Stretch marks appear when your skin is stretched rapidly and beyond its normal limit. Men and women are both susceptible to stretch marks, however, it seems that women are more likely to suffer from them than are men. Pregnancy is one of the leading causes of stretch marks in women.

During this time in a woman's life, stretch marks can appear around the breasts, the abdomen, and the hips. Because stretch marks are also caused by rapid weight loss, some women may develop them even after having given birth. It is thought that more than 50% of women with stretch marks have developed them during pregnancy.

Let's take a look at how you can prevent and treat stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Keep in mind that the products used for pregnancy stretch marks can also be used by men and teenagers.

How you can Prevent Stretch Marks

Fortunately, there are several products that your doctor can prescribe that can help prevent stretch marks. These products keep the skin taut, yet flexible. They help the skin stretch without breaking.

Other than creams for stretch marks, it is important that when you gain weight you gain it according to your doctor's suggestions. This will help you prevent stretch marks and hasten weight loss after the birth. Also, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can be detrimental to your health and the baby's healthy.

Keep in mind that a healthy diet can do wonders for controlling your weight gain. You should only increase your caloric intake by 300 calories per day, which is a normal meal.

Stay away from overly processed foods and junk foods. These are high in sodium and contain empty calories which will rapidly increase your weight.

How to Remove Stretch Marks

If pregnancy has left you with stretch marks, then surgery can be a valid option for you. Plastic surgery will remove the excess skin as well as the unwanted stretch marks and leave you with nothing more than a scar that is hidden in the skin's natural folds.

This type of surgery is usually performed on the abdominal area. If you want to treat stretch marks that have appeared on your arms, breast, hips or legs you will need another type of treatment. In this case, you can use natural stretch marks creams to help treat the affected area.

This type of treatment is less invasive than surgery, but it takes longer to show results. If you are interested in this type of treatment then you should look for products that contain rose hip seed oil, snail serum, or emu oil. These products can help dissolve connective tissue and promote the production of healthy skin cells.