Five Tips for Preventing Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a fact of life for those who may have gained a lot of weight, built muscle, or simply experience the joy of pregnancy. Some will develop more stretch marks than others, and thus far it has been virtually impossible to predict if you will be among the fortunate who will have but a few minor stretch marks or it indeed you will have angry looking red or even purple marks that may grace your stomach, buttocks, thighs, or even calves. Yet did you know that there are some things you can do to prevent the dermis from tearing, thus effectively halting the formation of stretch marks?

While you may not completely rule out any stretch marks, the likelihood of developing them can be greatly diminished with these five tips:

1.Hydrate your skin by drinking your eight glasses of water a day – at least! The dermis tears because it reaches the end of its elasticity, but skin that is well hydrated and supple has more give than skin that is lacking in that department. Something as small as ensuring your proper water intake on a daily basis can have a huge payout with respect to skin health and prevention of stretch marks.

2.Stay away from things that will dehydrate you. At the top of the list are caffeine and smoking. If either of these vices are part and parcel of your daily lifestyle, you will do well to quit them, or try to make up for them by drinking more water. The latter, of course, may or may not counteract effectively the ravages that caffeine and nicotine will have on your skin.

3.Eat leafy green veggies, dairy products, and seeds and nuts. This will ensure that you ingest sufficient amounts of vitamins K and also zinc, both of which are instrumental in proper skin health and thus helpful for preserving the dermis’ elasticity.

4.Nourish your skin from the outside in. Some products, such as Vaseline Intensive Care, and also good old cocoa butter can work wonders for your skin. Apply regularly – ideally two to three times per day – to the areas most in danger of forming stretch marks and you are giving your skin a helping hand in preserving its elasticity and thus minimizing any tearing of the dermis that might still occur.

5.Stay out of the sun and wind. Even if you are wearing a t-shirt or swimsuit, remember that many of these clothes do not keep the harmful rays of the sun away from your skin, and nothing is more dangerous to your skin’s wellbeing than being baked in the sun or accosted by a dry wind.

An ounce of prevention is always more desirable than a pound of cure, especially when considering that by and large stretch marks cannot be cured but only diminished in appearance to such an extent that they will blend in better with the rest of your skin tone. It is wise to take precautions, especially if you are body-building or pregnant, but please remember that even the most conscientious water drinker with nary any sun exposure will be at risk for the development of stretch marks in the right circumstances!

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All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
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