How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks cause insecurity, leaving women (and men) feeling self-conscious and unattractive. Unfortunately, about 50% to 90% of women are susceptible to stretch marks during pregnancy.

Stretch marks development, however, is not limited to pregnancy since they can also happen due to sudden weight gain or loss. This is because our skin does not just revert back once it has been overstretched in a short span of time causing skin tissues to tear, leaving scars.

Nevertheless, stretch marks can be prevented or at least minimized, depending on one’s genetic makeup. Here are some ways to prevent the development of stretch marks:

Proper Diet – pregnant or not, it is wise to maintain a healthy diet to avoid rapid changes in weight so the skin can adjust accordingly.

Massage – use a wash cloth, massage glove or body brush and massage the areas prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen (especially the mid- to lower parts), upper thighs, upper arms, breasts, buttocks and hips. Doing so everyday will help improve circulation and the development of new tissues.

Plenty of water intake – hydration is important in maintaining healthy skin. This is particularly crucial if you are a habitual coffee drinker since caffeine dehydrates skin.

Moisturize – apply moisturizer daily to keep skin elastic. For pregnant women, apply them liberally throughout pregnancy. Over-the-counter moisturizers specifically for stretch marks are recommended as they are formulated to enhance collagen production and provide support to the skin to avoid tearing of the tissue caused by over stretching.

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