5 Natural Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks (And How To Get Rid Of Them)

Aug 09, 2018 by apost team

Let’s face it, stretch marks aren’t something that will concern our doctor, but it certainly concerns us. How many times have we looked at our bodies in absolute bewilderment about how these thin lines got there, wondering how we’re going to get rid of them?!

Fortunately, it’s just a cosmetic issue. However, cosmetic issue or not, no one really wants stretch marks striping their skin. We want perfect skin, flawless and smooth. Then why do these marks keep plaguing us? Unfortunately, these lines are just the natural response to periods of quick weight gain. Our skin has to stretch, and these marks are a reminder of the stretching it has done.

Our bodies often change sizes, especially during puberty, pregnancy, weight gain, and weight loss. However, pregnancy seems to be the biggest culprit, with the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reporting that between 52-59 percent of women get stretch marks during their pregnancy. Sadly, some estimates go so far as to claim that up to 90 percent of pregnant women develop them!

So, how do you know if you’re going to be in that group unlucky enough to experience the markings of pregnancy? Well, here are some risk factors:

Chronic diseases

Obesity

Hormonal imbalances

Medical conditions

Use of steroids

Genetic predisposition

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But should you worry yet if you might get them? Should you feel despondent if you already have them? Not necessarily. Often these marks, which tend to mostly appear on the breasts, buttocks, thighs, and hips, fade away on their own. Unfortunately, this takes time; and while these are not something to be medically concerned with, stretch marks can scar more than the physical and can leave marks on the self-esteem.

Of course, there are tons of creams and topical medicines out there specifically marketed to eliminate such markings. However, nothing, as of yet, has been shown to be truly effective. There is simply no “proven” treatment for this cosmetic condition. Even if various individuals happen to have anecdotal success, studies have not yet found a treatment with enough observable and measurable effect to be labeled effective. 

So, without a true treatment on the market, what can women do?

First, think about how much better prevention is than the cure; and if you’re fortunate enough to not have stretch marks as of yet or want to prevent your body from producing more, look to these five ways to prevent stretch marks:

What’s the number one reason people get stretch marks? They gain weight quickly. Thus, make sure you have some exercise in your weekly routine. Even if you’re pregnant, you can do some low-impact exercise to help with weight gain so that you gain steadily, as you should for your baby’s development.

Going along with diet, you must have your diet in order to prevent excessively quick weight gain. In fact, diet is going to be a bigger factor in maintaining healthy weight than exercise, so throw away that junk food you know is not serving you, get plenty of protein, and avoid unnecessary carbohydrates that just turn into sugar.

Eat some healthy fats, like olive oil, coconut oil, fish, and avocados. Your skin and hair will thank you as you provide it with all the necessary ingredients to keep it thick, flexible, and well-moisturized.

Don’t do those get-skinny-quick diets that deprive you of calories so that as soon as you stop those diets you gain back all the weight lost (plus some) in record time. These huge fluctuations in weight are only going to leave you disappointed and tagged with stretch marks.

Drink water when you are thirsty, making sure your water has those necessary electrolytes so that you are not craving water all day long. Such hydration will improve your skin and help with internal body functions, like digestion, bowel movements, and transportation of nutrients. Furthermore, it will help you maintain a healthy weight and metabolism.

But how do you get rid of those ugly stretch marks without just being patient and letting them fade with time? Well, taking care of your diet, hydration, and exercise routine will help you get rid of those stretch marks more quickly.

However, here are some more ways to help speed up the process:

I can smell the aromas now from this scrub that will be both decadent and helpful. Because coffee and sugar are abrasive, they may work wonders on your stretch marks; and honey, with its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, will smooth out the skin and finish the scrubbing process.

Yes, we know your insurance probably won’t cover this, but, fortunately, this procedure has been getting cheaper and more effective over the years. So, if you are really wanting rid of those stretch marks, it is something to consider.

Talented, professional tattoo artists (you will want to shop around for this) can find a color that closely matches your skin pigment to fill in the spaces of the stretch marks. Of course, this is quite a pricey option.

Been wanting a tattoo anyway? Maybe you could discuss with your tattoo artist various ways to cover those stretch marks.

See if your dermatologist has any options for you. Of course, research these options on your own as well. Advances in skincare are being made every day, and your dermatologist will be able to keep you abreast.

The key thing here is not to let stretch marks get you down. It really is something almost all of us have dealt with, and it is something you can either help prevent, get rid of, or learn to embrace. It is important to remember that we are wonderful just as we are, with or without stretch marks. Make sure you pass this information forward to someone who may find it useful :)

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!