Stretch Marks in Adolescent Girls and Boys
If you are a teenager and you notice marks on your arms, legs, or other parts of your body there is no need to panic. Chances are these are signs of growing, and are usually called stretch marks.
While learning this you may think to your self ‘but I thought only pregnant people got stretch marks’ if so that is a very valid concern. These natural indicators of growth are also present in quite a few people your age-and it does not mean that they are pregnant!
How Stretch Marks Form
This usually happens as a person increases in height or weight. If you are reading this chances are you are fairly young yet, so it doesn’t mean that your skin is not young-looking.
However, in some cases if you grow in some way faster than your skin grows these marks appear. If you notice these be comforted that you are not the only one.
Where Stretch Marks Occur
Although they seem to occur more often in girls, they also occur in boys. The most prevalent location on the body includes thighs, hips, buttocks, or breasts.
Who gets Them
They sometimes occur in people who are obese. However, the fact that you notice these on your body may not necessarily mean you are overweight. Sometimes body builders might get stretch marks as changes occur in muscles or tissues.
What they Look Like
Stretch marks often appear as reddish, purple indented lines. They often disappear over time after they turn lighter and lighter. This may be good news to some people who plan to spend quite a bit of time outside in a swim suit.
How to Cover them Up
Sometimes you can conceal them with a product such as a sunless tanning lotion or body make-up. Beware though that these indented lines in your skin will not disappear if you try to get a tan. Stretch marks will not necessarily turn tan, unlike other portions of your body.
If you are going to be outside and plan to swim you might want to find waterproof body make-up or sunless lotion to wear. Furthermore, if you are using a product like this for the first time you might want to make sure it will agree with your skin. Testing it in a hidden location on your body is recommended.
Another option to help you feel more confident outside in a swimming suit would be to wear a stylish set with “boy shorts” which are very popular these days. You might also want to consider wearing a high-neck bathing suit, of which some are currently in style.
Professional Treatment
Some people who want to remove these embarrassing skin indentations will see a dermatologist. Sometimes surgery, laser treatment, or micro abrasion surgery is used to deal with these cases.
However, this type of treatment is costly and often unnecessary because most teen stretch marks are only present temporarily. Therefore, if you can find a different way to clear them it would benefit you.