How to prevent stretch marks

How to prevent stretch marks

More than half of all pregnant women develop stretch marks, or striae. Most often these occur on the chest, hips and abdomen [1].

Why do stretch marks appear?

There is no consensus on what causes stretch marks, but there are three main theories:

• Physical factors: Weight increases, causing skin to stretch more rapidly than usual and striae appear.

• Hormonal factors: During pregnancy, a low level of the hormone relaxin combined with higher levels of estrogen and cortisol make connective tissue more fragile during the physical changes of pregnancy [2].

• Genetic factors: Hereditary predisposition to loss of skin elasticity can be one cause of stretch marks.

Risk factors that contribute to causing stretch marks include [3]:

• dramatic weight gain;

• pregnant with twins or multiples;

• exposure to UFA / UV radiation;

• smoking;

• a large amount of simple carbohydrates in the diet.

Tips to prevent stretch marks

It is impossible to completely eliminate stretch marks with preventive measures [1], but you can reduce the risk of their occurrence. To do this, you must:

• Avoid simple carbohydrates and trans fats.

• Eat foods rich in vitamins E, C, and omega-3s and other fatty acids.

• Use sunscreen.

• Take time for physical activity.

Special lotions designed for stretch marks do not necessarily help prevent them from occurring [1]; however, they can reduce the itching that accompanies skin stretching [3]. If stretch marks have already appeared, then they can be corrected after delivery with the help of a noninvasive laser procedure [2].