How to Prevent Stretch Marks?

If you notice stretch marks on your skin, you may wonder how to prevent more stretch marks from forming and the best way to treat existing ones. Stretch marks are something that many people have, and they are slightly different from cellulite. Men and women can develop stretch marks, but, generally speaking, more women than men get them. 

If you have stretch marks, you are certainly not alone. Research suggests between 50 to 90 percent of women have stretch marks. So, as you can see, stretch marks are very common. But you may be wondering what these streaky marks are and how to prevent stretch marks from forming.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the subject of stretch marks to provide you with the information you need to prevent stretch marks and help you with treating stretch marks. Read on to learn everything you need to know about stretch marks:

What are Stretch Marks?

Before we go any further, it is helpful to know what stretch marks are. People develop stretch marks when the body changes and the skin stretches. It is important to remember that stretch marks are not usually a cause for concern, and their presence will not harm you. But, some people dislike how stretch marks look on their bodies.

Essentially, stretch marks are scars that occur on healthy skin when it is stretched. The elastin fibers within the skin tear as the skin is stretched. This process causes long, thin marks to appear on your skin.

What do Stretch Marks Look Like?

When you first notice stretch marks on your body, you may wonder what they are. The appearance of stretch marks can differ from person to person and depending where on the body they are located.

Stretch marks usually appear as long, narrow lines on the skin. Stretch marks can be a range of colors, from silver to red. Some people have barely noticeable stretch marks, while others are more prominent and can appear as a purple or blue color on the skin.

When you touch your stretch marks, they are likely to feel like indentations or thin grooves on your skin. Stretch marks usually appear darker and have stronger indentations when they have just formed. 

Why do People Develop Stretch Marks?

When it comes to the reason that people develop stretch marks, there are a few leading causes:

• Rapid weight gain
• Pregnancy weight gain
• Growth spurt during adolescence
• Puberty as the body starts to develop
• Surgical procedures, such as implants that cause the skin to stretch

Pregnancy stretch marks

Pregnancy stretch marks are called striae gravidarum. Pregnant women often develop pregnancy stretch marks at some point during their pregnancy. Some pregnant women develop stretch marks early in pregnancy due to pregnancy weight gain. For other women, stretch marks during pregnancy develop in the later stages when their bump is at its largest.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnancy stretch marks can also occur due to hormone changes during pregnancy.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Several risk factors increase the chances of stretch marks forming. Awareness of the risk of developing stretch marks and the leading causes will help prevent stretch marks and improve your skin health.

Promote Healthy Skin

Taking care of your skin health can help with preventing stretch marks. Using products such as our Anti Stretch Mark Cream will help with pregnancy stretch marks.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet will help you to avoid a large total weight gain or rapid weight loss. This will help to prevent the skin from stretching rapidly and stretch marks developing.

Treatment Options for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are permanent but often fade over time and become less noticeable. In the meantime, if you dislike your stretch marks, the good news is that there are ways to treat them.

While you cannot change the fact that the elastic fibers in the skin have torn and created a scar, you can help to make this look less obvious. Here are some stretch mark treatment options to consider:

Dermatologic Surgery

If you plan to take more drastic action to help your stretch marks fade, several options are available, including laser therapy and chemical peels. While it is possible to pursue these routes, stretch mark treatments such as laser therapy can be extremely costly, and you may require a long course of sessions to start reducing stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Creams

Stretch mark creams are a more practical way to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Topical preparations can make a noticeable difference, not only to stretch marks but also to dry skin.

Many stretch mark creams contain moisture-boosting ingredients such as cocoa butter, vitamin e, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, almond oil, and cocoa butter. Coconut oil also helps skin stay supple as it protects the moisture barrier.

Our Botanic Tree Anti Stretch Mark Cream is the most effective option for helping get rid of stretch marks and preventing stretch marks from forming. Our cream will help to keep your skin hydrated thanks to its skin-loving ingredients. Cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado, and olive oil are natural ingredients that help prevent stretch marks developing on your skin. Gently massage the cream into your skin to stimulate collagen production and boost collagen growth. Regular use will keep skin supple and is proven effective in 93% of users at preventing new stretch marks and minimizing the appearance of existing stretch marks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are stretch marks permanent?

Once stretch marks appear, they are permanent but can fade over time by keeping the skin strong and healthy.

Where do stretch marks usually develop?

Stretch marks can develop anywhere that the skin stretches. Pregnancy stretch marks usually appear on the abdomen. Stretch marks can appear on the thighs, buttocks, breasts, stomach, and arms if you gain weight.

Can men get stretch marks?

Yes, men can get stretch marks due to weight gain or weight loss. However, stretch marks during pregnancy are a common reason more women develop them than men.