Stretch marks are the dreaded byproduct of normal puberty, pregnancy, and sudden weight gain. Surprisingly enough, they can also appear on the bodies of people who perform regular strenous exercise- like ballerinas and weight lifters. Essentially, stretch marks represent tears or scars where the skin has been stretched (damaged).

There are many claims made for creams, lotions, and gels which supposedly work on new and old stretch marks. Most of these claims are exaggerated.

If you are looking to repair stretch marks, and you are considering a cream, be sure to look for several key factors:

• Look for a high level of compounds such as collagen, aloe vera, vitamin E and elastin.
• Stay away from creams which contain a large percentage of water (why pay all that money for a bunch of gelled water?)
• Look for high levels of desirable compounds with some mention of the carrier mechanism- this is important because it determines how the repairing compounds get into your skin to actually repair it. Without effective carriers, the cream or gel will not be able to effectively penetrate your skin.

Prevention is the best way to keep from getting stretch marks- avoid rapidly shifting your weight, keep well hydrated, and avoid activities which put too much pressure on the skin.