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 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.

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.

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 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 is also applicable to pregnancy. Maintaining a slow and steady weight gain (or weight loss) will help decrease 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 want complete and total removal of your stretch marks, surgery is your only option. But, before handing yourself over to a surgeon, keep in mind that there are certain areas that are very difficult to treat, such as the underarm area. For this type of problem you should look into using more viable alternatives.

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.

If you are using creams to treat stretch marks then you will need to patient in order to benefit from the treatment. However, there are natural creams that can 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 all of these options and none of them seem to work, you can always try covering them up. As a matter of fact, body make up can successfully cover larger areas, especially those that cannot be covered by clothing.