I often read and hear people say that there is no way to prevent stretch marks. I have different news for you; preventing stretch marks is possible. This is one area where other experts do not understand the mechanism of the body or the skin in preventing stretch marks.
Many imperfections in the body can be traced back to the organ system and depletion of what the body needs to function correctly.
Everything needs moisture to be pliable, correct? Think of cracked dry leather. Your skin is the same way. The key to preventing stretch marks is to make sure your skin has enough water and is pliable. Drinking water sounds easy enough, but water dehydration is not the problem. The problem is lipid (fat/oil) dehydration.
This is one of the main things I teach in my business. People do not need to drink more water to stay hydrated and turn back the hands of time. They need oils to lubricate their body and skin. I can successfully cut out moisturizers in a skin care regimen by making sure the body has enough healthy oils.
EFA’s And The Skin To Prevent Stretch Marks
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) can be broken down into two dietary categories: Omega 3 and Omega 6. As a society, we ingest too much Omega 6 (which is usually from any food or commercial grocery item that has hydrogenated oil in it) and not enough Omega 3.
The skin metabolizes fatty acids. If you are not feeding your body what it needs, your skin will not be pliable, allowing for a little or a lot of expansion. Your body is on a hierarchy system. It sees that the internal functioning of your body is more important than your skin. The times you do eat enough Omega 3’s, your body redirects that to the organs (like the brain) that need the EFAs to function. To your body, your skin is not as much of a priority as your brain. Your skin will begin to show signs of depletion (dry or non-dewy skin is a good indicator). The key to preventing stretch marks is to prevent the depletion.
EFA’s help to reduce inflammation. When you are talking about preventing stretch marks, this is important. People usually gain stretch marks through a growing spurt, rapid weight gain or muscle growth, or pregnancy. When the skin goes through a quick change, this area is stressed. Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself. But keeping the skin pliable so it can bend and grow with ease as well as keeping the inflammation under control will prevent stretch marks.
Omega 6’s are often the hydrogenated oils in much of everything these days. Omega 3’s are deficient in our modern diet. Fish (Mackerel, Tuna, Salmon and Sardines; wild only, not farmed), fish oils (cod liver oil), flax and chia seed (if you buy pre-ground it is often rancid- buy whole and grind yourself if you desire), wheat germ, nuts (walnuts are the best), and leafy greens (plus spinach) are a good source of Omega 3.
You should not cut Omega 6 completely out of your diet. You just need a good harmony of them. A 4:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is the very best for your brain, nervous system, eyes, and skin.
Here is a protocol that I recommend. Every night before bed, rub some evening primrose oil on your wrists or ankles. Take a few capsules orally, as well. Take 2 capsules of a good quality fish oil made from wild ocean fish. Take a spoonful of Cod Liver Oil. The orange flavor is not that bad. Make sure you are also taking about 200 iu of Vitamin E to prevent the fish oils from going rancid in your body.
I would also increase your Vitamin C intake to 5,000 mg daily. Since Vitamin C is short lived in the body, divide that dosage up and take it throughout the day. Vitamin C is needed for healthy collagen and elastin.
The Protocol to prevent stretch marks broken down:
Every evening:
- Rub Evening Primrose Oil on your wrists
- Take 2 capsules of Evening Primrose Oil by mouth
- Take 2 capsules of Fish Oil
- Take 1 spoon full of Cod Liver Oil
- Take 200 iu of Vitamin E
Please do not forget your children. They can take smaller amounts and do not have to take the Evening Primrose Oil orally. They only need a few drops of Vitamin E mixed with their Orange flavored Cod Liver Oil.
On top of the supplementation, include more fish, nuts, and leafy greens, especially spinach in your daily diet. Avoid overeating anything with hydrogenated oils. All of this will improve the ability for your skin to stretch. You do NOT have to suffer because you can prevent stretch marks from forming in the first place.
If you do this every day, your body will soon learn that you are giving it what it needs regularly. Your body will begin to funnel the EFAs to your skin to prevent stretch marks. Because each body is individual with different levels of deficiencies, there is not an exact length of time before your body begins to funnel the EFAs to your skin to begin preventing stretch marks. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, work with this protocol a few months prior. If you are already pregnant or in a muscle-building regimen, make sure you stick with the supplements and add in as many of the omega-rich foods I mentioned earlier.
If you are pregnant or have any questions/concerns about if the supplementation is right for you, please ask your health care professional. Educating yourself will allow you to make informed decisions about what you feel is right for your body.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Great, I never knew this, thanks.
Wish I had known this BEFORE my pregnancy but at least I know for my next one. I’m not good with oils and know i dont get enough.
What a great resource!