How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a type of scar beneath the skin. When collagen, a substance located in the deeper layers of the skin, tears it creates a stretch mark. This tearing can be caused by rapid weight gain or loss, sudden muscle gain, pregnancy, and puberty. Stretch marks can be completely prevented if the proper rules are followed.

Stay Hydrated!

In the simplest form possible the way to prevent stretch marks is to keep your skin healthy. I know this sounds very ambiguous, but it really is not rocket science. There are many tips and rules to follow if you wish to keep your skin the healthiest and hopefully stretch mark free:

Drink at least eight 8 oz. cups of water daily. You may need to increase this amount depending on how big you are and how much caffeine you consume. Water will help keep your skin more elastic so that when it does stretch it returns back to its original form without tearing. Water also helps you maintain weight as it helps with hunger as well as digestion.

Eat Healthier

Eat foods that promote healthy skin such as foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and D, zinc as well as sufficient amounts of protein. Always eat food in moderation as any sudden weight gain may stretch the skin too severely.

If you are pregnant, try to stay within the healthy weight gain limits of 25-35 pounds. You should gain this weight as slowly as possible as sudden weight gains can cause stretch marks. Sudden spurts of growth can occur during pregnancy that can cause your weight to grow too quickly and increase your chances of stretch marks forming.

Exercise Now!

Exercise keeps your body healthy. When your body is healthy, your skin is healthy. As a recommendation be careful with weight lifting exercise as muscle building too quickly may lead to stretch marks as well.

Don't Scratch!

Don't scratch the areas where you are likely to get stretch marks. This skin should be gently massaged with oils or creams if it feels itchy. Scratching pulls and stretches the outer and middle layers of skin and can contribute to more damage. Massaging is good for skin not only to prevent scratching, but it promotes blood circulation and helps stimulate new cell growth, both of which are important in preventing stretch marks.

Use a Stretch Mark Cream!

Use a stretch mark cream or ointment more than once daily in the areas you are likely to develop stretch marks. This applies especially to pregnant women as 75-90% of pregnant women experience some kind of stretch marks related to their pregnancy. The creams have ingredients which can help improve your skin's condition which lessens your chances of developing a stretch mark. Use stretch mark creams containing Siegesbeckia orientalis because this ingredient has been proven to regenerate collagen.