I get asked pretty frequently whether or not I have stretch marks… Girls have expressed their insecurities about having them and ask how to make them go away.
OF COURSE I have stretch marks! I have them on my hips and breasts. They tend to come on after rapid weight gain or loss. The thing to keep in mind is NO ONE is perfect! We all have flaws… but those flaws make us unique! Who cares if we have some tiger stripes!? We earned those babies!
If you are still very insecure about your stretch marks. There are some remedies out there. Here is a list I found via WebMD:
- Wheat germ oil: There is not much scientific data on whether home remedies for stretch marks, such as wheat germ oil, can help. One recent study did find it helped improve stretch marks in their early phase.
- Glycolic acid: Widely touted for its rejuvenation powers, glycolic acid is a sugar cane derivative and a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It most likely works on stretch marks by increasing collagen production, says Baumann. Glycolic acid can also be administered in higher doses by a dermatologist. Treatment typically costs around $100 and requires three or four office visits before results will appear.
- Vitamin C: Certain formulations of vitamin C, which have become increasingly popular as over-the-counter brands, may also increase collagen production and help early-stage stretch marks, says Baumann. For maximum effect, combine with glycolic acid. Vitamin C supplements may also be effective. She suggests 500 milligrams three times a day.
- Peptide-containing products: Peptide-containing products, which are widely marketed as effective “repair” creams, are a waste of time and money, Baumann says. Despite commercial claims, there is no convincing data that these work.
- Retinoids: A family of products that includes vitamin A, retinoids have been shown to be fairly effective in increasing collagen and elastic production during the early stages. Retinoids should be avoided entirely if pregnant or nursing. Retinol, tretinoin, and the prescription medications Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, and Differin are examples of retinoids.
- Glycolic acid and retinoids: Using these together may provide better results. According to Elsaie, while glycolic acid alone for stretch mark treatment has not been fully studied, a trial comparing glycolic acid plus tretinoin with glycolic acid plus vitamin C both showed equal improvement and increased elastic in stretch marks after 12 weeks of daily application. Various prescription-strength retinoids are often applied as a preparation to “rev up” the skin before a glycolic acid peel is applied.
- Laser treatment: This popular treatment option is used by many dermatologists, and they are also being tried on white stretch marks, as well. Linda K. Franks, MD, a clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine and director of Gramercy Park Dermatology Associates, is a big fan of laser procedures, which she frequently uses in her New York City practice to treat both red/purple and white stretch marks. ”Lasers promote synthesis of healthy, new collagen, which has been damaged when stretch marks appear,” she explains.
“Sleep is a significant health concern and just as important as nutrition, exercise and stress management. While we sleep at night, we heal and recuperate from the wear and tear of our day. Unfortunately, more and more people find it necessary to cut back on their sleep. The consequences for their health and quality of life can be devastating. In fact, sleep deprivation has become such a widespread phenomenon, that some states have enacted legislation that defines “fatigued driving” in similar terms to drunk driving. Lack of sleep is not only a potential health hazard; it affects the safety of everyone on the road and at the work place.
Clinical studies have shown that sleep deprivation can be a contributing factor to a number of lifestyle-related illnesses – among them obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Patients with persistent sleep deficits have routinely shown alterations in their metabolism, inhibiting their ability to manage glucose levels by making their cells increasingly insulin resistant.
Sleeplessness can lead to imbalances in the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Potential consequences are weakening of the immune system, risk of a variety of chronic illnesses as well as psychological effects, such as memory loss, mood swings and depression. Sleep deprivation may also have a significant impact on one’s life expectancy.” - Timi Gustafson RD
Avoid exercising vigorously before bed.. also avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Powering down electronics and keeping the room dark and quiet are other ways to sizzle down before bed.
Very cool chart about controlling cravings!
(via fitnessavenue)
(via fitnessavenue)
(Source: motivationintohabit, via prettyandfit)
(Source: noexcuses101, via fitter-than-a-snicker)
(via fitter-than-a-snicker)
Before/During- Arm Edition!
The first one wasn’t taken a year ago either, this one was actually taken in September 2011, when I started introducing strength exercises into my workout routine. So this is about a 7 month difference.
ahhh thanks god .. this gives me hope :) My hands are flabby like in the first pic … will see!!
BEAUTIFUL!
anything is possible. I need to lift my weights more!!
(via imgonnamakeachange)
(via prettyandfit)
