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Stretch marks can range from bright red streaks to silvery lines that appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched. If you've ever been pregnant or have gained weight rapidly, you may have noticed them on your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or arms. Stretch marks are totally normal and common and are nothing to be ashamed of — but if your goal is to reduce their appearance, there are certain foods that can help and one ingredient that won't do your skin any favors.
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Foods that contain simple carbohydrates like refined sugar (white bread and sugary drinks are two major offenders) can create inflammation in the body that produces enzymes that can actually break down collagen and promote wrinkles and more sagging skin. Toss your sugary snacks aside (or at the very least reduce your intake of them) in favor of two foods that Maria Marlowe, integrative nutrition health coach and author of EatBEAUTY and Real Food Grocery Guide, says may help improve the appearance of stretch marks (though it needs to be said that there is a limited amount of scientific literature in this area).
Organic, grass-fed bone broth — "Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, which helps the skin stay flexible and resilient, which may help it withstand stretching and bounce back more easily," Marlowe says.
Vitamin C- rich foods — "[These] help the body produce collagen, may also help keep the skin elastic," Marlowe says. "Citrus, dark leafy greens — like kale and broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries — are good sources."
And don't forget the power of topical ointments like aloe vera, which Marlowe says can increase the elasticity and hydration of the skin. "You can find the full leaf at health food, Asian, or latin markets," Marlowe says.
