Reducing Your Risk of Developing Stretch Marks

By Tony Garrudo

Stretch marks are fine lines of thin stretched tissue that may appear on the body, often during rapid weight gain or pregnancy. Naturally, our skin is very flexible. However, during rapid growth, the production of collagen is disrupted (collagen is a protein found in our skin that makes up most of the connective tissue giving it a smooth texture). This leads to reddish lines on your skin with a rough texture that will eventually turn grayish or white before fading. Stretch marks can affect both men and women, however, they are more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy.

Body builders, those people with unhealthy amounts of fat, or those who are overweight or even obese, have a tendency to develop stretch marks because of the constant, and sometimes accelerated, changes to their body. In addition to lifestyle, heredity can also determine whether or not a person will develop stretch marks. People who are born with skin that is dry and lacks elasticity are much more likely to develop stretch mark than those who have softer skin. Even a minor change to body composition can quickly lead to stretch marks for people with drier skin. Those who have used topical creams or ointments to apply steroids directly to the skin are also more prone to stretch marks.

Though stretch marks will eventually fade over time, there is no magic solution to erase them from your skin completely. While there is no way to rid your body of stretch marks permanently, there are a few medical procedures and products available, including surgery and creams, that can help fade the stretch marks. However, many of these operations and creams tend to be quite expensive and may have dangerous side effects, so the best way to fight stretch marks is to practice prevention.

Drinking plenty of water every day is one way to ensure that your skin will remain as elastic as possible, thereby decreasing your risk of getting stretch marks. Equally important to drinking enough water is limiting caffeine, which is commonly found in coffee, soda, and energy drinks. Not only does caffeine weaken the dermis, which gives skin its elasticity, but it also acts as a diuretic and rids of the body of necessary water. According to current research, eating a healthy diet and keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to minimize your chances of getting stretch marks.

Ask anyone and they will tell you that they wish they could get rid of their stretch marks. It can't be stressed enough: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take all the necessary precautions you can to avoid developing stretch marks. It is imperative that you eat a well balanced diet, make healthy food choices, and drink sufficient amounts of water. There will always be those times in your life when you cannot avoid the appearance of stretch marks, particularly during pregnancy. In such an instance as pregnancy where medical supervision is necessary, don't attempt anything on your own, but rather consult with a dermatologist to see if there is a treatment that will be safe and beneficial for you. - 30516

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