Grapefruit Seed Extract: Stretch Mark Prevention
February 20, 2008 by Lucy
If you have ever had stretch marks you probably know all too well that they are unsightly and in some cases embarrassing. Pregnancy one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, is often the cause of stretch marks and for many women - especially those that prefer bikinis, stretch marks are dreaded. Nevertheless, 90% of all women are prone to developing these pink or reddish, slightly indented, sometimes itchy streaks on their abdomen, hips and/or breasts at some point during pregnancy. Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, occur most frequently on the abdomen area, but some women also get them on the breasts, buttocks or thighs.
Stretch marks normally occur in the elastic mid-layer of the skin, where repeated or sudden stretching of this layer causes a breakdown of the tissue, leaving behind scar tissue. However, stretch marks can also result from a hormonal imbalance or as an inherited condition. There is very little that can be done to prevent stretch marks that result from genetic make-up.
However, stretch mark prevention is possible when the cause is linked to an hormonal imbalance. The following are some easy tips for stretch mark prevention.
Water helps to prevent stretch marks by helping the body stay hydrated. The amount of water an individual should drink on a daily basis varies, but the best indicator is your urine. Urine that is close to colourless is a good indication that you are well hydrated.
Daily exercise is just as important and these two methods work together to keep your body free of toxins. Exercise also helps keep your body well toned. Strength training is a good method for toning, but a daily walk is also good for your health.
Applying a moisturizer helps to keep your skin supple and smooth. It’s important to only use products with natural ingredients and are generally safer and tolerated by most people. You won’t have risks of side effects and some of them have biological activators that start the self healing process of your skin.
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibiotic used for many different types of skin ailments. It is a powerful ingredient to aid in the healing of skin damage, such as stretch marks. Grapefruit seed extract helps to restore damaged collagen and elastin, which strengthens and re-textures the skin.
As collagen and elastin are responsible for the skin’s elasticity, improving and stimulating production of the connective tissue cells will prevent skin from tearing and thus prevent the formation of stretch marks. The condition of the skin’s connective tissue also dictates how well the skin contracts after pregnancy. So not only does this compound improve the condition of your stretching skin, after the delivery it will also aid in the contraction of your skin to its previous appearance.
Other helpful information about stretch mark prevention:











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