Dear DOLLY DR,
I have stretch marks on my boobs, waist and thighs and I’m only 15. I don’t understand why I have them – I thought only fat, older people got them. I’m only a size 10. It’s really embarrassing when I wear my swimmers and I really want to get rid of them but I don't know how. Do you have any advice?
Emily
Stretch marks are definitely not just for old people – they happen most commonly during puberty, and a bit later during pregnancy. It’s literally because the skin is stretching with the changing shape of the body – in women, growing breasts and getting curves (wider hips, thighs and bottom) often mean stretch marks appear in those areas.
So stretch marks do not equal being fat, although people who put on weight rapidly might also get them. There is no immediate cure for stretch marks – they are genetically based as well, and some skin types are more susceptible.
It’s important to look after your skin generally with a healthy diet and exercise, and to avoid sunburn that dries out the skin and makes it lose elasticity. Keep your skin moist with Vitamin E or Aloe Vera creams and drink plenty of water.
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