Prevent Stretch Marks
by Joanna
If you want to avoid the unsightly appearance of stretch marks working to prevent stretch marks is better than trying to remove stretch marks once they have already developed. Stretch marks, also known as striae, are caused when the skin is stretched beyond what it is able to handle. This causes tearing in the middle layer of the skin. By preventing the tearing in the first place you can prevent stretch marks from developing.
What Causes Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are commonly associated with pregnancy and weight gain, but they can also occur during other times when the skin may be stretched, for example from bodybuilding or during puberty. Knowing this can help you plan ahead to prevent stretch marks, at least for certain instances.
These little scars can develop anywhere on the body, but they are usually found in areas where our bodies store fat like the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. At first they look like reddish or purple lines, but they slowly fade to a lighter color.
They aren’t associated with any health problems; they are more of a cosmetic problem. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have a strong impact. Adolescents who develop stretch marks during puberty can really struggle with this during an already vulnerable time in their life. At this age kids don’t think about or expect to have problems like this; they are still feeling young and invincible. Following steps for stretch mark prevention during this time can help curb an additional problem with self-esteem
Developing stretch marks during pregnancy can be very difficult as well. Women want to be able to get back to their pre-pregnancy selves, or at least as close as possible. There are already so many changes going on in the body during this time including weight gain and hormonal changes. Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy can have a big impact for many women.
How To Prevent Stretch Marks
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent stretch marks, or at least minimize their appearance. One of the common ways is by using a stretch mark prevention cream.
Using a stretch mark cream to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy has been quite effective for many women. But you can also use this approach when starting a weightlifting routine or during puberty.
Stretch mark creams work by making the skin more resilient which will allow the skin to stretch farther without tearing or scarring. But these creams need to be used regularly for them to be effective. Only using them occasionally won’t provide the same results.
There are a few other steps you can take to help prevent stretch marks. Maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet is important to keep our systems running smoothly and the skin is no exception to this. If your body is getting the nutrients it needs the skin will be healthier as well, which will help it remain more elastic.
Focus on eating foods high in Vitamins E and C and zinc because they help the body produce collagen. Vitamins B2 and B3 are also important for skin health.
The other part of a healthy diet includes drinking plenty of water. Keeping the body and skin hydrated are important for preventing stretch marks and maintaining healthy skin.
Exercise can also help prevent stretch marks because it improves circulation, which in turn helps keep the skin more elastic.
Why Try To Prevent Stretch Marks?
Don’t underestimate the power of maintaining a positive self-image. Self-image is important because it impacts the way people see and deal with the world around them. When people are able to maintain a higher level of confidence and positive attitude it will help them have more positive interactions. Preventing stretch marks can play a role in this. And this doesn’t just go for women, stretch marks in men can also have a negative impact on a man’s self-image.
Luckily we know what types of things cause stretch marks and we know using a good stretch mark cream along with a healthy diet and exercise routine during these times can make a difference. Knowing this makes it a little easier to prevent stretch marks.