Stretch marks, these are a woman’s battle scars. What started nine months ago as a small bump enclosed in a supple layer of skin has now become a network of lines that run through the combat zones that is your stomach, your upper thighs, your hips, your buttocks and your breasts. These marks are an unwavering reminder of what transpired in the past few months.

For individuals who prefer to go ‘natural’ and dare not touch chemical and commercial products, olive oil is the ideal item that may assist you in your brawl against the unsightly marks. Pour a generous amount of liquid in your hand and massage the same to the areas where stretch marks thrive. Daily application is advised, once in the morning and another in evening. The oil will help diminish the stretch marks.

Another ‘natural’ way to prevent stretch marks is to drink water, plenty of water. Normally, people are required to drink at least 8 glasses of water. Pregnant women are recommended to take 10 glasses of water daily. Incorporating green bell pepper in your diet may facilitate such prevention too. This vegetable is rich in collagen, the substance that keeps the skin’s elasticity. Herbs like Chamomile may halt the formation of stretch marks too as it calms and lightens the skin.

Vitamin E – This substance replenishes dry skin and moisturizes. Vitamin E comes in all forms. It could be incorporated in a cream, oil or gel; it could even be taken orally as medicine. Most commercial products have instructions on how to use the same, make sure that you follow them. Oils and creams are usually intended to be massaged twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Cocoa Butter – Most women swear by this anti stretch mark regimen. Sometimes, they keen with branded products. In this case, the market offers a variety of creams where cocoa butter is an integral part. With the plethora of cream in the market, you may opt to stick with what your dermatologist recommended, or you could just pick one and try it, if your skin adjusts well, then stick with it.

Controlling one’s weight. Stretch marks are formed when the skin is suddenly pulled too tight. If you can discipline yourself by putting a ceiling in your weekly weight gain, then you’ll be free of stretch marks. Ideally, the gradual gaining of pounds like two pounds per week will help lessen the progression of the horrid marks.

One must remember that there is no such thing as an almighty cream or one regimen that erases all unsightly marks. Each woman has different skin tone, different skin elasticity, and different ways to fight the unruly lines that envelops a pregnant woman’s body.

Some are proud to wear their badges of honor or battle scars, while others rally against the sight of it. It is really a matter of personal choice. This also applies to the treatment that will be put into play to prevent those stretch marks. Whether it be an item out of an expensive shop or otherwise, it is what you make out of the scars.