Stretch marks basically occur when the skin loses its elasticity and resilience due to over stretching. There are various reasons why your skin could undergo overstretching at various stages in life. The most important amongst them include excessive weight gain or loss and pregnancy.

As the repeated research studies have shown, stretch marks can never be fully cured once they have occurred. The cracks that have occurred in the elastic fibers below the skin can never be repaired. Hence the main aim of treatment of stretch marks is to lighten the stretch marks. There are various specialized creams which you can apply before as well as after your delivery for this purpose.

Another important step to be taken is to follow preventive care in pregnancy and at the time you are gaining or losing excess weight. There are special pre-bath creams and stretch mark creams that can be used for this.

Today, the market throws up a volley of products to its consumers to choose from. So vast is the range that it becomes absolutely difficult to choose the right type of cosmetic for yourself.

Knowledge has always been a tool. Hence, it is up to you to educate yourself about the various ingredients these cosmetics carry, so that you can read and know the ingredients before you buy a particular product. It is also important for you to know whether you are allergic to any particular ingredient so that you can avoid any product carrying the same.

For instance, algae, which are a common sea product used widely in facial masks and other skin revitalizing products can lead to a minor rash in some individuals. Similarly, nickel has been found to be responsible for setting off skin allergies in quiet a few cases. Even ingredients like Quaternium 15, used in many cosmetics have often caused skin allergies, though of a mild nature.

Carrots are one of the few natural products that are excellent for the dry as well combination skin types. In fact, carrots are also known to be a very good product for the eyes as well.

For skin care, carrots are often used in face packs and similar preparations meant for skin rejuvenation. To make such a face pack, first wash and peel a handful of carrots. Now boil them in a little bit of water. Allow them to cool for a short while until they can be touched and handled easily. Now to make the pack, mash the carrots softly to make a pulp.

Apply this paste as a facemask for getting the effect of skin rejuvenation. For an added effect, you can also add a few drops of lemon juice and one-teaspoon curd to the paste. Carrots can also be grated and added to fresh fruit face packs for refreshing and toning the skin.