Preventing Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can appear when there is a sudden weight gain, which is most commonly seen as a result of pregnancy, when there is a rapid stretching of the skin. Puberty is another time when stretch marks can make an appearance, with males as well as females, when there is a sudden growth spurt in areas such as the breasts, buttocks, hips and thighs.

Stretch marks occur when underlying tissue grows faster than the skin layers covering it, which causes small tears in the skin’s surface. Scar tissue forms in these tears, creating stretch marks. They appear as streaks of red thinned skin that fades to the white scar-like streaks over time. Stretch marks may also appear depressed or indented from the surrounding skin and will have a different texture.

Since stretch marks are basically scars, you cannot realistically expect to eliminate them completely once they happen. Preventing stretch marks from happening then would be essential. With that in mind, there natural ways to protect your skin, increase the elasticity and stimulate regeneration of new skin cells.

Vitamin E is one of the key ingredients in promoting the production of new skin cells, and is a powerful antioxidant found naturally in plants and nuts like almonds, kiwi, and mangos. Clinical studies have shown such benefits as reduction in scarring and the reduction of stretch marks. Vitamin E penetrates deeply into the skin to stimulate the growth of new cells, and as a result, the stretch marks become thinner and fade over continuing treatments.

Many products on the market make wild claims to completely remove stretch marks, when that just is not realistic. It is very difficult to remove existing stretch marks completely, especially if you have never used anything to prevent them or treat them when they were new. Taking preventative measures can help to diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Keep in mind though, that everyone’s skin reacts differently and it is impossible to guarantee that stretch marks will disappear completely.