Prevention

• Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches to its maximum capacity and the fibers of the skin's support structure start to break. This usually happens during rapid weight gain, most commonly during pregnancy. Sometimes the marks do not become visible until the weight is lost. If you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are about to start a weight loss program, you can take steps to minimize your stretch mark risk.
  
  ExpectantMothersGuide.com suggests using a body brush or washcloth to massage areas where stretch marks usually appear (abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs) in the shower or bath to increase circulation, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and keeping skin "liberally and effectively moisturized."
  
  

Misconceptions

• A common misconception is that cocoa butter will get rid of stretch marks. Cocoa butter is generally inexpensive, and it's great for moisturizing skin and keeping it soft. It is a good choice for keeping skin "liberally and effectively moisturized" as in the suggestion from ExpectantMothersGuide.com, but it will not make existing stretch marks disappear.
  
  According to a Sept. 15, 2009 article in The New York Times regarding a study by dermatologists of 175 women (some using cocoa butter and some using a placebo), "regular application of cocoa butter does not reduce stretch marks."
  
  

Exercise

• MotherNature.com cites Dr. Margaret A. Weiss, assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, in their advice section on stretch marks. According to MotherNature.com, Dr. Weiss recommends "firming any areas that have stretch marks" through exercise, which "makes stretch marks less apparent."
  
  The site suggests starting with leg raises. Doing eight to 10 leg raises on each side three times a week is a good way to start firming problem areas. Build up to doing 20 leg raises three times a week and add additional exercises as your fitness routine progresses.
  
  

Be Patient

• Stretch marks naturally fade over time. Stretch marks usually start out pink, red or purple, but over time they will fade to a less noticeable white or silver. There is no miracle cure to abolish stretch marks; so don't spend your money on treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion that are costly and can't guarantee extreme results, or creams like Retin-A that have not been shown to reduce the appearance of stretch marks more than a few weeks old.