Feeling confident is not only about looking good. It’s also feeling great about how you’re taking care of your body. As you age, you’ll soon learn that our bodies will always change in how they feel and look.

Having noticeable stretch marks could be a source of frustration or make others feel self-conscious. However, it’s important to understand that these are only natural, and everyone can have them when their body experience change. And to prepare your skin for such changes, it’s best to learn first what causes stretch marks and what could be some ways to minimize their appearance.

Paano nagkakaroon ng stretch marks?

You develop stretch marks when the skin is suddenly stretched beyond its normal limit. These marks appear when our skin stretches and shrinks. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin that supports the skin to break. When the skin starts healing, this is when stretch marks start appearing.

Certain things that can cause stretch marks are:

• Pregnancy
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Rapid muscle growth
• Growth spurts during puberty

Genetics and stress may also affect how stretch marks appear on your skin. They can also result from injuries, infections, inflammation, or surgeries on different body areas.

Paano mawala ang stretch marks?

Though these scars don’t need treatment, it is understandable how you would prefer to have your skin free from stretch marks. Over time, some stretch marks may already fade on their own. But some may also need a little bit of help. Topical creams and ointments, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion are some ways to get rid of stretch marks.

You may also check our previous article, where we rounded up home remedies that you can do to get rid of scars and stretch marks.

Naiiwasan ba ang stretch marks?

Now that you know when stretch marks are more prone to develop, it’s easier to identify when to give extra attention to your skin. You can rely on skin products that contain certain ingredients, such as Centella and hyaluronic acid. Apply these on the skin area that would be most affected to help your skin ease with the change.

But aside from these, there are also more natural ways. Here are some tips on how to prevent stretch marks from developing.

1. Keep hydration levels up.

When you’re keen on preventing stretch marks, it’s best to stay replenished to keep your skin soft and supple. Stretch marks are more prone to develop on dry skin, so ensure that you stay hydrated daily. You could also try to avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeine and soda.

2. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Make it a habit to eat nutrient-dense meals that contain lots of skin-friendly vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits could have vitamins A, C, and D that could replenish your skin. Fatty fish is also a good source of nutrients for healthy-looking skin.

3. Exercise & maintain a healthy weight.

Suddenly losing and gaining weight can both lead to the formation of stretch marks. To prevent this from happening, maintain a healthy weight by eating the right food and exercising regularly. Working out also helps oxygen and blood circulation, supporting collagen production, making your skin feel stronger and more resilient.

4. Apply moisturizer on your skin

Make skincare part of your daily routine and moisturize your skin before getting on with your day. Hydrating your skin with effective moisturizers helps it become more flexible and prevents tearing when the skin is stretched.

When you notice reddish streaks have appeared on your skin, know that are plenty of ways to remedy the area. But although you can rely on various methods, please remember that treatment isn’t required for stretch marks. These are natural reactions of your body, and they’re completely normal. — (MyPharma)