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Preventative Measures Against
Stretch Marks
Since doctors have differing opinions on effective stretch mark removal,
you may not feel especially comfortable attempting to have the marks
surgically removed, especially if the marks are somewhere other than the
stomach (i.e. thighs, breasts, or lower back). So, the best ‘surgery’
for stretch marks is preventative. In order to keep from getting stretch
marks, use a moisturizer that is rich in vitamin E, so that you can
condition your skin on a daily basis, and provide enough moisture to
preserve your skin’s elasticity. Cocoa butter is one of the most
effective moisturizers for stretch mark prevention, and probably the
most affordable as well. You can also try some of the highly advertised
creams that are used to reduce wrinkles and treat cellulite, such as
Bare Escentuals, which includes natural herbs and minerals, like
lavender and aloe vera, and you can even find makeup to cover your
stretch marks that will match your skin tone exactly. You can also try
Stri-Vectin SD; the cream is much more expensive than cocoa butter
(about $140.00), and can be used for about 6 to 8 weeks to help lessen
the appearance of stretch marks, as well as nourish and firm the skin.
Sudden weight loss or gain can also cause severe stretch marks, so if
you’re losing weight, make sure that you’re paying special attention to
your skin’s moisture levels, and using special creams after bathing to
make sure that stretch marks don’t appear. If you’re trying to prevent
stretch marks during pregnancy, rubbing your stomach with cocoa butter
each night to make the stretched skin on the abdomen smooth and supple,
even after pregnancy. Exercising regularly will also help you to shape
your body correctly, so that the skin that is most prone to stretch
marks will be toned and less likely to tear.
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