Due to changes in our body, our skin is constantly being stretched and pulled. Fortunately, our skin is elastic and can withstand most transformations. However, rapid growth or weight gain can stretch our skin beyond its elastic limit and produce scar tissue known as stretch marks.

Stretch marks are common during adolescence because of growth spurts, wherein, these scars will usually appear on the back of the legs, hips and breasts. Another factor that occurs not only during puberty, but during your entire life are excessive weight fluctuations. These changes produce unneeded stress on your body which results in stretch marks.

Another stage in life that is prone to stretch marks formation is pregnancy. They are likely to appear around the abdomen and breasts. After having given birth take care to gradually lose weight, rapid weight lose will cause more stretch marks to appear.

If you thought that the only people affected by stretch marks where teenagers and women, you were wrong. Bodybuilders are also susceptible to stretch marks due to rapid weight gain. Within the bodybuilding world this rapid weight gain is known as bulking up. Biceps, thighs and even hips can show sign of stretch marks in these athletes.

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks have a genetic component. So if your parents have stretch marks, chances are you will get them, too. Nevertheless, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent their formation.

Firstly, follow a sensible diet and avoid rapid weight fluctuations. If you are trying to bulk up, it is just make sure that you do it as slowly as possible. Your skin will capable of dealing with the excessive stretching and, therefore, avoid the formation of stretch marks.

This is also applicable to pregnancy. Slow and steady weight gain can limit your chances of developing stretch marks. Special stretch marks lotions can also make your skin more resistant to these striae.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

If you want complete and total removal of your stretch marks, surgery is your only option. But, if you've placed all your faith in surgery keep in mind that not all areas are easily treated, such as the underarm area. Instead of undergoing an invasive treatment, prefer looking into other less aggressive options.

Microdermabrasion can help deal with stretch marks. If you think that microdermabrasion could be just what you're looking for then you'll have to undergo several treatments before seeing any results. Once you've begun sessions you can follow up treatment with a stretch marks cream for additional help.

When stretch mark creams are used on their own, they require more time to produce results. Nevertheless, there are many creams that can help reduce the size and appearance of stretch marks. Products that are truly effective in treating stretch marks contain rose hip (seed) oil, but if you prefer you can use rose hip oil itself.

If you've tried everything and nothing works, you can still try covering them up. In fact, body make up can cover larger areas, especially those that cannot be covered by clothing.