How to Prevent Stretch Marks
If you haven’t yet developed them, you’re probably wondering how to prevent stretch marks. Is it even possible? Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae or striae gravidarum, appear as light, indented streaks on the skin. They usually occur during pregnancy. However, anyone can develop stretch marks—especially if you’ve experienced rapid weight gain or a growth spurt which stretches the skin.
How do you stop stretch marks from starting? Ahead, we cover everything you need to know about preventing stretch marks, including the best skincare products to leave skin smooth and supple.
Can Stretch Marks Really Be Prevented?
It might not be possible to prevent stretch marks completely. However, a combination of diet, hydration, and topical formulas can reduce your risk of developing stretch marks.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying well-hydrated, and following a balanced diet rich in skin-supporting nutrients can enhance skin elasticity. Regular exercise contributes to overall skin health, while moisturizers with ingredients like cocoa butter and vitamin E can improve skin’s suppleness and elasticity.
During pregnancy, gradual weight gain, topical treatments, and stretch mark creams may mitigate stretch mark formation. While it might not guarantee complete prevention, this combination of lifestyle choices and skincare practices offers a proactive approach to minimizing the appearance and severity of stretch marks. Consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist if you’d like to receive tailored advice for addressing specific concerns.
How to Prevent Stretch Marks
Can you stop stretch marks from appearing? You can certainly reduce your likelihood of developing stretch marks with topical treatments and lifestyle changes. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to prevent stretch marks.
1: Maintain a Healthy Weight
One of the best ways to prevent stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight. Stretch marks typically occur when your skin pulls apart quickly due to rapid weight gain or growth spurts. By controlling your body weight, you prevent body changes from happening too quickly and ultimately, avoid stretch marks.
To maintain a healthy weight, eat a diet rich in nutrients and get plenty of exercise. If you notice sudden weight gain or weight loss, visit your doctor to find out why. You may have an underlying medical condition that could be causing these rapid changes.
2: Moisturize Every Day
While creams and oils aren’t proven to prevent stretch marks, they help keep the skin supple which can reduce your risk of developing stretch marks. Moisturizers can also improve skin’s elasticity which can keep skin smooth and stretch mark-free.
One review found that oils and creams may prevent stretch marks, but more recent research is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of these products. To prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, look for creams and lotions that contain nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, ceramides, and vitamin A.
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3: Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
How to prevent stretch marks? Another effective way to stop stretch marks from appearing is by eating a diet rich in nutrients. Make sure your diet includes foods high in vitamins C, D, and E as well as zinc and protein.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help to keep the skin supple. You’ll find them in a range of foods including salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. These are all great for improving overall skin health and preventing stretch marks.
4: Plump Skin With Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ingredient for preventing stretch marks. For starters, it supports your skin barrier. Alongside this, it helps boost collagen production in the skin. Collagen is the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and volume. By incorporating hyaluronic acid products into your skincare routine, you can plump and firm up the skin, thus preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
What’s more, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and seals in moisture. It can help alleviate dry skin and improve overall skin texture. You’ll find it in everything from serums to creams and lotions.
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5: Soak Up Some Vitamin D
One study found a link between low levels of vitamin D and the occurrence of stretch marks. This suggests that getting your daily dose of vitamin D may reduce your chances of getting stretch marks. You can get vitamin D through exposure to the sun, as well as through foods such as bread, milk, and cereal in which vitamin D is commonly added.
Vitamin D plays a role in preventing stretch marks by promoting skin health and elasticity. It aids in collagen synthesis, a crucial protein that provides structural support to the skin. Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, reducing the likelihood of stretch marks during periods of rapid growth or weight gain.
While vitamin D alone may not guarantee the prevention of stretch marks, its positive impact on skin quality, elasticity, and collagen formation makes it a valuable component of skincare, complementing a balanced diet and proper hydration for comprehensive skin health.
6: Slather on the Sunscreen
The sun’s UV rays damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, which can lead to the formation of stretch marks. Always seek shade and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Make sure you apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure it properly absorbs and provides adequate protection. Then re-apply every two hours while out in the sun.
Sunscreen with a high SPF helps shield the skin from UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and skin damage. By applying sunscreen regularly, especially during periods of sun exposure or if the skin is prone to stretching, individuals can safeguard their skin's integrity, minimizing the likelihood of developing stretch marks and promoting overall skin health.
Risk Factors
Rapid weight gain and growth spurts are the most common causes of stretch marks. That said, not everyone who gains weight quickly will develop them. According to the experts, genetics play a role in whether or not you develop stretch marks. In other words, if your mother had stretch marks, you’ll probably get them as well.
Pregnant women are prone to getting stretch marks due to the rapid skin stretching that occurs during pregnancy. Stretch marks in pregnancy is incredibly common and nothing to be concerned about.
Stretch marks typically fade and become less noticeable with time. Preventing stretch marks can be difficult but it is possible to reduce your risk of developing them. When it comes to how to get rid of stretch marks, there are plenty of creams available that can help reduce their appearance. Look for formulas that contain cocoa butter, retinoids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
You may also want to consider treatment options such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, peels, and microneedling which can all help to treat and prevent new stretch marks.
How to prevent stretch marks from forming? Monitoring your weight, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and using topical treatments can all help prevent stretch marks.
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