Editing Stretch marks (section)

== Prevention ==
Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that contribute to the skin's strength, resilience, flexibility, and help skin that has been stretched to recover its original state. Boosting the production of collagen and elastin helps prevent stretch marks from occurring.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Skin: Layers, Structure and Function|url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin|access-date=2022-02-17|website=Cleveland Clinic|archive-date=4 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304023159/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin|url-status=live}}</ref> Stretch marks can also derive from [[Malnutrition|nutritional deficiencies]]. Consuming foods that contribute to the skin's health, such as [[zinc]]-rich foods, protein-rich foods, and foods high in vitamin A, C, and D, can help suppress stretch marks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stretch Marks|url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks|access-date=2022-02-17|website=Cleveland Clinic|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217202207/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks|url-status=live}}</ref> A systematic review has not found evidence that creams and oils are useful for preventing or reducing stretch marks in pregnancy.<ref name=CC-Brennan-2012 /> The safety in pregnancy of one ingredient, ''[[Centella asiatica]]'', has been questioned.<ref name=Tunzi-2007 /> Evidence on treatments for reducing the appearance of the scars after pregnancy is limited.<ref name=Tunzi-2007 />