Stretch marks are a normal aspect of puberty for many girls and guys. When someone grows or gains weight quickly (exactly like in puberty), that person might get fine lines on the body called stretch marks. They happen when the skin becomes pulled or stretched from rapid growth. Although the skin is moderately elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is interrupted. Scars known as stretch marks could form as a result.

If you notice stretch marks on your body, you're not alone. Many girls and women have stretch marks, which tend to be on the breasts, thighs, hips, and butt. During pregnancy many women get stretch marks. They're more common in girls but guys can get stretch marks too.

Furthermore people who are obese or overweight often have stretch marks. The rapid changes that bodybuilders go through means they too are likely to get stretch marks. Stretch marks may also appear on a person who uses steroid-containing skin creams or ointments (for example hydrocortisone) for more than a short period, or has to take large doses of oral corticosteroids for months or longer.

Appearing to have a unique texture from the surrounding skin, stretch marks may first appear as reddish or purplish in colour and seem indented. However fortunately, they tend to turn lighter and almost vanish over time. However if you plan on spending most of the summer in a bathing suit, the fact they fade over time may be little consolation.

The things you might like to ponder, if you wish to make your stretch marks less noticeable:

A number of people may find that sunless tanning treatments (both over-the-counter lotions and sprays and in-salon types of treatments) can help cover up their stretch marks. However this doesn't work for regular tanning or tanning beds, because stretch marks themselves don't tan well.

The good news is also when it comes to tanning time many bathing suits that are in fashion actually hide stretch marks. Doing wonders to hide stretch marks on the upper thighs and buttocks for example are the 'boy style' suits. High neck swimmers can hide marks in the chest area and are a popular choice with many swimmers meaning there is lots to choose from.

Additionally there are tons of creams and other skin products on available that help to eliminate any stretch mark. You will also benefit from seeking the help of a dermatologist, who specialises in skin problems. These doctors may use anywhere from microdermabrasion which is an actual surgery technique as is laser treatment, which minimise the appearance of stretch marks. Actions like these however are costly and are not usually prescribed for people in their teen years because they are still growing and their stretch marks will probably fade over time anyway.