While stretch marks aren't a serious medical condition, they can often be a source of frustration and embarrassment for those who have them. Most women will be forced to deal with them at some point, and they can be caused by many different things. If a person gains weight suddenly, or gets pregnant, or has dry skin or lives in a dry climate, they have a much higher chance of getting stretch marks.

Stretch marks happen when the top layer of skin gets a series of microscopic tears in it, and as it heals it is left with a wrinkled and misshapen appearance. While they often subside over time, some do not go away at all. They can be prevented by not gaining weight suddenly, and adopting a good skin care routine, but some people are forced to get surgery to correct them.

The other reasons that someone may get stretch marks are: extremely dry skin, continued cycles of weight gain and loss, and malnutrition. All of these things can make the collagen and elastin in your skin deteriorate, and your skin will be less resilient- leading to stretch marks. Read a little further for some good tips on treating and minimizing stretch marks.

Exercise on a regular basis. It increases circulation to all parts of the body (including the skin, keeping it supple and toned). A workout that makes you break a sweat keeps your pores clear of toxins, which will stimulate the skin's natural renewal process.

Fresh skin is more evenly textured and resilient, which will prevent stretch marks from forming. A good workout will reduce stress and possibly keep hormones balanced, which will help your skin stay healthy.

Make sure you use a good moisturizer, preferably one that contains vitamin E. It can not only prevent stretch marks from forming, but it can also treat ones that are already there. Choose a moisturizer that is rich in cocoa or shea butter, and apply it twice a day, every day. It's good to apply it right after a bath or shower, because that seals the moisture into your skin.

Eat a diet rich in lean protein (like chicken and fish), fruit, and vegetables. Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated, and reduce or eliminate your use of tobacco and alcohol. Choose foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. These steps will induce your skin's natural renewal, reducing stretch marks and making for more resilient skin.

Laser treatments work well for facial rejuvenation, but they can also be used on other parts of the body. Non-ablative lasers, like Fraxel, will remove the top layer of skin, which is where stretch marks appear. A fresh and new layer will develop within a few weeks, smoothing out your marks and leaving behind more youthful skin.

Some cosmetics and skin care products work against stretch mark prevention, also. Those that are loaded with vitamins (such as vitamin A and vitamin E) are excellent at preventing stretch marks from forming, as well as treating ones that are already present.

For those who want to keep it natural, there are quite a few herbal preparations that promote healthy and supple skin. Ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin E, olive oil, and aloe vera work well when applied directly to the affected area. All of these will make you have more elastic, moisturized skin.

There are home remedies that are effective too- combining ingredients like egg whites and oatmeal will help to make stretch marks less noticeable, as well as encouraging the growth of new skin tissue. While they aren't as fast-acting as a surgery, these natural and homemade remedies will work over time.

Unfortunately, there's no real way to guarantee that you won't get stretch marks. Most cases can be minimized through a balanced diet and a good workout program. Most of us will have to deal with stretch marks eventually, and no matter how you choose to treat them, it is possible to maintain healthy and stretch mark-free skin.