Many women often confuse stretch marks and cellulite. Cellulite is caused when the first layer of skin builds pockets and stores your body's extra fat, water and toxins which cause a dimple effect. Where as stretch marks are scars that are left in the middle layer of skin that have broken. They are usually pink or purple lines around your buttocks, legs, breasts, arms and stomach.

Stretch marks usually occur when you experience extreme weight gain either through pregnancy, bodybuilding, or puberty.

The best way to battle stretch marks is to reduce the cause or to increase the elasticity. Make sure to catch the stretch marks early. Once you find them (when they are red, purple or pink) massage the area three times a day with lotions/moisturizers that have cocoa or Shea butter as their main ingredient. Also, you may want to apply a self-tanner which will help to minimize the stretch marks. Make sure to exfoliate before to get better results.

To increase your skins elasticity, you may want to use lotions and creams. Many believe that any lotion or cream that has cocoa butter in it completely prevent stretch marks. However, anything that has been made for the treatment of stretch marks will help your skin stay healthy and improve its elasticity.

Also any lotion or cream with Vitamin A, E, or C will help increase the strength and elasticity of the collagen within your skin. Taking these vitamins in pill form will also help.

Many lotions and creams do not say that they will fully eliminate stretch marks, but help to fade them over time.

Some other solutions to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks on your body may include Vic's Vapor Rub. People have said this is a successful technique. Apply it to a washcloth and rub it forcefully over the stretch marks on a nightly basis for a few nights and watch for results.

Also, you may want to treat your self to more baths and massages. Having a relaxing, hot bath followed by a gentle massage increases your body's circulation. Massing also improves new tissue growth, and new skins cells help reduce the appearance of the stretch marks.

Sunbathing can also diminish stretch marks, but always be sure to use sun screen, burning will not help your cause.

If the stretch marks are not severe then exfoliating the area may help. It will remove dead skin and reveal soft skin which may minimize the appearance of the marks. You can even make your own exfoliant by using either oatmeal or baking soda. After exfoliating, make sure to keep the area hydrated with lotion as to not dry out the area.

Aside from products, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water hydrates your skin tissue which helps to eliminate stretch marks. Dry skin does not have the same elasticity.

Talk with a dermatologist in your area for more details and information on ways to help you fight and prevent stretch marks.