Before we get into the details of a stretch mark cure, let's talk about what a stretch mark actually is.

Stretch marks are actually scars. You might be thinking, how could they be scars? I didn't cut or burn myself. Or, my baby was delivered naturally, there shouldn't be any scars. Believe it or not, they are in fact scars.

The human body is covered in skin. This skin has a certain amount of elasticity to it. Some people have more elasticity in their skin than others. Often times young people have more elasticity in their skin.

Even though the skin is somewhat stretch, there is a limit to how far it will stretch. When the skin is stretched farther than it can handle it tears. I don't mean that it tears open an gushes out blood. The fibers that hold the skin together break apart and when they heal, scars are left behind and you are left looking for a stretch mark cure.

It isn't the top layer of skin that is actually scared. It's the second layer called the dermis. This layer of skin is also the layer that tattoos are applied to but that's a different story for another time and it has nothing do do with finding a stretch mark cure.

The best stretch mark cure is prevention. This makes sense doesn't it? If you don't get stretch marks in the first place, you won't be looking for a stretch mark removal method. So having said that, what can you do to prevent stretch marks.

Anytime that you anticipate rapid body growth it's important to prepare the skin for the changes that it will be going through. Some reasons that the skin might stretch to the point of tearing would be pregnancy, breast feeding, sudden and rapid weight gain, puberty, bodybuilding, and breast enlargement.

There are several home grown recipes for topical lotions that you can apply to the skin prior to going through theses skin stretching growth spurts.

You can also purchase both prescription and over the counter stretch mark creams. If the over the counter stretch mark cure doesn't do the trick, you might want to pay a visit to your dermatologist. He or she may be able to set you up with a prescription cream that will work for you.

Studies suggest that getting regular exercise can improve skin health thereby increasing it's ability to stretch. The better it can stretch, the less likely you will be to develop stretch marks.

Drinking lots of water can also help prevent stretch marks. The human body is roughly 60 percent water. Staying hydrated can promote overall good health and this of course includes skin health.

Protect your skin from the sun. Over exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays will damage your skin. Damaged skin will not stretch as much as healthy skin and when unhealthy skin stretches too much, tears form in the dermis and you are left with stretch marks.

Keep skin moist. I'm not talking about carrying a spray bottle around and misting yourself all day. Get into the habit of applying daily moisturizer to your skin. Pay special attention to any areas that may be subject to stretch marks. The most common areas that people develop stretch marks on are the stomach, breasts, and bum. Women who are breast feeding will experience rapid growth in their breasts which frequently leaves nasty stretch marks behind. The stretch mark cure here is to keep the skin healthy with lotions.

Eat a balanced diet. Eating healthy will also help promote overall good health and again, this includes skin health. The biggest reason to eat healthy is to avoid weight gain. If you can avoid weight gain, the skin won't be stretched beyond what it is capable of handling and you can avoid stretch marks

I know that I haven't talked about stretch marks cures but that's kind of the point to this article. Prevention is the best stretch mark cure.