Stretch marks are really common among people of all ages and whether you are a man or woman. The unfortunate truth is that not many people realize that stretch marks are indeed preventable. Below are 5 easy steps to preventing stretch marks.

Step 1: Eat Well

When you gain weight fast, the skin doesn’t have the chance to catch up with the growth. Therefore, it cracks, tears and eventually forms scars, which we know as stretch marks. So, it is important that you nourish your skin so that it can effectively deal with rapid growth during pregnancy and puberty. Simply eat more fruits and veggies as well as fiber, and avoid fatty and sugary foods as much as possible.

Step 2: Move More

As mentioned earlier, rapid weight gain is a common cause of stretch marks. Do more physical activity so you can maintain a healthy weight. There are more overweight people who have them than those who aren’t overweight. Engage a sport or any physical activity that’s fun, like rock climbing and cycling outdoors.

Step 3: De-stress

Stress tends to build up in our body by making the muscles tense. This causes poor blood flow. With poor blood flow, nutrients are unable to reach the skin and other parts of the body effectively. With bad skin, you have a higher chance of developing stretch marks and other types of scars. So de-stress as much as you can by taking time off in the hot tub or doing stretching exercises like yoga.

Step 4: Hydrate

Stretch marks are more likely to develop in dry skin. So it’s important to drink lots of water each day. Drinking water helps eliminate toxins and maintain supple skin.

Step 5: Get Additional Support

While living a healthy lifestyle is great for preventing stretch marks, you could get some extra help from anti-stretch mark products. It’s best to use these products during times when you are most susceptible to them, like during puberty, during pregnancy and when weight lifting. The best stretch mark products are all-natural ones, as they don’t cause irritation.