The 3 Most Common Causes of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are one of those skin problems that can leave permanent damage on both your skin and your self esteem. One of the real challenges is that by the time it starts forming there is usually very little you can do about it.

Removing stretch marks can be as simple as using a cream or as complex and expensive as getting laser treatments or even surgery. It can be a real challenge to get rid of it and so many people are hiding their stretch scars behind clothing - too embarrassed to even let anyone see it. It can affect anyone of any age, but some people are more prone to get them. Here are the 3 groups of people that are most affected.

1. Pregnancyr
Pregnancy is probably the main cause of stretch scars and virtually every woman who has given birth knows what its like to have stretch marks. During pregnancy your tummy expands at a rapid pace. You skin simply cannot expand at the same rate and consequently it starts to tear and form these scars. For the majority of women the stretch marks disappear in 3 to 9 months but an estimated 30% of women will have them for good. Women who give birth to twins are more prone to develop these scars and should take extra precaution during pregnancy to prevent the marks and scars from forming.

2. Gaining Weightr
Many teenagers are affected by stretch marks these days. With childhood obesity at an all time high, this problem is also on the increase. Similar to pregnancy, when someone gains lot of weight in a short period of time, the skin gets stretched to the point where it starts tearing. These tears usually form as elongated lines that are red to purple in color and leaves a scar in the skin. It can form on any part of the body, but the arms and belly area is most prone to this.

3. Bodybuildingr
For any bodybuilder, gaining muscle fast is the real goal. The bigger the better. The faster the better. Just like pregnancies and weight gain, bodybuilders are affected by stretch marking when they get too big too fast. Its not uncommon for them to get stretch marks on their biceps and even on their legs. This can be very embarrassing and spoil any body builder's chances in competitions. It highlights the importance of building muscle slowly and not giving in to the temptation of using supplements and steroids.