The Teenager and Stretch Marks

One common time to notice stretch marks appearing on your skin is during the teen years. The reason for stretch marks during the teen years is that teen go through an amazing growth spurt. The skin is pulled by rapid growth and even though the skin is usually very elastic, it can be overstretched by rapid growth. collagen is a major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin. When rapid growth occurs the connective tissue is disrupted the result is tearing and the resultant scarring that we call stretch marks.

A teen already has to deal with bodily changes, raging hormones, rapid growth spurts and emotional ups and downs. Some teens may find it difficult to deal with the appearance of ugly reddish or purple lines along with all the other changes of adolescence. It is important for teens to have a good support system in place so that they can have someone to talk to about these changes. Sitting down and talking things over with a teen may be helpful. A teen may also just need someone to listen to how they feel and may not need anything but a patient listener. Most stretch marks that appear on the skin of adolescence disappear over time, which is reassuring.

Teens should be encouraged to drink lots of water, especially if they are doing any activities that require a lot of energy. Daily exercise is a good way to help prevent stretch marks, so is eating nutritious meals and snacks. Teens should also avoid caffeine, and tobacco products for many health reasons but also to help avoid stretch marks.

Teen girls tend to get stretch marks on the breasts, thighs, hips and buttocks. Teen boys tend to get stretch marks on the upper thighs, lower back and shoulders. Maintaining proper weight, using daily moisturizers can help to possibly prevent or lessen the amount of stretch marks for a teen. Teens should also be encouraged to talk about the changes that they are experiencing in groups so that they know that they are not alone in what they are going through. Teens are usually very self conscious about their appearance and can easily become embarrassed in situations where more skin becomes exposed such as when showering in front of other classmates during physical education classes, during sport practices or at pool parties.

Here are a few suggestions that some teens have found useful in making stretch marks seem less noticeable:

Sunless Tanning Treatments in bottles, or over-the-counter lotions and sprays or those in-salon type treatments can help to cover up the stretch marks. This does NOT include tanning beds because stretch marks are less likely to tan.

Some teens use makeup to try to cover up the stretch marks.

Clothing can also be used to cover up stretch marks.

Most creams, lotions and oils that are advertised are ineffective and costly and are best avoided. Try using Vitamin E Oil applied directly to the stretch mark over moist skin.

Microdermabrasion and laser treatment can be done by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. These treatments are usually not covered by insurance and can be costly. Usually stretch marks that appear during the teen years will fade and may not be worth the cost associated with surgical treatments.