Stretch marks appear when the body grows too rapidly and the skin cannot keep up. Pubescent girls often get stretch marks on the legs and hips. They can also occur if you build muscle mass in the gym, if you gain a lot of weight quickly or if you are pregnant. Stretch marks are the result of the dermis (middle layer of skin) tearing when the collagen breaks.
The scars or stretch marks are unfortunately visible on the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Most people who have stretch marks feel self conscious about them, especially in the initial stages when the scars have a red or purple appearance. Fortunately there is a lot you can do to help prevent stretch marks, though some people are more prone to them than others.
Control Your Weight
We know that rapid weight gain is the cause of stretch marks. Therefore it seems obvious that the most effective way to prevent stretch marks is to avoid gaining weight quickly. If you are a weight lifter try to increase your muscle mass gradually to prevent stretch marks. If you are a woman who wishes to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy try to make sure you gain the weight slowly. You should also avoid gaining more than the recommended amount of weight, which is usually between 25 and 35 pounds. If you are neither pregnant nor lifting weights simply try to maintain a healthy body mass index of between 20 and 25 if you wish to prevent stretch marks from appearing.
Food And Micronutrients
People who eat a healthy and balanced diet are more likely to maintain a healthy body mass index and are therefore less prone to stretch marks. What’s more certain micronutrients are good for the skin. In order to prevent stretch marks you will need to eat a diet rich in fatty acids, zinc, silica and vitamins A, C and E. If you do not get these micronutrients from your diet you may wish to consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Hydrate Your Skin
The collagen in the dermis is more prone to breakage and stretch marks if the skin is dehydrated. Therefore if you want to prevent stretch marks it helps to make sure your skin has enough water. You can help hydrate your skin by making sure that your drink the recommended eight glasses of water per day. You may also wish to try a good quality body lotion, oil or cream. Lotions which have been fortified with vitamin A, E or cocoa butter are thought to be particularly useful for people who wish to prevent stretch marks.
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