Before you can prevent stretch marks you first have to understand what stretch marks are and what causes them to appear. Stretch marks are formed when the skins ability to stretch has been exceeded by it's growth. Simply put, it means that your body grows more quickly than your skin does. This can be due to growth spurts, pregnancy, weight gain or muscle growth. Since the body is pulling the skin taut it tears slightly and scars over, this scarring is the stretch mark itself. When a stretch mark first occurs, it will often appear red and feel itchy, then slowly starts to fade to a lighter color.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent stretch marks?

Even though you can't stop natural growth spurts you can control other aspects of your skin. Proper nutrition is essential. You want to make sure that you are giving your skin it's best building blocks by eating plenty of fresh fruit and veggies as these contain a high water content that will hydrate your skin and also micro-nutrients that are essential for healthy skin. Don't yo-yo diet as this causes you to gain and lose weight at a rate which is usually faster then your skin can adapt to.

You also want to make sure that you are avoiding circumstances that can dry out your skin as dry skin is more likely to get stretch marks than soft and pliable skin. This means that you should avoid the sun or at least wear a high quality sun tan lotion with an SPF or 30 or more and one that blocks both UVA and UVB sun rays. Treat your entire body the way you would your face. After all, skin is skin and although you don't really notice wrinkles on your calves or thighs, if you look close enough you may be surprised. On second thought, don't look at your knees as I don't want you to start worrying about wrinkled knees, we have enough other skin areas to stress about. Also try to avoid any harsh soaps and body gels, and if you go to the beach or swim in a chlorinated pool be sure to rinse thoroughly as soon as possible. Both salt and chlorine can really wreck havoc with your skin (and hair).

Hydrate your body from the inside out by drinking plenty of plain water and avoid caffeine. If you must drink products with caffeine be sure to drink equal amounts of water over and above the recommended eight glasses of water a day. Apply skin lotion often if you live in a dry climate or have the heat turned on due to chilling temperatures. To counter act the effects of dry air, place a pot of water on the stove and let it simmer for a while. The steam will permeate the air and add moisture to the room. Another trick is to turn a hot shower on for a few minutes ( but don't go in it) and let it steam the room right before you go to bed. This steam will dry out when the heat comes on, instead of drying out your skin.

When you do shower, avoid very hot water as this opens up your pores and dries out your skin.

If you remember these few simple tips you may be able to avoid some unnecessary stretch marks.

• Eat healthy with lots of fruits and veggies

• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated products

• Rinse your body after swimming in the ocean or pool

• Bathe in lukewarm, not hot water

• Apply skin lotion frequently

• Avoid gaining or losing weight quickly and often

By treating all your skin gently and with the same respect that you give towards your face, you may be able to prevent some stretch marks from appearing, and the ones that you do get will be smaller and less noticeable.