Stretch Marks

Our skin is supported by collagen and elastin.  Suddenly gaining a lot of weight stretches the skin faster than it can handle.  This can happen during pregnancy or puberty.  Your skin can actually tear.  That is when stretch marks appear.  This can happen anywhere on your body where fat is stored.  The abdomen and breasts are two common areas.  At first they might look purplish or red in color.  Then, after some time they usually lighten to a white or silver.   

Stretch marks are not associated with health problems.  In fact, most people don't like them, simply because they feel they are unattractive.  The good news is that there are several ways to help stretch marks from forming in the first place.  

Today's leading dermatologists suggest that drinking a lot of water can significantly improve the condition of your skin.  Merely keeping our bodies hydrated will keep the skin soft, while allowing it to stretch easier, therefore, lessening your chances of getting these unsightly marks.  

A good diet is very important for healthy skin and may help prevent the severity of stretch marks.  You should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.  They are filled with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.  Vitamin C is excellent for forming collagen and stimulating elastin production  Dark green vegetables and citrus foods are high in vitamin C.  B-Complex vitamins are also needed for healthy skin.  One particular B-vitamin, Niacin, helps to maintain the moisture in your skin.  Good food sources for the B vitamins are eggs, rice and oatmeal.  Vitamin E also helps rehydrate your skin by restoring water to body tissues.  

Smoking affects your skin by causing it to lose elasticity.  Your skin can become very dry.  Vitamin A is one of the nutrients depleted when you smoke.   This can damage the collagen in your skin.  

Use a good quality body brush to increase your circulation.  This is another option that may prevent stretch marks.  Brushing will bring nutrients and oxygen to the surface of your skin.  Don't brush so hard you make your skin red.  Try to use natural bristles.  

Nourishing lotions may somewhat prevent stretch marks.  A few examples are cocoa butter and wheat germ oil.  Also, lotions with vitamin A and E may help.  Some people say a good aromatic oil or massage oil is a good prevention.  Others have said Alpha hydroxy acids helped improve their marks.  Alpha hydroxy acids come from plants.  They increase regeneration of cells making your skin feel more pliant.  

You could also try to cover up your stretch marks with sunless tanning lotions, make-up or concealers.  

When it comes to stretch marks, there are no guarantees.  You may get them, even after trying various prevention treatments.  Since at this time, there is not a known cure for stretch marks, many people turn to treatments such as laser therapy, which has been used to lighten them.  The good news is, most stretch marks will eventually fade on their own.