Help for Stretch Marks

If skin is seriously overstretched, such as when the body grows faster than with the skin can handle (during pregnancy, sudden weight gain, quick muscle building), collagen fibres in the middle layer can rupture and deep scars can be seen through the epidermis. These are commonly known as stretch marks. While they do fade with time, there is little you can do to get rid of them altogether. Microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing and intense pulsed light treatments may help. Generally, the longer you’ve had them, the less chance there is of reducing them. Some people swear by vitamin E. It’s a good idea to apply vitamin E throughout a pregnancy or if you are trying to lose weight, as it helps keep the skin supple and may therefore help reduce the incidence of stretch marks. Fake tan can help disguise them.

If you have a tendency to develop leg veins, avoid standing for long preiods, wear support hose for varicose veins and exercise tones the calf muscles which help propel the blood back to the heart, thus avoiding pooling in the lower legs.

Straighten Up
No matter what your shape or size, standing up straight will make you look and feel better. In fact, you can look as though you’ve lost five pounds simply by standing and walking correctly.

Not only does a good posture help to make you look stronger, taller and more graceful, it is also very good for your health as it lessens the chances of back and neck problems, weak stomach muscles, tiredness and poor circulation.

To determine if your posture is good, stand as you usually do with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders and the back of your head should touch the wall and you should just be able to slip your hand between the small of your back and the wall.

If after doing this little test you decide that your posture is not what it should be, then here’s what you can do to improve it:

• When you’re sitting, pull your navel in towards your spine and stretch the torso so it’s upright.

• When standing for long periods of time, remember to check that your abdominal muscles are pulled in tight towards your spine, your hips are tilted slightly forward and your knees are relaxed.

• Exercise is a good way to improve your posture. Make sure you are doing exercises correctly, especially if it involves equipment at a gym.

• If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, find a chair that supports your lower back and keep your feet flat on the floor.

• To strengthen your back, squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Do this regularly throughout the day.

Bath Time
A relaxing bath can be a real treat for face and body, To get the most out of it, try these tips:

• The heat of a bath helps to open pores and relieve congestion. However, if you suffer from spider veins, broken capillaries or if you flush easily, avoid very hot baths and Jacuzzis.

• Add a few drops of essential oil to the water, You can choose the oil according to the effect you would like to create; relaxing, soothing or invigorating. Focus on the smell of the oil and enjoy it.

• Climb into the bath and take a few moments to unwind. Start by relaxing your neck muscles, then your shoulders, arms, chest, back, tummy, hips, thighs, knees and finally, your feet.

• As you relax, concentrate on your breathing, Inhale deeply through your nose to a count of four, letting the air fill your chest and work its way down into your abdomen. Hold for a count of eight and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat a few times.

• Once you’ve soaked (keep it to 15 minutes -more than that and your skin will become puffy), wash by rubbing with long, smooth strokes towards the heart.

• When you get out of the water, dry yourself and apply a generous dollop of moisturizing lotion. Alternatively, apply essential oils while the skin is still damp, this will help to seal in moisture.