When they said you'd be going through growing pains they weren't kidding. Fortunately, our skin is elastic 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 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 will more frequently appear around the abdomen and breasts. Also keep in mind that rapid weight lose after childbirth can cause more stretch marks to appear.

Bodybuilders are also susceptible to stretch marks due to rapid weight gain (known as bulking up). Biceps, thighs and even hips can show sign of stretch marks in these athletes.

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 a couple of things you can do to prevent their formation.

Firstly, follow a sensible diet and avoid rapid weight fluctuations. 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 also applies to pregnancy. Maintaining a slow and steady weight gain (or weight loss) will help decrease 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 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.

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

On their own, stretch mark creams will 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 all of these options and none of them seem to work, you can always try covering them up. In fact, body make up can cover larger areas, especially those that cannot be covered by clothing.