Stretch mark prevention - diet, massage, and support

Top 5 Tips For Preventing Stretch Marks

Stretch mark prevention research can be quite confusing some medical professionals uphold nothing can be done to stop them from forming, whereas some clinical trials have shown certain creams and treatments can prevent stretch marks from developing.

Here are our top five stretch mark prevention pointers:

1. Avoid Excessive Weight Gain

Excessive weight gain is one of the main reasons stretch marks develop. When the skin is stretched excessively over a short space of time dermal tearing occurs which creates scars in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) which we refer to as stretch marks. The epidermis (outer layer of skin) is also affected, the cells become thin and flattened which makes the defect in the dermis more visible.

2. Diet

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that maintain healthy skin is thought to prevent stretch marks. These vitamins and minerals include: Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and silica. If your diet is lacking these vitamins and minerals you might want to consider consulting a doctor or nutritionalist about a suitable supplement. Vitamins and supplements that help to prevent blood vessels under the skin and spider veins can also be helpful, these include: Bioflavonoid complex or vitamin P. Drinking plenty of water and regular exercise can also help to keep the circulation working properly.

3. Massage and Moisturise

Massaging oil, moisturisers or creams into your stretch marks on a daily basis can help to keep the circulation working properly in the affected tissue. The moisturiser, oil or cream will also keep your skin soft and supple. Vitamin E oil/cream or Cocoa Butter are two of the most popular choices for preventing stretch marks. There is no scientific evidence to prove that they work, but many women swear by them for preventing stretch and treating stretch marks. Prescription creams that contain tretinoin or retin A can also be used to keep stretch marks at bay, but they can not be used when pregnant or nursing.

4. Avoid Hormone Based Medicines

You don’t have to be obese or have gained a lot of weight in a short time span to develop stretch marks. Those who are slim can also develop stretch marks and it is thought that hormones have a part to play in this. It has been suggested that certain hormone based medications such as steroids can cause stretch marks.

5. Wear a Supportive Maternity Bra

It is quite common for women to develop stretch marks on their breasts during pregnancy and breast feeding. A good quality maternity bra can help to give extra support.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Stretch Mark Prevention

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