Stretch marks are an ugly and embarrassing condition---and treatment at a dermatologist's office or even at the spa can be very expensive. Luckily, a variety of at-home treatments, including exercise, proper nutrition and inexpensive creams, can be just as effective. It is important to include all recommendations to achieve optimal benefits.
What are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks occur when an individual experiences a rapid change in body size, such as in the rapid weight gain or loss often experienced in pregnancy. Stretch marks often begin with a red or purplish appearance and later fade into a glossy white or silver. They are caused by an increase in the amounts of glucocorticoids in the bloodstream. Increases in glucocorticoids are caused by conditions such as pregnancy, Cushing's Snydrome, weight loss and even weightlifting.
Take Your Vitamins
Most research agrees that adequate intake of Vitamins A, C, E and zinc are essential for the treatment of stretch marks. While vitamin supplementation may provide you with the proper amounts of these vitamins, eating foods that contain them may be even more beneficial. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc can be found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish liver oils, almonds, leafy greens, eggs, beans and fish. It is important to eat a variety of these foods to properly treat stretch marks. In rare cases, additional supplementation of these vitamins and minerals may be beneficial---if you experience a high level of stress or are on hormone therapy, your storage of these elements may be depleted. It is recommended to talk with your doctor if you fall into one of these groups.
Exercise
When skin stretches or becomes loose, stretch marks appear. Thus, exercise is crucial in the treatment of stretch marks; it tones your muscles, which helps to keep skin firm.
Drink Plenty of Water
The human body is composed primarily of water; thus, it is no surprise that water is an important factor in the treatment of stretch marks. Adequate intake of water keeps the body hydrated, maintains skin's elasticity, keeps collagen production at normal levels and allows all systems to work properly. Drink at least 64 oz. a day to achieve optimal benefits.
Creams and Lotions
There are a variety of creams and lotions rumored to be successful in the treatment of stretch marks, including cocoa butter, shea butter, olive oil, aloe vera gel, apricot scrubs and creams containing collagen. All of these treatments are great for overall skin health; as they are all relatively inexpensive, experiment with all of them until you find the one that is best for you.
