Ways to prevent stretch-marks
I call them ?mommy marks?-they?re the scars which are left behind from the wear and tear our bodies endure from pregnancy. One of the most common of these is stretch marks. Besides pregnancy, these marks can result from other extreme weight fluctuations, from yo-yo dieting, to bodybuilding and even adolescent growth spurts.
Cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Ariel Ostad recommends several options for treating stretch marks:
- Prescription creams: Retin A Cream (vitamin A), used daily, beginning at the very start of a pregnancy, will keep skin hydrated and moisturized. It will help reduce inflammation and fight the negative effects of hormones in the skin. This doctor-prescribed cream also helps to remodel collagen and elastin in the skin, improving its appearance.
- Exercise: a healthy exercise routine, combined with breathing exercises and meditation, help balance stress hormones, especially cortisol, which affects the skin?s hormonal balance.
- Diet: Drink at least 6-8 glasses of non-carbonated water a day to keep skin hydrated and flush out toxins, as well as fresh vegetable juices (no sugar added), leafy greens, lean proteins and omega 3 and 6 oils.
- Moisturizer: Apply moisturizer to your whole body, twice daily. Be sure it does not contain chemicals and paraffin but does contain alpha-hydroxy and vitamin A.
- Fraxel Laser Treatments: This laser-treatment is non-invasive and FDA-approved. It is a bit pricey but has yielded excellent results in the removal of stretch marks, melasma (the brown ?mask of pregnancy?), C-section and acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment passes below the top layer of skin, reaching the dermis and stimulates the body?s wound-healing response. Two to three treatments, at $500-$1,500 per session, will reverse and remove stretch marks.
Try Dr. Ostad?s skin-boosting juice, in order to maintain laser-treatment results or to simply keep your skin looking radiant. Combine these ingredients in a juicer and blend: 2-3 stalks of celery, 1 head of green-leaf or romaine lettuce, 1 bushel of spinach, 2 large or 3 small cucumbers, ? lemon, and 1 small piece of ginger. Pour into a glass and drink your veggies!
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