subject: How to Prevent a Stretch Mark [print this page] How to Prevent a Stretch Mark How to Prevent a Stretch Mark
There is no one tip or trick to preventing stretch marks. We are all unique individuals with varying skin types. Some of us are more prone to stretch marks than others. Regarding this fact, there are certain universal preventative measures that one can take to increase their chances of stretch mark prevention:
Drink as much water as possible. Drink until you feel sick of water, then drink some more. The recommended amount is eight 8 oz. cups of water daily, but that is more of a minimum amount. Water is very important for skin health because it will keep your skin more elastic. The more elastic your skin is, the more stretching it can handle without tearing. Drinking water also helps to fill you up so that over eating is less of a problem.
Eat skin healthy food. Foods containing Vitamins A, C, D, zinc and protein are considered skin healthy. Always eat food in moderation. Any sudden weight gain or loss can cause stretch marks.
Exercise promotes good health. When you are healthy as whole, your skin is usually as well. As a side not, avoid building muscle too quickly if you decide to body build because building muscle too quickly can cause stretch marks.
Use a stretch mark cream or ointment between 3-4 times daily in areas where you are prone to develop stretch marks (abdomen, breasts, buttocks, lower back, armpit). This applies especially for pregnant women as over 75% of pregnant women experience some kind of pregnancy related stretch marks. Most creams have ingredients which can help improve skin and in some cases help it regenerate more quickly.
Remove any unnecessary stress from your life. Excess stress can have a negative impact on the body. If you are too stressed, your skin may not heal as quickly as it should or be as resilient as it would if you weren't stressed. Happier people are generally healthier people.
These preventative measures can be very effective at stretch mark prevention if followed routinely. Remember, any sudden changes in weight, what you eat, or even how stressed you are can be trigger stretch marks, so when it comes to stretch mark prevention its best to be boring and repetitive.
