The Appearance (and Disappearance) of Stretch Marks in Pregnant Women
The majority of cases of stretch marks (striae) that occur in women start during pregnancy. This reason for this is because of how fast hormones change in a woman during this time. This is most true during half way through the term to near the end of it.
Stretch marks often appear as dark-colored lines that have the appearance of scars. The often are found in the bust area, the buttocks, the lower abdomen, or the hips. They are most noticeable where the largest quantities of cellulite are stored.
This somewhat embarrassing skin issue is usually noticeable its reddish or purplish shade. Over time these lines in the skin lighten and fade and eventually disappear. During this process, they cause no health risk to a mother and unborn baby.
If there is any health risk at all for those who are a little worried about this condition, perhaps it can be said the embarrassment of it can affect a person’s self-esteem. Women when they are pregnant sometimes have a hard time feeling as attractive as they did before they had stretch marks, for instance.
Furthermore, some women who notice that they have these marks might be down on them selves for being overweight. However, it is not ever too late to change, and although the stretch marks cause no harm they can serve as a reminder to people to exercise regularly or eat right.
If stretch marks are not disappearing for some people as fast as desired, sometimes additional treatment methods are used. If a woman is pregnant, a woman is advised to wait until she is born to receive treatment for this issue.
This is mostly as a precaution to the unborn baby, as well as the health of the mother during the pregnancy. Surgery and other invasive or emotionally-involved treatments could cause a health risk as well, therefore, stretch marks during this time are usually best better left alone.
Several types of treatments are used to help get rid of this problem when the time is right. Some of the most popular include laser surgery, cosmetic “tummy tucks” or microdermabrasion. The type of treatment recommended to a patient usually depends upon total body chemistry, skin type, and skin color.
Texture and tone of skin is high priority as well. Furthermore, severity of stretch marks is taken into consideration. Another method besides surgery or microdermabrasion that is used is the chemical peel. This is not recommended for persons who are easily irritated by use of harsher chemicals, though.
Some ointments, creams, or lotions might help. However, the ones that are truly effective are few and far between. Be careful before you spend your hard-earned money on any of these. Further research needs to be performed in order to find more effective home topical treatments.
The most some success in using certain oils, ointments, or creams seems to have been noticed in people who have used products that contain ingredients such as vitamin E, Centella asiatica extract, or collagen-elastin hydrolysates. These are meant to help restore the elasticity of the skin to its more youthful state.