Because our body is constantly changing, our skin having to deal with non-stop stretching and pulling. Fortunately, our skin is elastic enough to withstand most of these transformations. However, weight fluctuations and some hormonal changes can stretch your skin passed its limit and produce scar tissue, more commonly 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, such as excessive weight gain during puberty can also produce stretch marks.

Another stage in life that is prone to stretch marks formation is pregnancy. They are more frequent 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 stretch marks only affected teenagers and pregnant women, think again. Bodybuilders are also susceptible to stretch marks due to rapid weight gain. On these athletes the signs of stretch mark formation appear on the biceps, thighs, and even hips.

Preventing Stretch Marks

So now that you know that bodybuilders, women, and teenagers are prey to stretch marks you're relieved thinking you won't be affected, but wrong again. Stretch marks have a genetic component which means that if your parents have stretch marks, chances are you will too. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them.

First of all, follow a sensible diet to keep from gaining too much weight. If you plan is to bulk up, it is important to do it as slowly 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. You can even get some added support by using special stretch marks lotions that can also make your skin more resistant to striae.

Learn 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.

Another alternative that can help you deal with stretch marks is microdermabrasion. 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.

When stretch mark creams are used on their own, they require more time to produce results. Nevertheless, there are a few products created with powerful natural ingredients that can effectively 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 all of these options and none of them seem to work, you can always 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.