I’ve received  numerous emails asking questions about how to deal with body issues such as stretch marks. We are all self conscious about our bodies, especially when bathing suit season comes around. But no matter size, shape, age, whatever, we all have them.

An easy step to start fighting those stretch marks is by drinking plenty of water. Water adds elasticity to skin, and lack of elasticity is one ofthe main causes of stretch marks. Fight further damage and unnecessary attention with plenty of plain fluids each day.

Bring out the cocoa butter! The key here is using a cocoa butter solid, rather than a milder lotion. Massage it in twice daily (preferably after showers and baths) to smooth skin and minimize damage. This can take a while, so start this process several weeks before spring or summer for best results.

A light tan dramatically reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Use a self-tanning lotion or go for a spray tan for instant results. Don’t try real tanning as a way to hide stretch marks. Both the sun and a tanning salon will only accentuate the difference in color between your skin and its striations. You can also try using a bronzing powder, as well.

Start stretching. Adding elasticity is key to preventing further damage and making damaged skin more smooth and supple. Begin a stretching routine, use resistance bands, or your own at-home techniques.

If you only have a few stretch marks, and they are thin and shallow, you can use a concealer. Concealer is a very thick makeup designed to hide surface skin blemishes. It covers dark circles, bruises, age spots, and stretch marks that aren’t deeply furrowed. It can be applied with either fingers or a brush. For newer, darker stretch marks, a green-tinted concealer is best.

“To insure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

Take a look at your lifestyle. Are you really healthy? This may seem like a simple question, but think about it. If someone were to look at your daily actions, would they be able to tell that you are a healthy person? Do you eat nutritious meals, stay physically active, get enough sleep, etc? These are simple things that we take for granted much of the time. Think about your life. Do you make it a priority to maintain good health?

If you do, you are definitely on the right track…and continuous improvement should be your goal. If you don’t make time to maintain your good health, start TODAY! There’s no time like the present to build your foundation of good health.