What? You didn't know? Stretch marks, the lines that look like a roadmap to no loving. The name itself is enough to cause a shiver in any image-conscious person. But like numerous things in the world, most of us have numerous incorrect conceptions about this skin effecting outcome in the physical structure. Hopefully, once you've read this article, some of your own misconceptions will be cleared, and you will gain a better understanding around the subject of stretch marks.Okay, foremost, what are stretch marks? Stretch marks or "striae" in derma nomenclature are a type of marking in the skin, which appear as an off-color flaw in the skin. In time, they may diminish, but they will not ever totally disappear. If you endure with stretch marks, reside in the knowledge that you are not solo at all. They come out in separate sections of the body and for a list of separate reasons. Frequently, they come out in sections of the body that has more stacked away fat, like the hips, buttocks, outer and inner thighs, under and upper arms, abdomen, and breasts. Nonetheless, health buffs should not be too worried about stretch marks affecting their health, because they do not affect the body's normal functions and self-mending abilities. Let's take a deeper look at stretch marks, these skin effecting instances that plague many persons today.What makes stretch marks?It is incorrect that solely women following a pregnancy get stretch marks. Well, that's not correct. It is also incorrect that stretch marks are only caused by quickly lengthening of the skin because of weight gain or quick development, which results in an overcoming of the elasticity of the dermis, or the skin's outer layer. Again, that's not correct. Recent studies show that stretch marks cause the body forming hormones called glucocorticoids. Huh? For you who are not familiar with this word, these glucocorticoids are steroids that the body creates when it is under tension as a result of weight increase. Cortisol, which is the most common glucocorticoid, is the "stress hormone" that the body makes excessively in response to tension and nervousness. Adolescent growth spurts, pregnancy and weightlifting are not the only causes of tension in the body. There's also an abundance of caffeine, smoking, normal day work and improper nutrition.Who gets affected by stretch marks?Okay, anyone may get stretch marks, but they vary in dimension. Women in the late stages of their pregnancy often get stretch marks on their abdomens, up to 75% of women with child, in fact. Other sections also include breasts, buttocks, and thighs.Yes, we know that women are more prone to stretch marks than men, it doesn't mean that they are exempt. Weightlifters especially, get stretch marks due to the prominent measure of muscle that they construct up so rapidly. Now it's clear, it isn't just fat that creates stretch marks. For men, they come out often in the upper arms and shoulder sections.Now, adolescents can get stretch marks also due to quick growth spurt and more often than not, weight increase. Oftentimes, these stretch marks disappear over time, not like the stretch marks that are acquired further in life.Obese people get stretch marks also, primarily in sections that are also affected in women with child. People who use creams and ointments containing steroids, like hydro cortisone, for an extended period of time can also get stretch marks.What can be done to get rid of stretch marks?There are many ways to get rid of stretch marks. There are surgical procedures, creams, and laser treatments that may help get rid of it, although treatment changes to the degree of the stretch marks. Here's a general summary of each option.Creams, that have Centella asiatica extract, collagen-elastin hydrolysates, and vitamin E, showed a reduction in stretch marks when applied daily while pregnant. Another type of cream that has vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, menthol, and elastin, such as Verum, was also associated with lowering the degrees of stretch marks for expecting mothers.Laser treatments are also popular options when the damage is already extensive to the point that it has reached the skin's deeper layer. Pulsed dye laser and fractional laser resurfacing are just two of the options in laser treatment that may eradicate the appearance of stretch marks.Surgical procedures, like the tummy tuck, actually goes direct to the skin of the navel, where stretch marks get the most concentrated.Therefore if you are one of the millions of individuals affected by stretch marks, no need to fear! You aren't the only one, and due to this, medicine and science have gone through some lengths to help people like you, who want your body to look its best. But if you cannot afford any medical treatment, then just go on living life with the confidence that you are loved by the family who support you, stretch marks and all.Do you absolutely HATE stretch marks, but STILL have them? I have a new free course to help.Download it free here: Pregnancy Stretch Marks [http://www.hatestretchmarks.com/the-bane-of-expecting-mothers-pregnancy-stretch-marks/]Do you want to learn how to get rid of stretch marks for good?Click here: Pregnancy Stretch Marks [http://www.hatestretchmarks.com/the-bane-of-expecting-mothers-pregnancy-stretch-marks/]