Stretch marks are small cracks deep in the dermis that are caused by the continuous stretching of the skin, due to rapid growth. Stretch marks are actually very similar to scars. The only difference between the two is that scars are the result of outside injuries and stretch marks originate from the deeper layers of the skin.

Stretch marks usually appear during puberty or pregnancy. It seems that the intense hormonal imbalances during these time periods cause the skin to become more fragile. Inside our body we have an enzyme called collagenase, which regulates the production of collagen. Hormonal imbalances can negatively affect this enzyme, which can cause the skin to rupture when stretched.

Follow a Collagen-boosting Diet

There are certainly no guarantees, but changing your diet to support the production of healthy collagen is definitely a good idea. Try to consume lots of collagen-boosting foods, such as lemons, oranges, peppers and kiwis. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is critical for collagen production. Garlic is also an excellent choice, because it contains sulfur, taurine and lipoid acid, which can help your body produce new collagen and repair the damaged collagen fibers.

Another good food to eat is tomatoes, which are rich in the antioxidant lycopene that inhibits the enzymes that destroy collagen. Additionally, there is a rather surprising way to reduce collagen degradation. According to a study conducted by Kingston University, white tea can prevent the activity of the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. These enzymes are called elastase and collagenase and their secretion can be inhibited by almost 90%, by drinking only one cup of white tea per day.

Use Natural Home Remedies

There is a great variety of home remedies that can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. For example, cocoa butter has been used for many years as a skin moisturizer. It hydrates the skin and is very useful in preventing stretch marks. Another good choice is vitamin E. This vitamin is an excellent healing agent that can greatly improve the health of your skin. You can also use your own homemade recipes. For example you can mix several carrier oils, like jojoba and avocado oil with a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oils and apply the mixture on the afflicted areas.

Use a Stretch Mark Removal Cream

There is a wide variety of anti-stretch mark creams available on the market. Some of these creams contain ingredients that can stimulate the production of healthy collagen and help repair damaged skin cells. They may also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can improve skinўs texture. Creams are certainly one of the easiest ways to treat stretch marks. They are considered much more effective than home remedies for one simple reason.

As you already know, stretch marks donўt originate in the epidermis, but in the deeper layers of the skin. Some stretch mark creams contain skin penetration enhancers that enable the active ingredients to reach the dermis and act directly on the stretch marks. If you use a home remedy, there is a very good chance that it will simply stay on the surface of the skin. Creams, on the other hand, are specially formulated to treat this skin condition effectively. To choose the best stretch mark cream, make sure that it contains antioxidants and healing agents, such as aloe vera.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: health, medicine, stretch marks, striae