Stretch marks begin when the body grows too fast and the skin can’t keep pace. Teenage girls regularly develop stretch marks on their hips and thighs. They might also arise if you build muscle mass by working out, if you put on a lot of weight quickly or if you are pregnant. Stretch marks are the outcome of the middle layer of skin, known as the dermis, pulling apart as the collagen breaks. The scars become noticeable on the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis.
Most folks who have stretch marks feel embarrassed by them, especially in the initial stages when the blemishes have a red or purple appearance. Certain people are more prone to acquire them than other people. The good news is there is a lot you can do when it comes to preventing stretch marks.
Control your weight: It’s well established that fast weight gain is among the causes of stretch marks. So it should be clear that the most successful tactic to avert them is to not pack on the pounds abruptly. If you’re a weight lifter make an effort to expand your muscle mass progressively. If you are a woman who wants to prevent stretch marks in the course of pregnancy aim to make sure you increase weight slowly. Moreover, you should keep your weight increase at the prescribed level, which is normally in the range of 25 to 35 pounds. If you’re neither pregnant nor lifting weights, simply try to sustain a healthy body mass index between 20 to 25 if you want to keep stretch marks from appearing.
Food and micronutrients: People who eat a nutritious and balanced diet are more likely to sustain a healthy body mass index and are therefore less inclined to stretch marks. Moreover, various micronutrients are beneficial for the skin.In order to prevent stretch marks, you will have to consume a diet rich in zinc, silica, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E. If you don’t obtain these nutrients from your diet you might want to consider taking nutritional supplements.
Hydrate your skin: The collagen in the skin is more inclined to breakage and stretch marks if the skin is thirsty. Consequently if you would like to prevent stretch marks it helps to be sure that your skin has sufficient water. You can help keep your skin moist by making sure that you drink the suggested eight glasses of water each day. You may also want to try a well made body lotion, oil or cream. Products that include vitamin A, E or cocoa butter are believed to be particularly beneficial for this purpose.
If stretch marks develop despite your best efforts, you might want to look at some of the options in surgery for stretch marks. Cosmetic surgery for stretch marks is considered by many to be the best way to get rid of these unsightly lines.