Stretch marks can develop on several parts of the body. These areas include the torso areas, on the limbs, buttocks, and even on the upper arms. Pregnant women can also develop stretch marks on their breasts. Finding stretch mark relief is not an exclusive female complaint because men have to deal with it too.

Obesity or Muscle Growth - Most men who are obese or grow muscles too fast have to face this type of problems. If you are one of those people who have just lost weight, you will also find these marks cropping up on the different areas of your body. These scars develop when the elastic tissues in the skin is stretched to its limit and are consequently damaged.

Most people are already quite familiar with how stretch marks look. You will usually find these stretch marks looking like shiny designs on your skin that are sometimes swollen. They do not look appealing at all even if they come in the colors of red, purple, or silver. Some people believe that getting a tan will cover these unsightly marks and it does work for some time. However, when the tan fades, these start to show again and stretch mark relief has only been temporarily achieved. Furthermore, as these grow older, the scar will turn silver or white and certain solutions will no longer be effective.

If you want to reduce the occurrence of stretch marks, then you might want to try some of these helpful tips.

Scrubbing - While you shower, you can use a loofah or skin brush to massage the affected area in a circular motion. A loofah is actually a type of dried sponge made from gourds like cucumbers. This procedure will help increase blood flow and will also brush off the dead skin cells.

All-Natural - There are substances from nature that can help with reducing stretch marks. Cocoa butter and vitamin E oil are just some of the many examples. You can simply massage this into the affected areas. Other plant oils like squalene and olive can also help renew the skin and heal the tissues that have been broken because of rapid stretching. If you prefer to apply prescription creams like tretinoin that has synthetic and effective substances in it, then it would be best for you to consult your dermatologist first.

Healthy Diet - Eating foods that are rich in vitamins A, E, and C will also help make your skin healthier. Foods like beets, bell peppers, and soybeans are rich in silica. Silica will actually help form collagen which can strengthen the skin tissues. You can also choose to take supplements but pregnant women are advised to consult your doctor before taking anything.

Of course, you have other options. There are other instant stretch mark relief treatments like laser removal method or plastic surgery.  Although they are effective options, you still have to make sure that you understand all of the risks and costs involved in these procedures. And finally, remember to exercise when following these tips because not only will it give you better skin, it will make you feel healthier as well.