Stretch marks or striae are a naturally occurring phenomenon that happens to your body due to some rapid changes that your skin wasn’t able to keep up with. They are commonly experienced by women who just underwent pregnancy. However, they can also be acquired via bodybuilding and adolescence, and they aren’t exclusive to women alone.

Fortunately, stretch marks aren’t that hard to get rid of – they can even be prevented from appearing.

Here are a few methods you can follow:

1. Keep yourself hydrated

You might not realize it, but water actually plays a huge role in keeping your skin healthy. It helps keep it soft and more elastic. With regular water intake, you can keep your skin moisturized. This helps eliminate stretch marks on your body, even prevent them from appearing in the first place. According to studies, drinking around 8-9 glasses of water every day is recommended.

2. Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is known for its regenerative properties. Additionally, it’s rich in collagen which can help make your skin soft and elastic. By applying a sufficient amount of aloe vera gel on your skin where your stretch marks are and leaving it on for around 20-30 minutes, you’ll be able to get rid of them for good. Just make sure you do it daily then wash it off using warm water.

3. Use creams that contain retinoids

Although there are no FDA-approved creams formulated specifically for stretch marks, creams that have retinoids can show a significant improvement on your skin.

Ideally, you want to go for retinol creams as they’re prescribed for treating wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, particularly in the face. There are also certain products that are designed for different stretch marks based on how they’re derived.

For example, the Body Merry cream is made for treating stretch marks caused by weight gain. The Bio Oil, on the other hand, is formulated for treating stretch marks which are the result of working out. There’s also the Mama Mio cream which is ideal to use during and after pregnancy.

4. Include vitamins C and D in your diet

Vitamins play an important role in the prevention of stretch marks on your skin, particularly vitamins C and D. Vitamin C has an important role in the development of collagen, which in turn, plays a major role in maintaining a strong and elastic skin. It also helps prevent wrinkles from appearing.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, has been found to have some sort of connection between the appearance of stretch marks. A certain study suggests that by keeping a healthy level of vitamin D, you may lower the chances of getting stretch marks. However, further research is still needed to fully confirm this.

5. Keep your weight in check

Another way to prevent stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight. They can appear when you’re experiencing either a rapid weight gain or a rapid weight loss.

There are also people who develop stretch marks while undergoing puberty. Bodybuilders, on the other hand, acquire them after gaining big gains due to working out. Eating a healthy diet paired with regular exercise can help manage your weight, which in turn, can help prevent stretch marks from appearing in the first place.

Fortunately, stretch marks can fade with time. However, if you’re annoyed by their appearance, you’ll have to keep yourself hydrated, eat a balanced and healthy diet, and maintain a healthy body weight.

If, however, you notice excessive stretch marks on your body, you might want to consult your doctor about it instead.

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