A few years ago I lost 40 pounds. Two years of the pandemic later, I gained it back. In some areas, I notice stretch marks. To be fair, this is common and appears on all skin, regardless of weight. It turns out, it can even appear due to too much sugar.

Stretch marks can appear as white, silver, or red scars on the body, and tend to occur during puberty or rapid weight change. Rightfully so, most people don’t enjoy the way they look, preferring smooth skin. There’s a common myth that if you have them, you’re stuck with them forever—that couldn’t be further from the truth. Like loads of other skin care concerns, the root cause is helpful for treatment, prevention, and a cure.

Essentially, stretch marks occur when elastin, the protein that keeps skin firm, is impacted with weight gain or loss. The skin will tear and scar, creating that appearance. You’ll usually see them on the hips, thighs, stomach, breast, and backside. Genetics also cause stretch marks, unfortunately. To prevent stretch marks from happening, try the following tips.

1. Aim to normalize your weight

Stretch marks can occur from rapid weight change, so work to keep your weight around the same number. If you have to gain or lose a significant amount of weight, it’s best to do it gradually to reduce the risk of skin tearing. Of course, having elastin and collagen protein, supplements, or shakes help as well.

2. Sweat it out

By engaging in even 20 minutes of physical activity every day, you can stimulate blood flow and collagen that will prevent stretch marks from forming.

3. Up your water intake

The most important thing you can do for your body as a whole is drink an adequate amount of water (8 to 10 glasses a day for the average adult). Here’s some tips on how to drink more water.

4. Stay moisturized

Stretch marks are more prone to occur on dry and flaky skin. On the flip side, skin that is adequately moisturized and hydrated from within is what keeps them at bay. So don’t skimp out on post-shower lotion. Also, again, stay hydrated.

Here’s a bonus tip: Body butter gives you top-tier moisturizing and drink water with electrolytes.