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Stretch marks—those little tiger stripes that show up when our skin stretches too fast—are completely normal. They happen when collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep our skin strong and stretchy, can’t keep up with rapid expansion or shrinking. And while some people are just genetically prone to them (thanks, DNA!), there are plenty of natural ways to help your skin stay resilient and minimize their appearance.
Let’s take a look at some potential causes of stretch marks and how you can naturally support your skin’s resilience!
Hormones like cortisol can interfere with collagen production, making the skin less elastic and more prone to stretch marks. High stress, pregnancy, and puberty can all throw hormones out of whack.
Prevention Tip: Balance your hormones naturally by reducing stress (deep breaths, meditation, and mindfulness), getting enough sleep, and supporting your body with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or maca.
Spikes in blood sugar can lead to hormonal imbalance and inflammation, which can throw the body out of homeostasis and weaken collagen and elastin. Over time, this can make skin more vulnerable to tearing when it stretches.
Prevention Tip: Keep blood sugar stable by eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. 10-15 minutes of movement after meals (like walking) work wonders too!
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, while protein provides the building blocks for skin repair. If you’re lacking these nutrients, your skin may struggle to keep up with changes.
Prevention Tip: Load up on vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Make sure you're getting enough protein from sources like grass-fed meat, eggs, dairy and even collagen powder for an extra boost!
These are prime times for rapid growth, and the body may struggle to keep up with the demand for collagen and elastin, leading to stretch marks.
Prevention Tip: Nourish your skin daily with deeply hydrating oils and butters, and stay consistent with gentle massage to promote circulation and elasticity.
Sudden changes in body size—whether from weight gain, muscle growth, or weight loss—can overstretch the skin.
Prevention Tip: Prioritize consistent nourishment and hydration to keep your skin resilient during times of change. Supporting your body with nutrient-dense foods and proper skincare can help maintain skin elasticity and strength.
Rich in skin-loving fatty acids, tallow is deeply nourishing and helps keep skin soft, supple, and resilient during times of change.
This powerhouse oil promotes collagen production, helping to strengthen the skin and reduce the likelihood of stretch marks.
Frankincense promotes cell regeneration, which can help reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks over time.
Nature’s alternative to synthetic retinol, bakuchiol encourages cell turnover and repair without irritation, making it a gentle yet effective way to support skin health.
While some of us are just more prone to stretch marks than others, supporting your skin from the inside out can go a long way in prevention. Stay nourished, hydrate well, balance hormones, and give your skin the topical love it deserves with natural, skin-strengthening ingredients like tallow and tamanu oil.
Your skin is incredible—let’s help it stay strong, stretchy, and glowing!
