Due to changes in our body, our skin is constantly being stretched and pulled. Luckily, our skin was made to stretch enough to withstand most of these transformations. Nevertheless, rapid growth or weight fluctuations can demand our skin to stretch beyond its elastic limit and produce scar tissue known as stretch marks.

Stretch marks are common in adolescence due to growth spurts. In this case they usually appear around the back of the legs, hips and breasts. Another factor, such as excessive weight gain during puberty can also produce stretch marks.

Pregnancy is another stage in life when stretch marks are common. 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. Thighs, biceps, and even hips can show definite signs of stretch marks in some athletes.

Learn 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 certain tips that can help you prevent them.

First of all, follow a sensible diet to keep from gaining too much weight. If you a planning to bulk up, make sure that you do it as gradually as possible. Your skin will be able to handle the increase more easily, therefore, avoiding stretch mark formation.

This is also true for pregnancy. Slow and steady weight gain can limit your chances of developing stretch marks. In order to have as much help as possible, you can also accompany your daily routine with special stretch marks lotions which can help keep your skin resistant to striae.

Find out How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

If you are determined to remove 100% 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 decide to undergo this type of treatment you will need several sessions to see any real results. You can also follow up with a stretch marks cream for additional help.

If you are using creams to treat stretch marks then you will need to patient in order to benefit from the treatment. Nevertheless, there are a few products created with powerful natural ingredients that can effectively help reduce the size and appearance of stretch marks. The most effective products will include rose hip (seed) oil or use rose hip oil itself.

If you've tried everything and nothing works, you can still try covering them up. In fact, by using body make up you can cover larger areas, especially those that are difficult to cover with clothing.