They say every mark tells a story. But none of us want our bodies to be the canvas where that story is written all over. Unfortunately, for many of us, stretch marks become a part of life, especially during major changes like pregnancy or weight fluctuations. So, is there a way out? Can we tackle them early enough so they don’t end up defining our skin?
In this blog, we’ll be uncovering some effective tips to prevent stretch marks. So start reading
without much ado.
What Are Stretch Marks & Why Do They Occur?
Stretch marks are the scars that are left behind when your body undergoes sudden weight changes. This sudden change leads to the breakage of skin fibres (collagen, elastin), which are responsible for your skin’s integrity and elasticity.
Stretch marks usually appear after a weight gain/loss episode, and most commonly during pregnancy. The commonly affected areas are your belly, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, lower back, butts, etc.
You might notice the following signs in areas where your stretch marks are about to form:1
- Sunken lines in your skin
- Red, pink, blue, black, purple or brown discoloration of your skin
- Skin gradually becomes shiny
- Silver or white streaks start showing
- Itchiness & irritation
What Are Some Tips To Prevent Or Fade Stretch Marks Naturally?
Here are a few evidence-based tips that can help you prevent stretch marks or even minimise their appearance:
- Keep Yourself Hydrated
Hydration both inside and out is an important step for preventing stretch marks. When you drink plenty of water and keep your skin well moisturised, it helps the skin stretch better and develop fewer scars. On the same note, it’s important to avoid caffeine and other drinks that tend your dehydrate you.
- Focus On A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a pivotal role in keeping your skin healthy and well-nourished. So, including foods like nuts or fish (rich in zinc), carrots, citrus fruits and milk (rich in vitamins A, C and D), lentils, beans, broccoli, lean beef and chicken rich in protein), can be extremely beneficial.
- Get Regular Exercise
Think of exercise as a natural remedy to boost circulation and collagen production. Engaging in some sort of physical activity can help your skin stretch better, preventing the formation of stretch marks.
- Limit Sun Exposure
While sun exposure might not directly cause stretch marks, it can damage collagen fibres, which are essential for keeping your skin firm and strong.
- Address Them ASAP
The sooner you start to take care of your stretch marks, the higher your chances that they will go away or even minimise their appearance. So don’t wait for these marks to become stubborn and address them quickly.
- Seek Gentle Skincare
While there are plenty of products that claim to fade stretch marks, only a few truly live up to the promise. One that consistently stands out for delivering real results is AreoVeda’s Stretch Marks Cream, a >98% natural infusion of powerful ingredients like Striover, Hyaluronic Acid & Ghee that hydrate your skin and give visible results in 28 days. The best part is that this cream works surprisingly well on both new as well as old stretch marks and can be safely used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
A Final Note
Stretch marks can be an aesthetic concern for many women (and men). And it may hamper their self-confidence, making them conscious of their looks. But with the right preventive strategies and timely management, you can greatly reduce their appearance.
That said, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, do not seek out random quick-fixes or medical treatments for your stretch marks. Those may have negative consequences for your baby’s health.
Also, if you’re an expectant or a new mom, don’t forget to check out AreoVeda. They have a wide range of skincare products, which are specifically crafted for the skincare needs of pregnant women, moms and babies.
