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When they said you'd be going through growing pains they weren't kidding. 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 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. Biceps, thighs and even hips can show sign of stretch marks in these athletes.

Learn How to Prevent 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. 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 plan is to bulk up, it is important to do it as slowly as possible. Your skin will be better equipped to handle the increase in your body mass if you gain weight slowly.

This also applies to pregnancy. Maintaining a slow and steady weight gain (or weight loss) will help decrease 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 is another alternative that can help deal with stretch marks. In this case, you will need several sessions to minimize their appearance. 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 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, by using body make up you can cover larger areas, especially those that are difficult to cover with clothing.