Although there is clearly much to learn about the entire topic of stretch marks (not even the leading specialists in the field know the precise causes), I can assure you that enough has been learned about the condition to refute the lies that are still being spread about them.
Lie #1: Only women get stretch marks.
Although most people associate stretch marks with pregnancy—which would logically preclude men from getting this condition—this is actually a false presumption. Stretch marks are often partly caused by the rapid stretching of the skin, and pregnancy isn’t the only condition that can cause that to happen. Any sudden weight gain may be sufficient to cause stretch marks, including growth spurts during the adolescent years and by concentrated efforts to build muscles. Teenage growth spurts and bodybuilding are some of the main reasons why about 1 in 4 men have stretch marks too.
Lie #2: There’s nothing you can do to prevent stretch marks if you are fated to get them.
Although, as discussed previously, there may be some factors that may increase your chances of getting stretch marks such as if someone in your family (your mom or sister) has them, there are also steps you can take to increase your chances of not getting them. These steps may include taking proper care of your skin, eating the proper foods, or applying special skin-care lotions and creams on areas that are likely to get stretch marks.
Lie #3: You can only get them on your stomach.
You don’t have to take my word for it—many women who had stretch marks can refute this lie, and they can tell you that these unsightly scars can appear in other parts of the body where the skin may be stretched during the pregnancy or weight gain. These include your buttocks, thighs and hips. Even your upper arms and breast area may show stretch marks as well.
Lie #4: Stretch marks are purely cosmetic problems that won’t really affect your health.
Although it is true that stretch marks may be categorized as a cosmetic condition, their unsightly appearance can cause considerable distress. That feeling of distress can negatively affect your health in general. By treating stretch marks effectively, you can gain the self-confidence you lost when you had stretch marks, and this can improve your overall health.
Lie #5: There is a product out there that can work for everyone.
I have to tell you that this is a complete lie. Some cosmetic product manufacturers claim they have “special” treatments” to totally eliminate the stretch marks of anyone who uses their product but most of them are only out to make a quick buck from desperate and gullible people. What is true, however, is that there are some treatments that work for more women, and these treatments may result in greater improvements compared to other forms of treatments. Everyone’s physical makeup is different, and not everyone will react to a particular treatment in the same way. Thus, the results are always different.
Lie #6: Stretch marks can be completely eliminated.
Now the truth may hurt but it’s better to set proper expectations than to lead you on. Stretch marks are scars, and this means that they are essentially permanent. But just like other scars, they may fade, and they may also become less noticeable when its color matches the unscarred skin around it. That said, stretch marks cannot be completely eliminated and the skin will never go back to the way it was. However, the appearance of stretch marks can be reduced using some methods that I will reveal to you in a bit to the point where they will hardly be visible to the naked eye.
Lie #1: Only women get stretch marks.
Although most people associate stretch marks with pregnancy—which would logically preclude men from getting this condition—this is actually a false presumption. Stretch marks are often partly caused by the rapid stretching of the skin, and pregnancy isn’t the only condition that can cause that to happen. Any sudden weight gain may be sufficient to cause stretch marks, including growth spurts during the adolescent years and by concentrated efforts to build muscles. Teenage growth spurts and bodybuilding are some of the main reasons why about 1 in 4 men have stretch marks too.
Lie #2: There’s nothing you can do to prevent stretch marks if you are fated to get them.
Although, as discussed previously, there may be some factors that may increase your chances of getting stretch marks such as if someone in your family (your mom or sister) has them, there are also steps you can take to increase your chances of not getting them. These steps may include taking proper care of your skin, eating the proper foods, or applying special skin-care lotions and creams on areas that are likely to get stretch marks.
Lie #3: You can only get them on your stomach.
You don’t have to take my word for it—many women who had stretch marks can refute this lie, and they can tell you that these unsightly scars can appear in other parts of the body where the skin may be stretched during the pregnancy or weight gain. These include your buttocks, thighs and hips. Even your upper arms and breast area may show stretch marks as well.
Lie #4: Stretch marks are purely cosmetic problems that won’t really affect your health.
Although it is true that stretch marks may be categorized as a cosmetic condition, their unsightly appearance can cause considerable distress. That feeling of distress can negatively affect your health in general. By treating stretch marks effectively, you can gain the self-confidence you lost when you had stretch marks, and this can improve your overall health.
Lie #5: There is a product out there that can work for everyone.
I have to tell you that this is a complete lie. Some cosmetic product manufacturers claim they have “special” treatments” to totally eliminate the stretch marks of anyone who uses their product but most of them are only out to make a quick buck from desperate and gullible people. What is true, however, is that there are some treatments that work for more women, and these treatments may result in greater improvements compared to other forms of treatments. Everyone’s physical makeup is different, and not everyone will react to a particular treatment in the same way. Thus, the results are always different.
Lie #6: Stretch marks can be completely eliminated.
Now the truth may hurt but it’s better to set proper expectations than to lead you on. Stretch marks are scars, and this means that they are essentially permanent. But just like other scars, they may fade, and they may also become less noticeable when its color matches the unscarred skin around it. That said, stretch marks cannot be completely eliminated and the skin will never go back to the way it was. However, the appearance of stretch marks can be reduced using some methods that I will reveal to you in a bit to the point where they will hardly be visible to the naked eye.
