When you’re taking strides to get into shape and perfect your body by lifting weights, the last thing you want is for your weightlifting routine to cause you to develop stretch marks. Stretch marks are commonly caused by rapid muscle gain associated with weight lifting, so it’s important that people starting a new bodybuilding routine take steps to prevent stretch marks. Consider the following stretch mark prevention methods to help you avoid developing striae.
Avoid Steroids and Other Supplements
The most common reason for the rapid muscle gain that causes stretch marks is using steroids, creatine, or other supplements that promote quick muscle development. While these supplements may help you get buff more quickly, they may also cause your skin to stretch, tear, and form stretch mark scars due to your skin being unprepared for such rapid change in shape. While it will take longer to develop muscles naturally, you’ll be happier with how your body looks in the end if you don’t end up with stretch marks.
Eat Foods That Promote Collagen Development
Collagen is a protein found in the body that promotes skin health: it encourages skin to repair itself when damaged and helps keep skin strong and elasticized. While your body produces less collagen as you get older, there are certain foods you can eat that promote collagen development and help keep skin from tearing when stretched because of weightlifting. Adding the following foods to your regular diet can help promote collagen development: green vegetables, berries, and fish and other lean meats.
Wear Sunscreen or Use a Sunless Tanner
After you’re ripped, you’re going to want to show off your body, and you’re not going to want to be pasty white. However, UV rays can damage your body’s production of collagen, encouraging stretch marks to form. When out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin, and avoid using tanning beds. If you want to look tan when showing off your new physique, use a sunless tanner or get a spray tan. You may feel silly doing it, but you’ll look better with a fake tan than with stretch marks.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps to keep skin hydrated and supple, so making sure you’re drinking enough water is important when preventing stretch marks. Check with your doctor to find out what amount of water you should drink daily to support your new workout regimen.
Use a Stretch Mark Prevention Lotion
Not only will using a stretch mark prevention lotion make your newly muscled body soft and shiny, it will also help you avoid getting stretch marks. Lotions that help prevent stretch marks are a cost effective and simple way to avoid developing stretch marks that are caused by lifting weights. Using a stretch mark prevention lotion once or twice every day while building muscles will help you avoid stretch marks so you can feel proud showing off your body once it’s ripped and ready for display.
