Everybody tries to be thinner. But if you body mass varies too much and too fast, your skin will suffer the consequences, namely some linear scars that will cover your body.

Stretch marks are those ugly markings on your skin that appear during pregnancy, or adolescence. They look like bands, stripes, or lines on your skin, and can be highly embarrassing especially if you want to use a bathing suit or shorts.

Stretch marks are also caused by significant, rapid weight gain because your body does not have time to adapt itself to the added weight. Bodybuilders also suffer from stretch marks because of quick muscle growth.

So what exactly are stretch marks? It is vital to know that Stretch marks are small tears that form just under the tissue that helps to support the skin and it is what helps it stretch. These tears in your skin are from the inside and work their way to the surface and are basically scars. Most of the time, they are purplish red streaks that show in overstretched skin.

For enceinte women, stretch marks are more evident when they first come out.

Some home solutions like rubbing your tummy with olive oil can help eliminate the possibilities of getting stretch marks.

There are many different skin care treatments for stretch marks, from over the counter creams to laser surgery.

A good skin care cream will contain collagen; a biological element that is found in your skin that confers it elasticity. As your body ages, collagen is depleted and you may get stretch marks. When collagen is added to these creams, your skin receives the collagen and tightens. This can reduce the risk of developing stretch marks. In this respect, the claims that collagen improves stretch marks holds true.

Another alternative that is used to get rid stretch marks is laser treatment. The laser is used to burn away all tissue and skin that is afflicted by stretch marks. It is however important to note that this alternative is highly expensive and often more than one session is required in order for it to be effective. Laser stretch mark removal works best in the early stages when the stretch marks are darkest because the laser responds better than it does in the latter stages when the scars are lighter.

Stretch marks can make anyone feel self-conscience. For some, they are a normal part of life and for others they are a constant source of anxiety. Those people who want to eliminate the ugly scars will do just about anything to clear up their skin.