How to Prevent Stretch Marks

This article is for moms-to-be. If you’ve been thinking about having a baby or if you are currently pregnant, you’re probably concerned about getting stretch marks. Here I’ll tell you all about how to prevent stretch marks.

Stretch marks are result of by tearing of the dermis (the second layer of the skin). This commonly happens from the rapid stretching of the skin associated with fast growth or abrupt weight changes. Stretch marks may also be due to hormonal changes associated with pubescence, pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy.

In pregnancy they usually appear on the belly, breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks. They are known as striae gravidarum.

How to prevent stretch marks

Some studies have shown that certain women can be genetically predisposed to getting stretch marks. But let’s keep in mind that a hydrated and flexible skin should be less prone to tearing when stretched. There are multiple ways you can promote skin flexibility while pregnant, which are completely safe for you and your baby:

1.-Eat a skin-nourishing diet

Incorporate foods that can improve your skin’s elasticity, in order to help prevent stretch marks from forming.
Eat foods which promote collagen production. Collagen is a protein in your body that promotes skin healing and elasticity. To promote collagen production, make sure your diet is rich in vitamin C (guavas, oranges, kiwis, red peppers, green sweet peppers, cherries, and berries), green vegetables (spinach, Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli, kale greens, and avocados), zinc (chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, nuts, legumes, and whole grains) and low fat proteins (salmon, egg whites, beans, lentils, and chicken). Get all the proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements you need from a healthy diet.

2.- Maintain yourself well hydrated

During pregnancy your blood volume is increasing and your body has an extended demand for hydration. Your skin also needs to be hydrated for optimal skin elasticity. Hydrated skin is less likely to tear.

3.-Exercise during pregnancy

Exercising helps the skin retain its elasticity by improving your body’s circulation. As an added benefit, exercise will help prevent you from gaining too much weight, too quickly. With your doctor’s approval, perform low-impact exercises meant to make pregnancy easier on your body.

4.-Watch your weight

Try to keep weight gain to a healthy level and put your pounds on slow and steady instead of in big spurts. Remember that stretch marks are associated with rapid weight changes.

5.-Moisturize your skin with the right lotion

The healing ingredients you’ll want to look for in a stretch mark-prevention cream are: Vitamins A and E, cocoa, shea or jojoba butters. Make sure it is a tested product meant to use during pregnancy.

6.-Maintain a good routine after you give birth

Keep having healthy habits that will not only benefit your general state of health but will also help your skin.

You may also like: How to Avoid Gaining Weight During the Holidays

Getting rid of stretch marks

Of course it is better to prevent stretch marks from appearing, but in case you already have them:
Applying a cream designed to get rid of stretch marks can diminish the appearance of stretch marks over time.

When existing stretch marks are old and white, you can consider micro-pigmentation (kind of a permanent make up) to make the white stretch marks blend better with the surrounding skin. Another option is laser.

There are different types of laser, recommended depending on the type of stretch mark (new: red-purple-pink, or old: white-silvery). Make sure you visit a plastic surgeon or a dermatologic surgeon with experience on this subject. Research and make an informed decision.

Well, after all, we must think that stretch marks are not as important as having a precious child in your life. If you are a woman who at this point has already stretch marks, I leave you with this thought:

You are a beautiful woman. Your stretch marks are proof that you brought life into this world. You are a tigress who has earned her stripes.