If you laying there wondering what we mean when we talk about stretch marks, then count your blessings. You are probably among the lucky few that will never have to deal with this dreaded skin problem. Stretch marks are a quite simply marks that appear on your skin when it has been stretched beyond its normal limits. They can affect both men and women although it seems that women are more susceptible to them. In fact, this is experienced is shared by the majority of pregnant women everywhere.

During this time in a woman's life, stretch marks can appear around the breasts, the abdomen, and the hips. Stretch marks can also appear after birth due to rapid weight loss. It is actually believed that more than half of the women that have stretch marks have developed them because of pregnancy.

Let's have a look at what you can do to prevent and treat stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Don't forget, that stretch marks aren't exclusive to women so the products used for pregnancy stretch marks can also be used to treat men and teenagers.

Learn How to Prevent Stretch Marks Your doctor will probably prescribe a series of different products, mainly creams for stretch marks to help keep your skin taut and flexible during pregnancy. If used properly they will help your skin stretch without breaking.

These creams should be accompanied by a steady weight gain. Keep in mind that even though eating your favorite chocolate cake can be tempting, sudden weight gain will increase your probabilities of developing stretch marks not to mention it may cause health issues that can affect your unborn child.

Don't forget that maintaining a healthy diet can help control your weight gain. You will only need about 300 extra calories per day which means one extra meal a day should be enough.

Also, stay away from junk food and overly processed foods which are both high in sodium and have empty calories. They will only make you gain extra pounds faster than you can imagine.

Eliminating Stretch Marks

If pregnancy has left you with stretch marks, then surgery can be a valid option for you. Plastic surgery removes excess skin as well as stretch marks. The resulting scar is hidden in the skin's natural folds.

Surgical removal of stretch marks is usually done on the abdomen and nowhere else. To remove stretch marks found on other areas, you will need another form of treatment. Stretch marks creams are a good option in this case.

Stretch mark creams are a slow treatment that require patience and consistency, however, if you want a highly effective stretch mark cream, then you need to find products that contain rose hip oil, snail serum, or emu oil. These ingredients are known for their ability to dissolve damaged skin tissue and replace it with of new, healthy skin cells.