Stretch marks can occur for a number of reasons, including pregnancy and rapid weight loss or gain. They are also famously hard to get rid of, so the best idea here is to prevent stretch marks from appearing. Here are some helpful methods on how to minimize the risk of developing stretch marks.
Maintain Your Weight
One of the most common reasons for stretch marks to appear is when you quickly gain a lot of weight. However, the opposite, when you lose weight fast and develop stretch marks, is also a possibility. That is why you need to try your hardest to either maintain your weight at a steady level or, at least, avoid rapid changes in your weight. Whether you want to lose or put on some weight, it’s best to do it slowly.
Moisturize Your Skin
One of the most important things you can do for preventing stretch marks is to make sure your skin is always properly moisturized. You can use your regular lotion, your favourite skin oil or butter, or use a heavy-duty moisturizing product designed specifically for deeply hydrating the skin to prevent stretch marks.
Exercise Regularly
Whether you are currently pregnant or not, exercising is an essential step for avoiding the formation of stretch marks. Regular workouts improve your body’s blood flow, which, in turns, enhances your skin’s elasticity. The more elastic your skin is, the less likely you are to notice stretch marks appearing on your skin.
Drink Plenty Of Liquid
Moisturizing your skin from the outside is important for preventing stretch marks, but it’s also essential to keep your whole body hydrated. When your skin is supple, stretch marks are less likely to appear. However, not all kinds of the liquid count toward hydration. Water and herbal teas are both good options, while coffee and other caffeinated beverages can actually increase your chance of developing stretch marks.
Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods
The omega-3 fatty acid is one of the most powerful agents preventing stretch marks in your skin. It makes your skin more supple and elastic, helping you avoid permanent damage. To get more omega-3 in your meals, make sure to eat plenty of cold-water fish, nuts, chia seeds, and soybeans.
Go For Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the best friends for your skin when you are trying to avoid stretch marks. And while sunbathing is an effective way to supply your skin with vitamin D, it can also do more harm than good to your skin. Instead, you can add a vitamin D supplement to your diet or simply eat more seafood, eggs, and mushrooms, which are all high in vitamin D.
Take Immediate Care Of Stretch Marks
While the methods we described above have proven to be very effective against stretch marks, there is still always a risk a stretch marks appearing when your body is going through any transformation. However, new stretch marks don’t need to become permanent!
The key here is to not ignore your new stretch marks and instead take action as soon as possible. You can use a specialized product for stretch marks, or a skin butter, oil, or lotion. Treat your stretch marks regularly, and you will notice them getting less and less noticeable within weeks.
