Why do we have stretch marks? How can I prevent them?

Stretch marks are one of the most hated skin problems in the world. We all hate when those brands appear... and above all, they come to stay. That is why the market is full of treatments that promise to eliminate them, often with little or no results. At thecosmethics we like you to know your skin in depth and that is why we are going to try to detail how they occur and what you can do to prevent and treat them.

How to prevent stretch marks: why do we have stretch marks?

Stretch marks are lines of purplish or whitish skin scars. They are produced by the breakage and subsequent atrophy of the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, leaving those annoying marks. At first they are pinkish or slightly purple in color. In this phase they still receive blood supply and are susceptible to remission if we act appropriately. Once they lose vascularization, they become pearly and become chronic. In this phase, an effective and natural way to eliminate them is to use pure rosehip oil on them every night.

The areas most susceptible to its appearance are the belly, hips, buttocks, breasts, arms and back. Normally stretch marks are not eliminated and remain on our skin for many years or a lifetime. That is why its main treatment is prevention , paying special attention to its care at certain times.

Why leave stretch marks?

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches very quickly, which is why they are mainly associated with pregnancy, puberty or drastic weight changes .

Even so, there are many other factors that can produce them or contribute to their cause: hormonal changes, genetic inheritance, physical exercise or skin hydration . Some pathologies, such as Cushing's syndrome, are also associated with its appearance.

During pregnancy, for example, a very rapid stretching of the skin on the abdomen occurs, and that is why its appearance is so typical during this period. They also tend to accompany the body of many athletes, accustomed to gaining and losing muscle mass in a short time.

Can we prevent the appearance of stretch marks?

As we already mentioned, the best way to treat stretch marks is prevention. Topical treatments are usually ineffective, but we do have a lot to do to prevent its appearance.

• Hydrate yourself well : Both inside and out, our skin needs water to stay in good condition. Lack of hydration causes the skin to lose elasticity and be more vulnerable to stretching. Applying a good oil or cream can be of great help. Always choose natural products with a high concentration of effective active ingredients.

• Avoid sudden weight changes : Express diets or excessively rapid weight gains mean that our skin does not have time to assimilate all these changes and disorders occur in the connective tissue.

• Take care of your diet : A diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids will provide the skin with all the necessary nutrients to remain intact.

• Massage with oils : Certain oils are especially beneficial to prevent them. Almond oil is one of them. Their moisturizing and nourishing properties make them the best anti-stretch mark ally. Apply it every day, taking your time and massaging until it is completely absorbed. The combination of its properties with the heat and movement of the massage will make it truly effective. Rosehip oil is also of great help due to its regenerative properties, being one of the few capable of improving stretch marks when they are still pink.

• Protect yourself from the sun : Although this is something you should always do, you should be especially careful with areas susceptible to stretch marks. During pregnancy, you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible and apply high protection, since it is one of the most sensitive times in this and other aspects.