Preventing and getting rid of stretch marks

Stretch marks are a skin problem which is very difficult to get rid of permanently. It can happen due to the effect of some cream products, gaining or losing too much weight and when the skin is pulled by raid growth or stretching; that’s how scars may form on the skin. They affect both men […]

Stretch marks are a skin problem which is very difficult to get rid of permanently.

It can happen due to the effect of some cream products, gaining or losing too much weight and when the skin is pulled by raid growth or stretching; that’s how scars may form on the skin. They affect both men and women, and it is most common in pregnant women. It can also be inherited. It may appear in red, purple or silver colour. Stretch marks most often appear on the stomach, chest, hips, bottom and thighs.

Below are some of the tips to help you prevent stretch marks and what to do if you already have it.

Control your weight: One of the things to help you prevent stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight. Stretch marks can happen when your skin pulls apart quickly due to gaining of too much weight. You may also notice stretch marks after you have lost some weight. Some people can develop stretch marks during puberty stage. Body builders notice them after big gains from working out. To control these, eat a healthy diet and exercise to help you manage your weight.

Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water daily can help keep your skin hydrated and soft. A soft skin does not tend to develop stretch marks as much as dry skin does. The Institute of Medicine currently recommended the intake of water for about 104 ounces for men daily and 72 ounces for women. Also drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee may actually increase your risk of developing stretch marks. If you drink coffee, make sure you are balancing out your fluid intake with adequate water, herbal tea and other caffeine-free fluids.

Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Stretch marks may also occur if you lack nutrition in some areas. Eating a rich diet that boosts skin health may help. Make sure your diet includes foods rich in vitamins C, D and E, zinc and protein. To make sure you get a variety of nutrients is to select unprocessed foods in different colours. For example, a breakfast of eggs, whole wheat toast and mixed berries adds many colours to your plate while packing in a variety of nutrients.

Treat fresh stretch marks when they appear: Stretch marks are hard to get rid of immediately; therefore, if you are finding it difficult to get rid of them on your skin, you can look for a solution to minimise their appearance so that they are not noticeable. Make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist to discuss about it if you have fresh stretch marks. Your doctor can help determine what is causing your marks and suggest the perfect treatment for you.Use a moisturizer to give you a soft and nourishing skin. If you do not have scars, lotions, oils and creams can work well for you. If you apply them during a massage, your skin will become more glowing, elastic and healthy.

What to do if you already have stretch marks

Retinoid cream: Retinoid cream is a topical medication that comes from vitamin A. The appearance of your skin may improve after applying retinoids, especially if your stretch marks are fresh. The cream can help rebuild the collagen in your skin and make the marks look more like the rest of your skin. But pregnant or nursing mothers are not advised to use the cream because their risk-benefit ratio remains questionable.

Laser therapy: Laser therapy is another option for reducing stretch marks. The lasers can help stimulate collagen or elastin in your skin to grow. There are various types of laser therapy. Your doctor can help recommend the perfect therapy for you.

Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid creams and chemical peels are other treatments for stretch marks. Many of these treatments are expensive and you may not be able to afford it. They work to help lessen the appearance of current stretch marks, but they do not keep new ones from forming.

Outlook: With time, stretch marks become less noticeable. Preventing them can be difficult, and no product has been scientifically proven to make it go permanently. Different creams, oils and other personal care items cannot get rid of it permanently, but in most cases, they are not likely to hurt either.