Progressive Rants and Raves

The thought of having stretch marks can get to anyone. Most people associate them with pregnancy, but stretch marks are also induced by weightlifting, weight gain and sometimes puberty, things that can cause the skin to stretch more quickly than it is able to naturally.

If you already have them you’re probably looking for a means to lighten stretch marks. While removing them entirely is difficult unless you have a surgical procedure, it is viable to shrink their appearance.

A variety of skin treatments can help, like laser therapy or micro dermabrasion. There are more aggressive surgeries like a tummy tuck, which is more common after losing weight or giving birth. However there are less aggressive treatments too, the most common of which is using something like Palmer’s stretch mark cream. The most important thing to remember when using a stretch mark cream is that the cream needs to be used every day for a a few months in order to reduce their appearance.

The fear of developing stretch marks may be especially challenging during maternity because so many changes are already happing with the body. The weight gain itself can be hard for many women and there is of course the strain of dropping off that pregnancy weight quickly after the pregnancy as well. But it is necessary to gain the appropriate amount of weight for the health of the baby. Women who don’t gain enough weight have a higher risk of having an underweight or premature baby. Although putting on too much weight can create other health issues like backaches, vericose veins and high blood pressure. Gaining too much weight can also cause a higher probability of getting stretch marks, and creating more difficulty losing the extra weight after the the birth of the baby.

If you are wary of getting stretch marks, whether during maternity or before starting a weightlifting regimen, your greatest defense is prevention. It’s best to think ahead and use a good cream to prevent weightlifting stretch marks. Stopping them from developing is more effective than attempting to remove them after they have already appeared.

DISCLAIMER: I do hope this helps, but please note that I am not a medical professional so you must consult with your physician before taking any medical suggestions from the Internet.