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Before its first appearance on the skin, stretch marks are not thought of by most people. The awareness will come when it is too late that the marks are already visible. This is why this article is written to help people be aware of stretch marks even before it occurs. The nuggets of wisdom that will be learned here can be used in more ways than one. For example, it cannot only be used to treat the marks, it can also be used to prevent them in the first place.

Why do Stretch Marks Occur?

Stretch marks happen because of the “stretch”  on the skin. Now, how does a skin stretch? There are many ways a skin can stretch. One example is during pregnancy. Obviously, the skin stretches very wide when a woman is pregnant. Another example is when a person forgets discipline and eats like gluttony. Of course, body building for muscles build up can also be a reason why the skin stretches.

It is important to note however that stretch marks do not occur every time a skin stretch. It only occurs when the stretching happens fast like in the very example of pregnancy. The skin in just a few months can stretch very wide and after giving birth, it will shrink back to its normal size.

What Happens in the Skin when it Stretches?

Upon knowing that the cause of stretch marks is done by the stretching of the skin, one will wonder why it would create a mark then. The answer to this question lies on the layers of the skin and their properties.

There are three layers of the skin, the first or outermost layer is called epidermis, the middle layer is called dermis, and the third layer is called the hypodermis. Stretch marks occur on the middle layer or the dermis. This is the layer where it contains and manufactures collagen, a protein that is responsible in holding firm the skin of a person. When this collagen breaks due to stretching, it will create a scar and it can be seen from the epidermis.

How do you Treat Stretch Marks?

There are many ways to treat stretch marks. These different ways can be summed up to two: non-surgical and surgical ways. They both work but when it comes to a more significant effect, surgical will always beat non-surgical. The problem with surgical treatments however is the fact that it will demand a lot of cash from your bank deposits. So if you just happen to have that money to spare, then you can go for surgical treatments. Be ready however that this treatment, no matter how expensive, cannot completely take away the marks.

As you can see, three sub topics can give you many nuggets of wisdom about stretch marks. Some readers may have known these facts before some may not and some may also have been cleared of misconception. For better understanding, it is advised that you continue to read information about stretch marks.

Cellulite is composed of water, fat, and bodily waste gathered around the thighs and hips in women. While men can also develop cellulite if they are not careful, it is the women who are more prone (and are more bothered) by these little fat lumps. Perhaps it is a self-image thing or perhaps because cellulite deposits simply look unsightly. But whatever the reason is, it is a fact that cellulite can be a health hazard so it must be remedied in one way or another.

Fortunately there are several ways to get rid of cellulite in the body. Initially, health experts will tell you that the best way to reduce cellulite is to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Some health books also suggest using alternative medicine and new age techniques to lose the fat. Beauty and health websites on the other hand, recommend simple ingredients found in the home.

Switching to a Healthy Lifestyle

For health experts, the logical solution to cut the fat deposits on your thighs, hips, and arms is to sweat them out and to replace them with something beneficial to the body. That is why if you ask a nutritionist or your physician for a solution to your cellulite problem, the most likely answers that you will get are: proper diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep. And you cannot really blame them, because time and time again this health trinity have proven themselves effective across health problems, gender, and age.

Yielding to Alternative Medicine

It is actually a good thing that people have become more open to the idea of alternative medicine and new age healing. By entertaining new techniques, the options to become healthier have grown such that a person will always have at least one preferred method of treatment. This is also true for breaking cellulite in the body.

Yoga and aromatherapy are two of the most commonly used methods to cut down excess fat on the thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and belly. Aside from burning excess fat and toning muscles, the different yoga poses also promote proper breathing and good posture. Aromatherapy on the other hand, especially when done at night, encourage a good night’s sleep and create a light and positive mood before resting.

Taking Advantage of Modern Science

If there is one thing that we can be thankful for to modern Science, it would be the availability of almost all the health solutions we need. Today, you will find a wide array of brands that will help you break down cellulite. There are anti-cellulite creams and lotions in all scents and variety, slimming capsules and supplements, as well as carb-preventing drinks and snacks. With these  products alone, breaking cellulite already seems very doable.

Regardless of your preferred method to get rid of cellulite, always remember that it does not always have to be the most expensive choice or the most popular. You should follow whatever suits your lifestyle and whatever complements your own routine. As long as you are committed to the process you choose, getting rid of cellulite will not be as challenging.

Suffering from bad skin and acne problems? check these sites:

http://acnetreatmentworld.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris

Acne is one of the most common diseases of the skin without cure.  Despite the absence of the exact cure, experts and dermatologists was able to come up with means to manage the symptoms of the rampant disease.

The main objective of the treatment is to alleviate the discomfort brought by itchiness and pain.  It will also control further flare ups of the disease.  There are many medical articles that discuss prevention of acne.

Alternative Cure

Alternative therapies are the focus of the medical field today.  These are the methods that can combat many forms of skin diseases like acne. For those suffering from this skin disease there are means that assures complete healing and some are prevention of symptoms attack. 

Studies have shown that some therapies coupled with the treatment plan of your physician can be of help. Although there are some that may act on you, there are some that don’t have any effect at all and sometimes impose serious side effects.

Here are some therapies that can actually work you.

Topical therapy + Behavior modification

Behavioral modifications are sets of techniques used to help people change their action for the better.  This is one therapy added by the dermatologist in the treatment plan in order to make topical medications work its way of giving the patient clearer skin.

In United Kingdom, this method is used to prevent patients from scratching.  Together with the nurses, one-on-one training is done for proper application of moisturizers and other related medications. 

There are many studies that can attest to the effectiveness of combined approach. Reduction of scratching plus an application of topical medications and therapy can give out positive results.  Even people with long term skin diseases can attain a clearer skin.

Stress Relationship to Acne

There are many literatures that discuss the relationship of stress to acne appearance.  It was noted that once a person is under stress, skin itchiness follows.

There is an ongoing study that shows how effective are stress reduction techniques in preventing occurrence of acne.  These techniques include biotherapy, muscle relaxation, and body massages. This kind of study though does not present hard evidences in order to gather conclusions.  What is clear is that positive attitude can be very beneficial in keeping acne’s symptoms reduced and manageable.

Focusing on Emotional Aspects

Most skin diseases can lower one’s self esteem and determination in life.  Physician had noted this kind of attitude from patients with acne and other skin diseases.

The main reason for this effect is the fact that the symptoms and signs are evident enough that they can cause embarrassment and cause people to isolate their selves from others.  There are available support groups that can help people with skin diseases combat social problems.

For example, last 2003 Brazil’s hospitals start a support group for kids suffering from dermatitis.  Most of them are insecure and isolated at first.  After they were able to acquaint and find out what they have in common they begin to interact with each other.  After some months, the doctor noted improvements from each kid.  The children were able to build a relationship with the medical staff and one another.  They learn to accept their condition and boost up the confidence within.  Symptoms were noted to lessen because of this.

These are only 3 of the most popular alternative therapies used.  Researchers and experts are continuing to discover methods to help acne patients live normally and better despite the condition they have.

Many times people profess to know stretch marks although their knowledge might not really be in line with the facts associated with it. This misconception, although not that dangerous, can lead to ill effects. For one, it can lead to a different treatment of the problem. Not knowing what it really is will also yield to not knowing how to deal with it.

It is for this misconception that this article aims to straighten up. Here, one will be able to find facts that he may or may not know of yet. In line with these facts is a hope to clarify the misinterpretations about stretch marks.

Layer of the Skin

Since stretch marks are visible with the naked eye, people think of it at being in the outermost layer of the skin. To think about this is not right. Stretch marks are on the second layer of the skin. If the first layer is called epidermis, then the second layer is called dermis. It is in the dermis and not the epidermis that stretch marks happen. This is the layer where collagen is formed. Stretch marks break this layer thereby causing visible line on the skin.

Nature of Stretch Marks

Basically speaking, a stretch mark is a scar. This may not coincide with what majority thinks of a scar but in reality, stretch marks are scars. When almost everyone thinks of a scar as something that is caused by cuts with bleeding, the scar done by stretch marks may not really constitute external bleeding but people can expect or presume that there has been a cut in the middle layer of the skin as discussed above. So to clarify it again, stretch marks are scars on the dermis layer and not just merely discoloration of the epidermis.

Persons Affected by Stretch Marks

Oftentimes, people think that stretch marks happen only on women. Not just that, they also think that it happens on women who are on their late stages. The truth is, these marks can also happen in men and it can happen in the early stage of aging. This means that even at the age of twenty, stretch marks can occur in a person even if this person is male. Knowing this fact can help even the males of society get ready to prevent stretch marks from happening.

Stretch Marks cannot be Completely Healed

No matter what you do, even if you institute the most expensive surgical treatment for this skin problem, let it be known that there will always be traces of it. The good thing is, these surgical treatments can significantly reduce the marks on the skin that looking at it from afar can be unnoticeable.

Four facts for stretch marks and four facts straighten out. These are important nuggets of wisdom any person, regardless of sex and age should know. It must be stored in the mind and must always be remembered so that one will be able to prevent it from happening because just like what they say, prevention is always better than cure.

The problem of cellulite in women is no longer news. Excess fat deposits on the thighs, on the arms, and around the hips and belly are very easy to gain yet they seem to be extremely challenging to drop. This is the reason why slimming products and anti-cellulite creams and lotions have burgeoned in the market.

However, according to recent surveys 7 in 10 slimming products are not as effective as they would like the consumers to believe.  Although there are certain brands that deliver what they promise, most often than not the slimming wonders bought over the counter do little to no effect in terms of breaking cellulites in the body.

Natural Methods of Breaking Cellulite

Although clinically proven, health experts discourage the use of synthetic and commercially produced anti-cellulite products unless you have tried everything and an anti-cellulite cream is your last recourse. Experts believe that cellulite is merely a bi-product of a combination of slow metabolism, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy life practices. But the moment you make the switch to a better, more body-friendly way of living, getting in shape will just come naturally.

Anti-Cellulite Exercises for Women

Just like losing weight in general, exercise is still considered as one of the best ways to drop the cellulite formations in the body. It’s a simple rule of logic – cellulite is made up of fat, exercise burns fat, ergo exercise can eliminate cellulite.

Here are some anti-cellulite exercise routines that can help solve a woman’s cellulite problem

•    Sit Ups / Crunches

The belly area is one of the top spots of cellulite in the body. By doing sit ups and crunches, you literally stretch and contract your abdominal muscles burning all the excess fat in the area. And aside from getting rid of the cellulite, sit ups can also help tighten and tone your abs.

•    Squat Thrusts

The legs and the buttocks are also two of the most favorite hiding places of cellulite. When you do squats, you are directly hitting the excess fats in your lower body – from your buttocks, to your thighs, down to your legs. Regularly doing squats can also help tone your legs, making them leaner and sexier.

•    Lifting Hand Weights / Dumb Bells

Cellulite also camps at the back portion of the arms. If you want to avoid that, include in your exercise the lifting of hand weights. It does not necessarily mean that you must do weightlifting in the future. Dumb bells, as simple as they look, do great wonders in female arms. Aside from burning excess fat deposits, lifting hand weights can also help you achieve lean and figured upper arm.

Holistic Approach

Although exercise plays a crucial role in breaking cellulites and staying in good shape, exercise alone cannot do the trick. You need to commit to other things as well, including eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, sleeping early, and skipping on alcohol and cigarettes. When you solve your cellulite problem in a holistic approach, it will make things easier.

Acne is one of the dilemmas of modern science that until now is left unresolved.  This only means that the cure for acne is still uncertain.  Good thing that experts were able to find ways and means to manage the disease.  This includes averting its constant recurrence. 

The guidelines provided below had been used and suggested by caliber dermatologists that may help lessen the feeling of uneasiness due to rashes and itching.  Aside from the fact that lifestyle changes are applicable, it is also possible to lessen the occurrences and progression of disease by following the guideline.

Use of Moisturizers

• Moisturizers are needed to protect the skin from dryness and itchiness caused by acne.  It allows the skin to preserve its moisture therefore preventing it to dry up and crack.
• You can apply moisturizers after taking a bath.  As much as possible avoid irritating the affected area during bathing.

Stay away from skin irritants

• Those who are suffering from acne have its causative irritant or irritants.  Here are some possible skin irritants that may cause you to develop this skin disease: laundry soaps, bath soaps, perfumes, cleaners, animal fur, petroleum products, water, paints, wool, and many more.

Avoid too much heat and sweating

• Two of the factors that can aggravate the itching are sweating and exposure to heat.  It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes.  Clothes made of wool and synthetic fibers can cause you to heat up and trigger undesired symptoms.
• An increase in temperature can make you sweat while sudden drop in humidity can cause skin dryness.  Both can actually trigger the symptoms to rise.

Right clothes to wear

• It is a must to wash newly bought clothes before you wear them.  Do double rinsing on the laundry with both the old and new ones.  Detergents left on clothes can cause allergic reactions.
• Use fragrance-free and neutral pH detergents in washing clothes.  Fabric softeners can sometimes be harsh on the skin.
• In buying new clothes make sure to remove the tags since it can irritate the skin.

Applying cold compress

• Once the affected area is triggered by irritants and start to feel itchy apply cold compress that can prevent you to scratch the area.  Scratching can only add problem to the situation because too much scratching can cause the skin to break and invite bacteria and germs to the area.
• Another tip is to keep your finger nails short.  This is to prevent skin breakage once you start scratching over sleep.  Cotton gloves can also help to prevent scratching marks.

Stress

• Stress seems to be in the aggravating factors of almost every disease and this includes acne.  Eliminating stress can mean preventing acne to appear.  Stress triggers allergies thus causing skin diseases like acne.

External Factors

• For those who are having atopic dermatitis it is only necessary to avoid environmental aspects that trigger the disease.  These are pollen, mites, animal fur, molds, and many more.
• Atopic dermatitis is common to people who are having present illnesses like hay fever or asthma and even simple food allergies.  It is a must to be aware of what causes your allergies and avoid them strictly.

It is indeed irritating to have acne hanging in your skin.  There is no other way but to manage the disease religiously.  You can follow the guidelines thoroughly to lessen your sufferings.