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It is generally believed that getting stretch marks is something that happens to women and girls. However, the simple truth is stretch marks on men is very common.

Aside from pregnancy, men have just as much chance of getting stretch marks as women do.

One estimate is as many as 40 per cent of teenage males will develop stretch marks due to quick growth spurts.

As well, athletes, weightlifters and body builders can develop the marks when quickly bulking up. Anytime there is rapid weight gain or loss, there is potential for guys to develop stretch marks.

Men are more prone to get stretch marks in the shoulder/chest area, back, arms and abdomen. These are the areas where many men commonly gain muscle and fat.

Stretch marks originate in the dermis layer of the skin as a result of rapid growth of the affected area. The dermis contains a meshwork of the proteins made up of elastin and collagen.

This meshwork supports the structure of the skin. Often, during periods of rapid growth, the fibroblasts in the dermis can not produce enough elastin and collagen quickly enough to accommodate a smooth even structure. The result is areas of thin or shallow dermis, broken capillaries and scarring known as stretch marks.

Male Stretch Mark Prevention

Stretch marks are not always within our control. Genetics plays a large roll in determining whether you will develop stretch marks or not. If your father or a brother has stretch marks, you have a better chance of developing them yourself.

However, there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of developing stretch marks. Eat healthy food containing sufficient amounts of protein and vitamins A, C and E. These will enhance the overall condition of the skin making it more adaptable and durable.

It’s also advisable to drink plenty of water to help keep the skin hydrated. When embarking on a weight training regimen to increase muscle mass, do it gradually and stay away from anabolic steroids.

Bear in mind, the body cannot deal with excessive weight gain out of the blue. Therefore keep your weight training at a reasonable level and build muscle gradually.

How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks On Men

Stretch Mark Over-The-Counter Creams

If prevention isn’t successful, there are plenty of stretch mark removal lotions and creams you can purchase that claim to perform well.

A visit to the dermatologist or prudent research is needed to sort through the sales pitches for a lot of these creams. Read reviews, taking into consideration whether the reviewer provides the good and the bad points of the product and whether they have anything to gain by recommending the product.

Also, it’s a good idea to favor stretch mark products that have a satisfaction guarantee. If it’s not working for you, you have the option of sending it back for a refund. Prices for over-the-counter products range from about $100 to $25 for a months supply.

See our list of reviews in “Stretch Mark Cream Reviews” section in the right sidebar.

Stretch Mark Prescription Creams

Tretinoin cream (or all-trans retinoic acid) is recognized by many dermatologist as an excellent treatment for stretch marks. It often goes by the brand names Retin-A, Stieva-A, Retacnyl or Renova. This acid form of Vitamin A encourages the production of collagen in the dermis, improving the appearance of stretch marks on men.

There are a few reported side effects such as skin dryness, itching, increased chance of sunburn and possible “thinning” of the skin. A prescription is required, so see a dermatologist to see if Tretinoin cream is an option.

Stretch Mark Massage Therapy

There is very polarized views whether massage helps reduce stretch marks on males. Many doctors and dermatologist believe it does not, while many male stretch mark sufferers swear by it.

Massage for stretch marks is almost always used in tandem with another treatment such as stretch mark creams or microdermabrasion. Massage does increase blood circulation which in turn can stimulate growth, so our recommendation is it wouldn’t hurt to include massage in any treatment.

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels

Microdermabrasion and chemical peals are another common treatment of male stretch marks. Microdermabrasion is the most common method where tiny crystals are used for skin exfoliation. Chemical peels are an additional technique where acidic elements are placed on the skin for a set period of time, which peels off the outermost layers.

However, according to some dermatologist, treatments that strip away the top layers of the skin don’t do anything for the stretch marks themselves and may even be harmful. The only possible advantage these treatments may provide is allowing medications such as topical vitamin A to penetrate deeper into the dermal layer.

Laser Treatments For Men With Stretch Marks

Laser stretch mark treatments are the most advanced and effective methods available today to reduce stretch marks. There are two main types of laser therapy for stretch marks on men: ablative and fractional laser therapies.

Ablative lasers were the first lasers to be used for reducing stretch marks. This treatment mainly affects the outer layers of the skin. The ablative laser does not burn the skin as some believe, but actually disrupts the molecular bonds holding the skin cells together forcing the skin to regenerate and form new collagen. Ablative lasers work best for recent or red-purple stretch marks.

Fractional lasers are the latest advancement in laser stretch mark removal. Fractional lasers create many tiny “pin-prick” wounds in the affected area, penetrating deep into the dermis. The “pin-prick” wounds stimulate collagen production from the surrounding healthy cells. Normally, two to eight treatments are needed depending on the severity of the marks. Fractional is an excellent option for all types of male stretch marks.

Share Your Male Stretch Mark Story…

Are you a guy with problem stretch marks? Have you tried any treatments that worked or did not work for you? Do you have any advice for preventing them? Share your story in the comment box below and help educate others on what treatments do or do not work for stretch marks on men. We’d love to hear from you…

See These Related Articles: Stretch Marks Help, How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally, Laser Stretch Mark Removal Overview, What Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Cost?, Fractional Laser Treatments For Stretch Marks, What Is The Derma Roller?, TriLASTIN For Stretch Marks, Cosmetyn Stretch Mark Cream Review