Although there are many websites that offer various forms of medications for stretch marks, it is also important for you to know what to avoid so that you don’t make your stretch marks worse. Check out some of the previous sections for remedies and diets, and read on to make sure that you are doing things safely.
What NOT to Drink
Some drinks are inherently unhealthy for your skin, and by drinking large amounts of these substances, you may be adding to the problem. It is somewhat ironic that a drink can dehydrate your body, but it is entirely possible. These drinks include caffeine drinks such as soda and coffee. Anything you drink which can keep you awake may have caffeine, so make sure that you check the labels of each drink before you chug away.
Another type of drink that can make you dehydrated is alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are notoriously bad for the skin, and this is fairly evident in the dry leathery skin of long-term alcoholics. It may be best to stop imbibing for the meantime if you are determined to make your stretch marks less visible. When in doubt, stick to water.
What NOT to Eat
I’ve already given you a list of food items that you should eat in order to have healthier skin. And if you haven’t noticed it yet, I didn’t include junk food as part of your necessary diet. And if I haven’t made myself clear enough, junk food is something you MUST definitely avoid.
How NOT to Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin cells and encourages the growth of healthier skin cells thus eliminating the appearance of stretch marks. However, it should not be done every day. You can exfoliate once a week, but never more than that.
In addition, do not exfoliate while you are sun tanning, and definitely not while in a tanning bed. Exposing the skin to too much sun is already bad and doing this while exfoliating can be disastrous. Exfoliation significantly reduces your skin’s ability to absorb UV rays safely. Long-term exposure to UV rays can, not only prematurely age your skin and make you look older, but you also increase the possibility of acquiring skin cancer.
Using Prescription Treatments Properly
Do not even try to use strong prescription-strength medications without the explicit guidance from your dermatologist. Some retinoid treatments, for example, are absolutely bad for you while you are pregnant, and they may contaminate the milk you are producing which may cause negative effects on your newborn baby.
It may also turn out that you are allergic to certain anti-stretch marks medications. You may have an allergy if your skin starts to develop crusts or blisters, or even if your skin becomes itchy or sore. Some retinoid treatments also cause skin tingling, which are expected, but if such sensations do not subside then you also need to stop using it and consult your dermatologist right away.
Some treatments also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so don’t expose yourself to the sun as much as possible.
