Did you think that stretch marks only happen when you are pregnant or gain too much weight? Think again, this isn't always true. Often, kids and teenagers develop stretch marks when they grow rapidly, and both female and male weightlifters do too. Because of this, many people wonder how to eliminate stretchmarks.

Skin is normally elastic like a rubber band. When a rubber band is stretched too far, though, it snaps. Similarly, when skin is stretched too far, it tears. Because the underlying layers of skin actually tear, then form a scar, it's nearly impossible to eliminate stretch marks completely. However, the best stretch mark treatments can fade the scars, making them less obvious, and/or practically invisible.

One approach is to apply topical treatments, like creams, oils, or lotions, regularly. These creams contain ingredients that exfoliate, or remove dead outer skin layers, which helps to fade the scars.

Other merchants sell wonder treatments, made from combinations of creams and oils that claim to heal scarring and eliminate stretch marks completely. Of course, this doesn't actually work 100%. If you buy a cream, make sure it includes a skin tightening agent, as well as the fading agent.

Another option is to try medical treatments that help to eliminate stretchmarks. The riskiest way to do this is abdominoplasty. This is an abdominal surgery in which a small amount of fat is removed with the stretched skin. This only works, though, for people who are only a little over their ideal body weight, and who have little fat that needs to be removed.

In comparison, dermabrasion is a medical procedure that does not require surgery, in which doctors exfoliate, or remove, the top layer of dead skin cells. This top layer of skin is peeled or abraded off, which causes the scarring to be less obvious, but dermabrasion does not completely eliminate stretchmarks either.

The reviews on laser treatments are mixed. Some people say that laser treatments can decrease the intensity of stretch marks by as much as 50 percent, while others say that they are much less effective than this. Most laser surgeons and other doctors, though, agree that current laser treatment procedures won't entirely eliminate stretchmarks either.

The best way to keep from getting stretchmarks is to maintain healthy skin and keep your weight down. Drink large amounts of water so that the skin stays healthy and hydrated. Use creams and lotions with good quality moisturizers, and a firming element to maximize the skin's elasticity and prevent stretch marks from occurring in the first place. However, if you're already beyond this, consider different ways to EliminateStretchmarksNow.com

Your skin is the most important aspect of your physical appearance, it should not be scarred. Discover what it takes to eliminate stretch marks at EliminateStretchmarksNow.com