Stretch marks are fine lines of thin stretched tissue that may appear on the body, often during rapid weight gain or pregnancy. Naturally, our skin is very flexible. However, during rapid growth, the production of collagen is disrupted (collagen is a protein found in our skin that makes up most of the connective tissue giving it a smooth texture).
This leads to reddish lines on your skin with a rough texture that will eventually turn grayish or white before fading. Stretch marks can affect both men and women, however, they are more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy.
Apart from pregnancy, often times people who are obese, people how have excess amounts of body fat, or even body builders can both develop stretch marks as a result of the rapid bodily changes that occur. Heredity can also play a role in the development of stretch marks.
Some people are naturally born with dry skin that is less elastic than that of other people. In these instances, it will require less body change in a short period of time to develop stretch marks. Also, many steroids which are taken through contact with the skin can cause stretch marks in one’s body.
Stretch marks will eventually fade over time, although they will never naturally be removed from your skin. There are a few medical operations and products that you can use to help remove the stretch marks from your body, ranging from surgery to a variety of creams available which claim to help remove stretch marks.
These operations and creams are very expensive and most of them are not very good or dangerous, so it is best to help reduce your chances of developing stretch marks in the first place.
This can be done by insuring that you are drinking a sufficient amount of water daily. It is also important not too drink excessive amounts of caffeine found in coffee, soda, and other drinks, as caffeine will help weaken the dermis, the layer of skin which gives it elasticity. Research has also shown that a healthy balanced diet helps reduce the chances of stretch marks.
Make sure that your diet includes protein rich food such as eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. Zinc rich foods such as fish, as well as foods rich in vitamins will also help. A proper intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy and grain foods can all help reduce your chances of developing stretch marks.
Stretch Marks are a truly unfortunate condition. It is best that you make all attempts at avoiding them if possible. Try to be sure to maintain a healthy balanced diet and have a sufficient intake of water. There are certain times in your life where the chances of stretch marks are high and it is not feasible to avoid these because of circumstances, such as pregnancy.
In these cases talk to a dermatologist (skin doctor) to determine what treatment is best for you if they do develop on your skin.
Cellulite Treatment Methods
There are very few people who have cellulite free bodies, and for some who do have cellulite, they are able to hide it well. However, there are many people who are unhappy with their body image and want to do something about it. Sure, everyone wants to be able to find the perfect miracle cure, one that’s free of pain, quick, and removes all that unsightly cellulite.
There isn’t really any such cure, but there are ways to help alleviate some of the problem. With new technology and extensive research, new products and procedures are available today that can help to reduce cellulite’s appearance, improve the tone of your skin, and also possibly help you shed an inch or two.
The first cellulite treatment available is called advanced keymodule endermologie. Considered to be an anti-cellulite treatment, AKE will supposedly help to smooth your skin while giving you a slimmer figure.
During this cellulite treatment you will be given special, stretchy, cotton clothing to wear. After you put it on, cylindrical rollers will then be placed on your skin and gently rolled over your body. It isn’t considered to be a painful treatment, in fact, it has been said that the suction effect actually feels like a wonderful massage.
AKE’s idea is that the process helps to restructure your skin’s connective tissues, while stimulating your blood and lymph circulation and helping to eliminate any toxins. It is also said to trigger your body’s regular process for eliminating excess fat to help tone, firm, and smooth your skin.
The process is inexpensive and monthly sessions are usually suggested in order to maintain any results.
The next cellulite treatment is called vacunaut, or vacuum therapy. This process, developed by a sports scientist in Austria, supposedly promises to rid you of the excess fat around your stomach known as a spare tire. It also claims to be the only process found in the world that is able to achieve very effective, and just about effortless, abdominal workout.
During this treatment you will have to wear a suit specially designed for the procedure, while walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes. The machine is controlled by computerized pumps that change internal pressure, forcing your blood directly to the fatty tissue surrounding your stomach.
The blood will absorb the fat that surround your stomach, using it to help power your muscles. In addition, this fat-enriched blood will be steadily moved over and over again to your working muscles.
Healthy Diet
The downfall to this procedure is that anyone with medical conditions such as those that are related to the heart, circulatory, or metabolic, are not able to use this machine. Also, it takes several months to see an improvement, and it works best when used together with a healthy diet.
The last of the cellulite treatments is the ionithermic body treatment. This process claims to be perfect for any person who has successfully lost weight, but still help toning and firming.
During this treatment, you will receive a body scrub as well as a pressure point massage. Any area that needs to be treated will be covered with thermal clay, as well as essential oils and pads, that emit a rhythmic electrical pulse.
IBT will work the areas by using a gentle action the combines faradic and galvanic stimuli, while also using the thermal clay and natural ingredients that are biologically active.
This treatment claims to promote the loss of inches, fat reduction, and also firming and toning your body.
