Teenagers stretch marks - how to remove

Reanne asks, "I have stretch marks on my hips and butt. I was wondering how to get rid of them without spending a huge amount of money on surgery. I got the stretch marks when I went through puberty. I want them to be gone because it makes me feel odd when I go to the beach. Mostly I end up not going or I don't wear a swimsuit."

Stretch marks are not something that happens to only mature women after pregnancy or after rapid weight loss. Stretch marks also appear on the bodies of teenagers (mostly girls, but some boys too). They are a part of growing up. Since the body grows fairly rapidly during teenage years, the skin is pulled by stretching. At this age the skin is quite flexible but not the connective tissue that lies beneath which gets disrupted. And that is when you see scars more commonly known as stretch marks. (Related link: Growth issues for teenage girls)

What can you do to reduce or eliminate stretch marks during teenage years?

• Very little really. So if you just want to ignore them and enjoy your teenage years having fun, then stop reading further. Most stretch marks will simply go away if you maintain a healthy weight, eat right, and exercise regularly.
• A healthy option is to hide your stretch marks so that you can do what some girls are afraid of doing, e.g. wearing a swimsuit or any other revealing outfit including lingerie. These days you can buy swimsuits that come with a "boy short" and a high-neck or one piece swimsuits. Similar choices are available for lingerie.
• Body makeup and sunless tanning treatments can also help you cover up the stretch marks so that you can wear your favorite outfit and not worry about showing off your stretch marks.
• There are no effective treatments as such for eliminating stretch marks despite the fact that many creams and lotions are available. You can use one of these creams (e.g. Trilastin, Zenmed, Kinerase, Strivectin, etc.) but don't expect miraculous results and don't spend a fortune.
• If you believe in simple, natural treatments then you might want to apply avocado oil.
• Finally, a plastic surgeon or dermatologist (skin doctor) may use a variety of treatments like microdermabrasion or laser but we do not think that it is a good idea to have these during the teenage years unless you are a model or a Hollywood movie star.

Related reading

Needling

Stretch marks after pregnancy