Emu oil and Stretch marks

Looking for information on emu oil and stretch marks?

Here you'll learn the benefits of using this natural healing skin oil for healthier, younger-looking skin.

Stretch marks?

Who needs them!

I remember getting stretch marks when I began bodybuilding. Gaining more muscle size brought it's own share of problems - those tell-tale reddish scars that wouldn't go away. Some hardcore bodybuilders wear them as a 'Badge of Honor'. Me? I could do without them.

And bodybuilders aren't the only people that get them. Pregnancy and rapid weight gain can also bring about those nasty marks.

So what causes them and how can we get rid of them?

First...a little anatomy lesson so we know what's going on beneath the layers.

Your skin is made up of 3 different layers:

1. Epidermis - the top layer of your skin.
2. Dermis - the middle layer where your sweat glands, hair follicles, nerve endings are located.
3. Hypodermis - where your blood vessels and fat cells are.

What's a Stretch Mark?

These marks appear when the tissue beneath your skin is stretched beyond its limits. Tiny tears occur in the dermis (collagen) which results in the tell-tale scars. These scars may start out as pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, and they may fade as time goes by. Some may disappear completely, and some may leave a permanent mark in your skin.

What Causes a Stretch Mark?

Anything that causes the tissue beneath your skin to get stretched. Sudden weight gain, pregnancy, and yes, even bodybuilders can get stretch marks.

Can You Make Stretch Marks Disappear?

Unfortunately, once you have a stretch mark, there's not much you can do to make it disappear. There are many creams and lotions advertising they'll eliminate these marks. Some may lighten the scar, but it's unlikely they'll eliminate it completely.

Remember you're dealing with a scar, not just a discolouration of the skin. The scar itself is what needs to be addressed.

Some people are using laser treatments to 'erase' the scar. The laser causes new collagen growth which fills the scar from the bottom up. As the new collagen thickens and plumps up the skin, the scar 'disappears'.

Studies show the appearance of stretch marks improves 3 to 6 months after the first laser treatment.

Plastic surgeons also recommend using special silicone gels. The gel is rubbed on the scar. The silicone helps moisturize the skin, reducing irritation of the capillary bed, and hopefully, allows the skin to return to its normal texture and color.

Some people have had success with Retin-A, a popular cream used to treat acne.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

The only way to prevent stretch marks if avoiding rapid weight gain.

Some people use coconut oil to moisturize and allow the skin to stretch. The problem is stretch mark scars appear in the dermis, the second layer of your skin. Most lotions sold to prevent stretch marks only penetrate the top layer of the skin where it does little good.

But what about using emu oil and stretch marks?

Using Emu Oil to Prevent or Reduce Stretch Marks

Emu oil has many uses, and one of them may be in the prevention of stretch marks.

The following factors enable emu oil to heal and nourish your skin:

• Penetrates all layers of your skin where it's needed most.
• Reduces swelling and muscle soreness.
• Reduces anti-inflammatory chemicals in your skin.
• Won't irritate your skin.
• Helps heal scars, burns, and minor scratches.
• Increases skin growth factors which may prevent and reduce scarring.

Here's why emu oil and stretch marks makes sense....

Looking at the above properties, you can see how they may help prevent your body from creating stretch marks.

Emu oil reduces inflammation, increases skin growth factors and may help prevent and reduce scarring - all factors consistent with stretch marks.

Unfortunately, there aren't any double-blind, placebo controlled studies on humans to confirm emu oil can be used for stretch marks.

The majority of research is carried out by multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical companies that hope to make money with the latest drug....and emu oil and stretch marks don't fall into this category.

Nevertheless, here's what how you can use emu oil for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks:

• Try testing a small drop of emu oil on your skin to see if you're allergic to it. Although emu oil is hypo-allergenic, not everyone is the same, so it's wise to do a small skin-patch test first.
• Best time to apply emu oil is right after you finish bathing or taking a shower.
• While your skin is still damp, apply a few drops of emu oil on the areas you don't wish to get stretch marks. Emu oil is a superior skin moisturizer. Your skin will feel smooth and soft. Emu oil is completely safe and non-toxic.

Conclusions:

Emu oil and stretch marks? Although stretch marks can be a burden, emu oil may help reduce their appearance. Emu oil nourishes your skin and reduces inflammation and scarring. Just what you need to keep healthy smooth skin.