One of the most common skin problems experienced by men and women today is the stretch mark. Stretch marks can make a person extremely self-conscious and may therefore prompt that person to avoid social activities. Because stretch marks are so stubborn and could stay for life, some people just give up and not even try to treat them, when in fact they can be easily treated with the right applications.

When skin expands too quickly they tend to crack, tear and eventually scar. The scar produced is what we know as a stretch mark. Because skin tends to go through these unwanted changes when dry, doctors often advise to moisturize and hydrate. This means simply drinking enough water each day (around 8 to 10 glasses each day). You can also eat foods that can effectively hydrate your body, such as fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, you can apply moisturizers on affected areas like on your belly if your are pregnant or on your biceps/arm if you are weight lifting. There are creams that do “double action”-these creams contain both hydrating and potent properties that can help skin produce elastin and collagen (for flexibility) as well as sooth the skin.

Next, don’t wait until you’ve already gotten stretch marks before you start treating. You can avoid stretch marks so easily by making a few changes in your eating habits. You don’t have to starve yourself. Just add more fruits and vegetables in your diet. The volume in fruits and health benefits in vegetables will keep you filled and energized throughout the day. Making it a habit to eat these foods will naturally reduce the amount of fatty (bad fats) or sugary foods you eat each day. Make your meals interesting. Blast a delicious fruit smoothy for breakfast and eat more heart-healthy essential fatty acids with salmon, tuna or mackerel.