some people do medical treatments like laser therapy, micro needling therapy, or apply some topical creams meant for stretch marks removal. Surgery is another option but it is a more drastic approach towards dealing with stretch marks, so it is least recommended. It is suggested that you must maintain a healthy weight and look after your skin by keeping it hydrated and nourished. By doing this, your stretch marks will lighten up as the time passes.
Conclusion
Stretch marks are a normal part of life. They happen when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Our skin goes through different changes and pressures as we grow, so it’s common for most people to get stretch marks at some point.
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