Many factors contribute to how prone you are to developing stretch marks when you’re pregnant. Your health, lifestyle, and genetics are all factors. But you can counter act many of these components - before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Eat a skin-healthy diet

Many women become concerned with their diet as soon as they learn they’re pregnant - others before when trying to get pregnant. But if you’re not eating well, switching to a well balanced, nutrient rich diet will not only help your baby but you as well. Incorporating food rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals that improve your skin’s elasticity can help prevent the formation of stretch marks. So try to add....

Foods containing omega 3s, such as fish, fish oil, walnuts, and eggs. These will help keep cell membranes healthy Load up on the vitamin A with carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, squash, and bell peppers. Vitamin A helps to repair skin tissue and can counter act underlying skin damage that would create stretch marks. Eat antioxidant rich foods such as blueberries, strawberries, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect the skin and nourish it while eliminating free radical damage too. Don’t skimp on vitamin E derived from nuts, seeds, broccoli, and other greens. Vitamin E also helps to protect cells and is wonderful for your skin anytime.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is beneficial to your skin. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to detoxify your body and keeps cells infused. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a healthy target. Using a water bottle that you refill multiple times per day can help you make sure you’re drinking the proper amount.

And don’t forget hydration can also be derived from other sources too. Herbal teas offer you a good alternative. Teas with chamomile are old world methods for calming upset tummies that are frequent during the early weeks of pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables also contain lots of water and healthy benefits. Watermelon and other melons are especially good for you.

Exercise is always good

Obviously keeping a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good fitness (with doctor supervision) is always good for you. But working out while pregnant can help you in so many ways. It improves circulation, helps to control weight gain, and can boost your energy - which will naturally ebb and flow during your pregnancy. Low impact exercises are the best, such as walking, yoga, pilates, or other pregnancy safe exercise routines.

Take care of your skin

Avoid harsh chemicals that are typically found in body washes and shampoos. These can be harmful to your skin over time. Instead opt for natural soaps that use natural oils that are more hydrating and soothing to your skin. And avoid overly hot showers that can actually dry out your skin - instead stick with lukewarm showers and baths.

Dry brushing or using a loofa to gently exfoliate your skin can improve your circulation and help to promote skin rejuvenation. Avoid sensitive areas such as the breast of course. Focus on areas that are prone to stretch marks, such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Keeping your skin supple and elastic is key to helping stave off stretch marks. So opt for rich, natural moisturizers that include ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, lanolin, and other emollients. Moisturize after bathing to maximize the moisture in your skin.

Consider stretch mark prevention creams that contain elastin, collagen, and other beneficial ingredients. These skin building blocks can help to replenish your natural stores and help avoid the development of stretch marks.

Don’t stop

Pampering and taking care of your skin during and after your pregnancy is important. If you successfully avoiding stretch marks during don’t stop your prevention treatments after you deliver. Your body is still changing and adapting to its maternity demands. Post delivery you’ll be losing your baby weight and perhaps breastfeeding so your skin will still need to be protected as it restores itself to it’s natural state.

If you did you best but still developed stretch marks, it’s not the end of the world. You can still minimize or reverse their appearance. Medical procedures such as laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion can help to alleviate them. As well as retinoid creams (when not nursing) and glycolic acids, kojic acids, and other resurfacing topical treatments. And don’t forget today’s modern topical treatments that include peptides and other modern science derived ingredients. Stretch marks can be avoided or corrected with the proper prevent or topical care.