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Stretch marks are a type of scarring which appear as lines or bands across the skin. They are the result of the collagen and elastin in the skin rupturing when the skin is stretched over a short period of time. Although they are harmless and present no threat to your physical health, stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
What causes stretch marks?
The most common cause of stretch marks is sudden growth or weight gain, according to the NHS. They often appear around the stomach area of pregnant women, and can also appear during adolescence, especially when a sudden growth spurt occurs. Losing or gaining a lot of weight quickly can also lead to stretch marks.
You won’t inevitably have stretch marks if any of the above applies to you, because it seems as if there is a genetic influence to the condition—if a close family member has stretch marks, then you may be more prone to developing them yourself. It is thought that changes in hormones can also play a role, which is why women are more susceptible to them.
Stretch marks most often appear on the tummy. But can also develop on the chest, back, hips, thighs, or buttocks. The NHS notes that in rare cases, stretch marks are a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. Other symptoms include a red puffy face, and uneven fat distribution, such as a larger torso, but thinner limbs. In this case you should consult a GP.
How can you treat stretch marks?
Stretch marks will flatten out and fade naturally over time, but they will usually leave permanent streaks on the skin, which may vary in intensity and colour, from dark brown, purple, red, or pink, usually depending on what your natural skin tone is.
There are various creams, gels, and lotions, which claim to treat or improve the appearance of stetch marks, but these do not give consistent results for everyone. Creams which contain retinoid may have some effect, because they stimulate collagen production, but you should avoid using them if you are pregnant, as they are harmful to the baby.
The most effective way to treat stretch marks is with a professional salon procedure. There are a few options, such as a chemical peel, light or laser treatments, or microdermabrasion. One of the most advanced modern techniques is known as MCA Dry Needling.
MCA stands for Multitrepannic collagen actuation, which is a form of collagen induction therapy. Tattoo needles are used to cause deliberate damage to the scarring area, which stimulates the skin’s natural healing and recovery process. It’s a treatment which can be carried out safely and effectively on most skin and scar types.
For best results, it is recommended that between three to six sessions are carried out, at intervals of six weeks apart. Stretch marks should be at least one year old before the start of the treatment, and keloid scars cannot be treated without a doctor’s letter of approval.
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Choosing your wedding hair style can be almost as tricky as drawing up the seating plan for your reception: all eyes will be on you during your big moment, and the whole day will no doubt be documented on a hundred camera phones, not to mention by the official wedding photographer. You definitely want to look back on your hair with no regrets! One of the most common dilemmas is whether to go for a classic updo, or a more contemporary looser and more creative style. Here are some pointers to help you decide. The classic updo Wearing your hair up in a chignon or a French twist is a classic wedding hair style. It looks sleek, stylish and sophisticated, ensuring that your hairstyle will look timeless in the photographs that you will enjoy looking back on. It’s generally a flattering look no matter what your age or facial structure, making you look and feel more elegant. The updo also works better with certain types of dress. If you have a ball gown style, or a dress with an intricate neckline that is intended to be the focal point, then wearing your hair up will show it off to best effect rather than fight with it. The same applies to elaborate necklaces or earrings; wear your hair up so that they can be seen! A further consideration is the overall tone and theme of your wedding: if it’s a formal affair that follows the usual wedding traditions, then an updo will complement the venue and mood of the day. Finally, consider the natural texture and length of your hair: short or medium length fine or very silky hair may be more challenging to keep in place throughout the day. Contemporary styles In recent years, loose soft waves or half up, half down wedding hairstyles have become very popular. These freer styles can be more creative and easy to adapt to a range of different wedding themes. For example, if you are having a rustic wedding with outdoor socialising, a messy bun or loose half-up style could work well with the surroundings. If you have a flowing bohemian style dress in diaphanous fabrics, then loose soft waves will complement this look perfectly. If you have a strapless or spaghetti strap dress, then a casual updo with some loose tendrils to frame your face could work well. If you are having a chic urban wedding and wearing a non-traditional outfit such as a two piece suit or a jumpsuit, then a slicked back ponytail or a sleek blow dry will complement this look well. Again, you need to take your natural hair length, body and texture into consideration, as styling products can only do so much and the effects may be undone if the weather is wet or windy. Loose hairstyles call for hair that is in great shape, so if you are wearing your hair down invest in some deep conditioning treatments in the weeks before your wedding.
We all have the odd bad hair day, but one occasion when you definitely don’t want this to happen is on your wedding day. You have probably invested a lot of time and money into putting your wedding look together, from your dream dress to beautiful accessories and flattering makeup. Your hair needs to be on your side! Here are some tips. Have a trial run it is probably the case that you are wearing your wedding day hair in a style that you are not accustomed to, and you may even have had a special treatment or restyle such as a new colour or length. This can leave a lot to chance on the big day, so consider booking a pre-wedding hair trial to see if it will really go the distance. You can combine the appointment with a makeup trial so you can get used to your own reflection! It’s also a chance to check that your hair won’t slip out of place as you go about your day, and make sure you are really happy with the style. Consider the weather While it may be impossible to accurately forecast the weather conditions on the day, consider the usual climate and location: for example, if you are going to be somewhere hot and humid or by the sea, your hair may be prone to frizz and flyaways. This will not be a good look for your wedding photographs, especially if you want to wear your hair down. Consider investing in a deep conditioning treatment to ensure your hair is sleek and controllable. One of the most effective solutions is botox hair treatment, which will miraculously transform damaged, dry or fine hair into glossy smooth tresses, without weighing it down. Do not be tempted to make last minute changes In the stressful few days before you tie the knot, your emotional state may be running a little high, and this is not a good place to be making decisions about your hair! Do not give into a panic or an urge to make everything look ‘perfect.’ This could lead to some regrettable choices, such as a dramatic change of colour that doesn’t suit you, or a cut that just doesn’t work when it is too late to do anything about it. Build up a relationship with your stylist in the months before the wedding, so that they are familiar with your hair type, wedding day plans, and personality, and hopefully they will step in to avert disaster if you suddenly demand a daring restyle on the eve of your wedding. Pack an emergency kit Keep an emergency kit to hand, or give it to a trusted party to take care of, packed with bobby pins, hairspray, a comb, and a frizz tamer, to deal with any mishaps that might occur on the day of your wedding.
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If your big wedding day is coming up this summer, no doubt you are in the midst of a long to-do list as the excitement builds. It’s a day that you will remember for the rest of your life, not least because of the hundreds of photographs that will be taken. Therefore you will naturally want to look your best, and have probably already invested a lot of time and money into selecting the perfect wedding clothes, having fittings and seeking the opinion of friends and family. Your hair and makeup are just as important to complete the look, and this is why some brides-to-be have a trial run before their wedding day. Why have a bridal hair and makeup trial? If you have not considered the idea of road testing your bridal hair and makeup before, it may seem like another expense and time-consuming chore when you already have plenty of other things to deal with. However, unless you are sticking to a look that is very similar to your everyday style, suddenly seeing a new version of yourself on the day of your wedding can be rather unsettling. This is the last thing you want, when the pressure is on to look and feel at ease among your guests and in the wedding photographs. A trial run gives you the opportunity to test out your look and feel comfortable with it. If you feel too alien and distanced from your authentic self, it can affect the whole mood of the day, so it’s important to make sure you feel happy, and have the confidence to request any changes. Does the look go the distance? Book your trial for a reasonably early hour of the morning, just as you will be doing on your wedding day. Time how long it takes, so that you can fit it comfortably into your wedding schedule without any holdups. Spend the day going about your usual activities (well maybe not a long gym session, but you get the picture) to see how well it lasts. This can help to avoid any annoying smudges and hair fails if you find that the look is not long lasting enough. Address any concerns with your stylist, who will be able to suggest appropriate solutions. It’s also a chance to ensure that you do not have allergies to new products that might cause unfortunate reactions such as rashes. Building stronger relationships with your stylist The trial is a chance to get to know your stylist better, and also for them to know you. This will ensure that you feel more relaxed with them, and you don’t have to worry about meeting strangers just when you are feeling most nervous and tense on your wedding morning. It also opens lines of communication for new suggestions and more creative ideas, and you may find that they are able to make suggestions that perfectly suit your personal style, but hadn’t occurred to you before.