Striae, commonly called stretch marks, develop on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks and thighs, according to MayoClinic.com. Pregnancy is a common cause of stretch marks. Numerous creams, oils and similar types of products claim to be effective in preventing the prevention of striae. Currently, no product can be purchased to prevent stretch marks, but there are steps an individual can take reduce the risk of developing them.
Preventing Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Step 1
Develop a healthy diet plan at the start of pregnancy. This can be done with the help of an overseeing health care provider. Weight gain in pregnancy should be slow and steady, which is healthy and can reduce the strain placed on skin.
A pregnant woman's health care provider can assist her in setting a goal rate of weight gain that typically equates to about one-half pound for the first 20 weeks and then about 1 to 1.5 pounds per week in the final 20 weeks of pregnancy. The March of Dimes suggests obese women aim for 25 to 42 pounds, overweight women try for 31 to 50 pounds and normal weight women aim for 37 to 54 pounds.
Step 2
Stay active throughout the pregnancy. Women who weren't very active before pregnancy shouldn't attempt to add anything too rigorous. However, simple cardiovascular exercises like walking, stationery bicycling or using the elliptical machine are safe and have few negative effects on the body. Exercise also promotes blood circulation, which provides nourishment to the skin to keep it supple.
Step 3
Purchase pure vitamin E oil or capsules of vitamin E. Puncture the capsules to place the oil onto the belly, breasts and any other area where stretch marks may be likely. Vitamin E hasn't been proven effective in preventing stretch marks, but trying it may have some added benefit.
The American Pregnancy Association suggests eating foods high in vitamin E and C, zinc and silica to help form collagen. Some foods that meet these guidelines include carrots, tuna, kiwi, broccoli, sunflower oils and seeds, peanut butter, almonds, tomatoes, raisins, bananas and legumes.
Collagen keeps rapidly growing skin taut so elastin fibers in the skin are less likely to break, which results in visible stretch marks.
Step 4
Apply body lotion to stretch mark-prone areas every day during pregnancy following a bath or shower. Maintaining body hydration with lotion, a healthy diet and at least two liters of water per day can maximize skin elasticity. With the unavoidable skin stretching that occurs in pregnancy, a woman's best defense is optimum self-care, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Preventing Other Stretch Marks
Step 1
For those not pregnant wanting to avoid stretch marks, prevent rapid weight gain by eating a healthy diet. This includes not overeating and choosing a variety of foods, such as those recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid, found at MyPyramid.gov.
Rapid weight gain--or loss--in any individual, including a teen experiencing a growth spurt, can lead to the development of stretch marks. In some situations this can't be prevented because it occurs so suddenly.
Step 2
Participate in moderate exercise at least five days out of the week. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes on each of the five days to stay healthy. Individuals trying to lose weight can increase duration, frequency and intensity of physical activity to help shed pounds.
Step 3
Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day to maintain skin elasticity and hydration. As with pregnancy, proper hydration can reduce the risk of skin developing striae.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin E
- Body lotion
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