Stretch Mark Prevention

The most important thing you can do to prevent stretch marks is to maintain healthy skin.  Listed below are some ways you can keep your skin looking its best and hopefully prevent stretch marks from occurring.

• Eat a variety of foods that promote healthy skin such as foods rich in zinc, Vitamins A, C, and D, as well as sufficient amounts of protein.

• Drink at least eight 8 oz. cups of water daily.  You need to increase this amount if you also drink caffeinated beverages.  Water helps keep you entire body healthy and helps keep you skin more elastic to help prevent stretch mark formation.

• An exercise program keeps your entire body healthy which, in turn, promotes healthy skin.

• Don't scratch the areas where you are likely to get stretch marks. This skin should be gently massaged with oils or creams if it feels itchy. Scratching pulls and stretches the outer and middle layers of skin and can contribute to more damage.  Massaging is good for skin not only to prevent scratching, but it promotes blood circulation and helps stimulate new cell growth, both of which are important in preventing stretch marks.

• If you are pregnant, try to stay within the healthy weight gain limits of 25-35 pounds.  More important than abiding by these numbers is to gain weight slowly over your pregnancy.  Sudden spurts of growth can occur during pregnancy that can cause your weight to grow too quickly and increase your chances of stretch marks forming.

• Use a stretch mark cream or ointment more than once daily in the areas you are likely to develop stretch marks. The creams have ingredients which can help improve your skin's condition which lessens your chances of developing a stretch mark.

Disclaimer:  The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion.  This site is for informational purposes ONLY.  Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.