Stretch marks, also called striae, are those pesky lines that show up with weight gains or during pregnancy. You can reduce the appearance of stretch marks, though they may not disappear completely.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• According to experts at Real Simple, stretch marks generally accompany rapid weight gain, whether the result of pregnancy, a teenage growth spurt or a drastic change in lifestyle habits.Real Simple: "Miracle" Cures for Skin Woes?

1. It's important to note that stretch marks pose no medical risk; the Mayo Clinic asserts that they are purely a cosmetic nuisance.Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks
2. Despite the treatments listed below, the Mayo Clinic states that most stretch marks will fade or disappear over time on their own.Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks
3. What start out as often bright red streaks will also lighten up and become less noticeable.Real Simple: "Miracle" Cures for Skin Woes?

• Unfortunately, there is little to do to prevent stretch marks.

1. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most important thing you can do is to "maintain a healthy weight".Mayo Clinic: Stretch Marks
2. Even women who are pregnant can communicate with their doctors to gain weight slowly and to avoid gaining too much.
   • - Make sure to read Mahalo's guides on how to eat healthy foods, how to lose weight and how to pick a cardio exercise for extra help.

• Laser therapy has been known to be successful in the treatment of stretch marks, though it is expensive and there are no guarantees.

1. Experts at WebMD advise that specific laser treatments will vary depending on the type of stretch mark and what color it is.WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?
2. For "more entrenched" stretch marks, doctors who talked to WebMD recommend what is known as a a fractionated laser.WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?
3. Red or purple stretch marks may be treated with a V-beam of light, which WebMD warns can remove the redness, while not necessarily eliminating the mark itself.WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?
4. Other popular laser techniques include "pulse dye lasers" (good for recent marks) and "excimer lasers" (better for stretch marks you've had for a while), both recommended by experts at Real Simple.Real Simple: "Miracle" Cures for Skin Woes?

1. Do note that laser therapy can be pricey: WebMD reports that average costs start at $450 per session, can reach up to $1000 and often require multiple sessions..WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?

2. WebMD also warns that health insurance companies are unlikely to cover any treatment costs because stretch marks are a cosmetic concern.WebMD: Skin Conditions: Stretch Marks

• Over the counter treatments for stretch marks abound, but they might not work, so don't be surprised if that highly touted oil has little or no effect, according to WebMD.WebMD: Skin Conditions: Stretch Marks

1. While experts remain skeptical about the efficacy of over the counter stretch mark treatments, it's possible that some may make a difference, say experts at WebMD.WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?
2. WebMD lists products that increase collagen production and may help with stretch marks. Some of these include glycolic acid, Vitamin C and retinoids.WebMD: Stretch Marks Getting Under Your Skin?
3. You may need a prescription for some of these treatments and you should talk to your doctor about side effects and treatment options.

• One thing that can help from the drugstore is makeup and self-tanning creams. You might not be able to rid yourself of stretch marks, but you can camouflage them.

1. Try using self-tanner to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, suggest experts at Real Simple.Real Simple: "Miracle" Cures for Skin Woes?
2. Be sure to exfoliate skin—either with an exfoliation product you use in the shower or with a loofah or exfoliating mitts—before applying to avoid blotchiness, as recommended by Real Simple.Real Simple: "Miracle" Cures for Skin Woes?
3. You might also try using foundation or body makeup to cover stretch marks that really bother you. Remember to match colors carefully for a natural look.

• Unfortunately no matter what you do, the stretch marks you have currently are likely here to stay unless you're willing to invest in laser treatments that may require several costly session (and won't necessarily eliminate your stretch marks, either). There are ways to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, though, so try to focus on making them less noticeable instead of getting rid of them altogether. And if you can maintain a healthy weight, you're that much less likely to develop stretch marks in the first place, all the more reason to stick to a good diet and exercise plan.