Stretch marks are reddish or purple stretching lines in the skin caused by disintegration
of the three proteins collagen, elastin and reticulin, and separation of collagen fibers from the underling connective tissues. The incident occurs in the middle layer (dermis) of the skin and shows itself as a skin tear. Rapid stretching of the skin along with hormonal changes is the culprit.
When you develop stretch marks, they will not disappear completely. However, they fade away significantly with time.
Potential risk factors for developing stretch marks:
- Pregnancy, which is known as “striae gravidarum” and happens mainly in the belly during the last trimester of pregnancy.
- Puberty.
- Bodybuilding (especially rapid weight gain).
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Obesity.
- Cushing`s disease or syndrome.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Saturated, hydrogenated, and Trans fats. They may impair blood circulation of the skin.
- Processed foods.
- Fried foods.
- Sugars and sweets. They interfere with healing.
- Additives, preservatives, and food colorings.
- MSG (monosodium glutamate)-containing foods.
Recommended Foods:
- Plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Legumes.
- Cold water fish: salmon, herring, and mackerel.
- Enough protein: chicken, turkey and beef.
- Flaxseeds.
- Fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids: berries, pomegranate, sea buckthorn, and green leafy vegetables (kale, parsley, coriander, and spinach), tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene: green leafy and orange-colored vegetables.
- Fruits and vegetables high in proanthocyanidins: berries, pomegranate, eggplant, radish, radicchio, rhubarb, and red cabbage.
- Foods high in epicatechin: cocoa, green tea and grapes.
- Spices high in antioxidants: sumac, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Recommended Supplements:
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. This proanthocyanidin improves blood circulation and stabilizes collagen and elastin fibers.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- Vitamin E: 400 – 800 IU a day. This vitamin promotes skin elasticity.
- Glycine: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. This amino acid is a key component in elastin fibers.
- Proline: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. This amino acid is important for collagen and elastin formation.
- Resveratrol: 200 – 400 mg a day.
- Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams a day. They keep the skin pliable.
- Vitamin C: 2 – 3 grams a day.
Topical Implications:
- Topical vitamin E: apply three times a day onto the affected areas.
- Cocoa butter: apply 2-3 times a day onto the marks.
- Aloe vera gel: apply three times a day onto the marks.
- Castor oil: massage the area with castor oil few times a day.
