tinker_bell

***I have been following a regime similar to this and have seen good results...this regime looks to be better than mine and from what I have heard, people who have followed this have gotten better results than what I am currently doing, so I am switching. I am also going to incorporate dry brushing and the use of vitamin E oil in the moisturiser. I will post my results.

Tools needed
1- massage tool.
this exact massager. (looks like 1 of those hair massaging hair brushes but the prongs are made from wood...resembles a hedgehog)
2-St Ives Apricot Scrub (recommended because it is of a rough texture
and cheap too I may add)
3-Safflower oil or olive oil. Safflower oil is very rich in Vitamin
E and known for promoting blood circulation. (only a couple of drops
needed)
4- Aloe Vera Extract or pure Aloe Vera Gel
As far as products go the purer the better - you can tell by how
clear it is or a light brownish shade and fresh smell. She
recommends Skin Gel by Aloe Life (it is available in health food
shops in USA)
5- Collagen-Elastin lotion
Recommends St.Ives brand

Step 1
Preparing the scrub
1- 3-4 tsp of scrub
2- couple of drops of safflower oil
3- 1/2 tsp of Aloe Vera gel

This should cover 1-2 square foot area. (best if you mix each time
instead of batch if you make a batch store in sealed container in
refridgerator)

Step 2
Soften Skin in bath (best way) or shower. Dont skip this step!

Step 3: The Scrub Massage
Do it at night before bed (for skin regeneration)
1-get rid of excess water but keep a little moisture on
2 Take your prepared scrubbing agent and apply a thin layer
3 using massager, massage the skin keep the scrub mixture moist so
massage action is smooth (if it gets dry add a little water)

Tips for massage: do it as if polishing the skin - massage the skin
not the muscles. Dont pressure of push muscles concentrate pressure
on skin surface.
Massage the skin in clockwise 1-2" circles. Be precise. Massage over
the stretch marks in small circles motion instead of straight across
and avoid pulling or stretching the scars. May be uncomfortable in
begining but start slow and increase strength of massage - you should
feel the stimulation and still feel comfortable.
Watch skin turn a health reddish pink color during massage indicating
active blodd circulation - this is a sign you are doing it right -
each area spend about 2-3 mins (depends on individual)

4- after scrub use a piece of wet loofah or rough sponge and gently
polish scrubs for i more minute and rinse skin clean.

APPLY CREAMS
Dry skin and while skin is red apply creams and massage skin until
fully absorbed. Mix even amounts Aloe Gel and Collagen and Elastin
Lotion.

Vary the massage and take it slowly to give skin time to heal and
regenerate:
Breakdown:
Day 1 Exfoliation Massage; appply creams
Day 2 Skip massage. Apply creams (optional)
Day 3 Skip massage. Apply creams (optional)
Day 4 Exfoliation Massage; apply creams
Day 5 skip exfoliation massage. Apply creams optional
Day 6 Exfolitaion. apply creams optional
Day 7 skip exfoliation and apply creams
Day 8 skip exfoliaton massage. Apply creams optional
Day 9 skip exfoliation massage. Apply creams optional

Do this for about 2-3 weeks basically one day on, 2 days off.
Then switch to 5 days for a cycle: massage one day then rest for 3
days. (exfoliate twice in 10 days)
Really it depends on the individual if healing slows down as if it is
not working then reduce exfoliation to once every 10 days and do a
good one dont rush.

Diet and Vitamins
Recommends a number of vitamins which we all know about from other
posts eg multi, zinc and MSM also Glucosamine
Diet - the usual moderat amount of animal fats and plenty of soy and
animal protein. ALso plenty of fish

OTHER TIPS
Best time for skin development is between 11pm-5am in your sleep.
If your stretch marks appear to be more obvious after the first
couple of sessions this is normal.
Also it is mentioned that drugs like the pill and anti-depressants
can contribute/cause stretch marks (because of hormone activity).



[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 09-15-2002).]