Wednesday 18 April 2007

Stretching my way to the body beautiful

With summer on the way and my quest for the body beautiful underway, I've been thinking about stretches...and not the exercise kind.

Stretch marks plague approximately 70% of the adult population - both men and women. They develop when the tissue under the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. The breakdown or tearing of elastin fibers which lie under the skin in its second layer, the dermis, causes the scars we call stretch marks to form. These permanent scars vary in colour and while they may fade, it seems they will always remain as there is, at present, no method of removing them.

Some believe tanning might hide these eyesores, but it is important to remember they result from damaged skin and exposure to light and its effects may cause them to become more unsightly.

Laser treatments are an option, however their effectiveness is questionable in relation to the cost they incur. While they are effective in removing, vaporizing, and breaking down tissues, they are not able to repair the torn tissue which is what stretch marks are. Lasers primarily attack the upper layer of skin, seemingly neglecting the tear.

Surgery to cut away these eyesores is a surefire way to remove stretch marks, however it is a costly option. Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. As much of the skin below the belly button is removed during a tummy tuck, stretch marks in this area will also be removed. However, this is not a procedure to be taken lightly - for starters there's the cost - but also a great deal of pain and a lengthy recovery time. Top that off with scars created by the tuck and the general dangers of surgery and it makes more sense to search for a more natural method.

So, what's a girl to do? While currently there is no cure, some products are believed to minimize the appearance of stretchmarks. Products containing Emu Oil, Oleic Acid, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E and Lanolin are known to strengthen the skin and daily usage should cause these scars to fade.

I'll be going au naturel when it comes to the stretch marks - I've purchased my cocoa butter and hope to smooth them away with a massage a day. Hell, even if it doesn't make them go away, a bit of pampering goes a long, long way!

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