A common skin condition that many people avoid discussing is stretch marks. These nasty streaks appear mostly on the abdomen, hips, breasts, thighs and buttocks due to rapid weight gain or loss during pregnancy, growth spurts, cushing syndrome or genetic factors. Experts say stretch marks are a natural part of the body's growth process, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about them. However, if you have stretch marks on your body, you’d know it looks weird. The marks tend to make your body look less appealing. That’s when people turn to stretch marks removal creams to treat stretch marks, but most turn futile.

Stretch marks, or Striae distensae (SD), are classified mainly into two categories:

1. Striae rubrae, or pink/ red stretch mark is characterized by red or pinkish color streaks on the skin and is considered an early stretch mark. They often appear when the skin is stretched rapidly during pregnancy or a growth spurt.
2. Striae alba, or white stretch marks are considered older marks appearing on the skin as a white or silver-colored streak. White stretch marks are formed when the dermis has healed, and the formation of scar tissue takes place.

As per experts, striae rubrae is the initial stage of stretch marks and is much easier to diminish than striae alba, where scarring is deeply rooted in the skin tissue. There are numerous ways to prevent stretch marks; however, you cannot completely get rid of white stretch marks, but by following a proper skincare routine and correct treatment, you can fade or make them less noticeable. So, let's quickly dive into ways to prevent stretch marks.

Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks

Due to sudden weight gain or weight loss during puberty or pregnancy, the skin stretches, causing the collagen and elastin in the dermis to break, leading to the appearance of stretch marks. Collagen is vital in providing structure to your skin and improving its elasticity. Boosting collagen production may help improve the skin's elasticity, thus nipping in the bud the formation of stretch marks. Let's explore avoiding or reducing the likelihood of getting stretch marks.

Also Read : Stretch Marks : Why Do They Appear And How To Get Rid Of Them?

1. Include Omega-3 In Your Diet

Fatty acids such as Omega-3 are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. Fishes such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, soybeans, and flax seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 which can be included in your daily diet.

2. Stay Active to Avoid Gaining Too Much Weight during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are chances of putting on too much weight. Sudden weight gain can put too much pressure, causing the collagen in the dermis to rupture, resulting in the appearance of stretch marks. Consult your doctor about healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Your dermatologist may advise using stretch marks removal creams on the abdomen for stretch marks removal. Applying stretch marks cream in the early stages has proved to be beneficial in decreasing the severity of stretch marks. We recommend using ThriveCo's Stretch Mark Expert in your early trimester (i.e., in the initial stage of stretch marks) to prevent stretch marks, as it contains groundbreaking Striover, Rosehip Oil and Squalene- for intense skin hydration, which can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks in its initial stage.

3. Vitamin D For Skin

‘Sunshine Vitamin’ or Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Natural light is a good source of Vitamin D for the skin. It plays a vital role in cell regeneration, cell growth, and repair and improves the immune system, destroying free radicals responsible for damaging skin cells. But avoid over-exposure to the sun as it can damage your skin, resulting in premature ageing. To compensate for Vitamin D deficiency in your body, you can take Vitamin D supplements.

4. Hydrating Skincare Products

Studies show skin hydrating and nourishing skincare products can help you remove stretch marks. Incorporating these products into your regular skincare routine makes your skin soft, supple and plump, reducing the risk of developing stretch marks. Some of the effective stretch marks cream available in the market contain skin hydration ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalene, rosehip oil etc., for keeping your skin nourished and well-hydrated.

Also Read : Bid Adieu To Dehydrated Skin With 5 KDa Hyaluronic Acid

5. Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate

Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily for optimal hydration. Hydrated skin looks plump and youthful, improving the skin's elasticity, thus preventing stretch marks.

6. Eat Plenty Of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

As per recent studies, eating nutrient-rich food can improve skin health. Fruit and veggies rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc and proteins keep your skin healthy and radiant, thus reducing the risk of stretch marks.

7. Always Protect Your Skin From Harmful Effect Of Sun

Direct exposure to sun rays can damage the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, making your skin prone to stretch marks; hence it is essential to sun protect it. Application of sunscreen is an unavoidable step in your morning skincare routine. It is recommended to apply a sunscreen cream or gel every 365 days a year. As per experts, gel-based sunscreen is more effective in providing maximum sun protection as it gets absorbed into the skin easily. You can try ThriveCo's Daily Sunscreen Gel, as your first line of defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Also Read : Is Sun Protection Essential? 

There are numerous cream for stretch marks removal available in the market. But experts say that even the best stretch marks cream will only be effective if you start applying it in the initial stage, i.e., when your stretch marks are new, as these creams for stretch marks will not be effective on old stretch marks. Your dermatologist may suggest applying stretch marks cream on the susceptible parts of your body when pregnant to reduce the risk of stretch marks. It is worth mentioning that there is no magical solution for complete stretch mark removal. But with a regular skincare routine and the application of stretch marks cream, you can prevent the appearance of stretch marks to a certain extent.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thriveco.in is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider. The information, suggestion, or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.