subject: 3 Tips For Preventing Teenage Stretch Marks [print this page] Author: Jamie Gram
Stretch marks are those unsightly markings that occur on various locations on the skin, when it is subjected to strain beyond its elasticity limits. In essence then, they are a form of 'tearing' of the skin, which is the reaction we expect of any material that is subjected to pressure (force applied on a given area), that is beyond its elasticity limits. Of course, in the human skin, stretch marks occur when the source of the pressure in question is internal; like that which happens during the phases of life characterized by rapid growth.
Now one of the phases of live characterized by rapid growth is of course teenage, especially the early years of it, or what many prefer to term as 'puberty.' This is the phase in life when a person grows to their full adult human size. If the growth took place evenly, over the years, there would probably be no question of stretch marks forming. Indeed, that is the case for the few lucky people, whose growth is somewhat evenly spread over time. For the majority of people, though, growth during puberty takes place in sudden spurts, often putting the skin to strain that is beyond its elasticity limits (at least as at that point in time), and leading to the formation of stretch marks.
Yet there are a number of things you can do, to prevent the formation of teenage stretch marks. Most of these also apply to the other types of stretch marks.
1.The first thing you can do, towards the prevention of teenage stretch marks, is increasing your water intake. The idea is to keep yourself (and your skin by extension) well hydrated. It is an established fact that well hydrated skin has a greater elasticity limits than dehydrated skin. You don't have to go overboard. This is just about keeping to the recommended eight glasses of water per day. If water tastes 'bland' to you, you can also take it in the various other formulations (juices, teas and so on). Just do ensure that you take it, and besides protecting you from stretch marks, it could also save you from a host of other complications associated with chronic dehydration.
2.The second thing you can do, towards prevention of teenage stretch marks, is exercising. This is about being reasonably physically active. It's a pity that today's teenager (preoccupied as he is with TV and video games) has to be told to be active, seeing that just a few decades ago, the problem used to be that of getting the then hyperactive teenagers to slow down! Anyway, the science behind this is that people who exercise adequately have been seen to end up with higher elasticity limits on their skin than 'couch potatoes.'
3.The third thing you can do, towards prevention of teenage stretch marks, is using the anti-stretch mark creams. What most of these do is to extensively moisturize your skin, thereby increasing its elasticity limits, and in effect making it less prone to stretch marks.About the Author:
