How Can I Prevent Stretch Marks?

Question: How Can I Prevent Stretch Marks?

Answer: Stretch marks develop when the body grows to fast for skin to keep up. This is why teenage girls will get stretch marks on their thigh and hip areas after they hit puberty and experience a growth spurt. The same thing happens when you’re pregnant. Your belly is simply growing too fast for its skin. But why the marks? These are caused when the elastin and collagen fibers become ‘dehydrated’ & tear. This is why doctors advocate moisturizing your stomach during pregnancy & women have been swearing by cocoa butter for years. Keep in mind that for some women, moisturizing won't keep stretch marks at bay. Some people are simply prone to stretch marks while others aren’t. Once you’ve gotten them, you can take measures to remove them with creams such as Retin-A or laser treatments. For these more drastic procedures, you'll want to consult a dermatologist.