I'm a firm believer that in order to become the ultimate expert on anything, you have to experience it yourself. Does that mean that the oncologist isn't truly the best until he or she suffers through cancer firsthand? This is not my implication whatsoever, but if that doctor were to experience the illness, he or she would have an even better understanding of what's truly happening to a cancer patient. When it comes to stretch marks, I sure as hell am not the expert on the topic, but I know enough to lend a few words of wisdom.

To many, stretch marks are badges of honor showcasing battle wounds from the gym. To most, they are ugly purple and red marks they wish they never had. Stretch marks are tears in the second layer of skin. They can be caused by rapid weight gain, puberty, pregnancy, obesity, heredity, skin type, stress, poor diet or sudden environmental changes. Skin tone determines which colour the marks will turn out to be, but as time passes by, they will fade a few shades lighter. Once they're there, they're pretty much there to stay.

Keep in mind that some people are more predisposed to getting stretch marks than others. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, which includes our bodies as well.

For bodybuilders, stretch marks tend to be an issue due to increased size and often drastic growing speeds which the skin can't manage. Many guys find they get these battle marks within their pec-delt tie in, or upper thigh area. Bulking phases in the winter months are more cause for concern. The best medicine for these bad boys is prevention! A preventive approach should consist of a clean bulking diet including lean protein, complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. This will minimize fat increases in the bulking stage, which pose a higher risk for stretching the skin.

Another tip to avoid stretch marks is to have a balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals and sufficient water. Smoking should be a no-no as it is known to cause skin to lose its elasticity. Exercise helps circulation and has numerous beneficial effects on the skin. Rubbing Vitamin E in troubled areas is an old-school tip that should never be ignored.

Unfortunately there is no magic cure for stretch marks unless you go under some sort of laser therapy or surgical removal. A tan is a solid way of hiding these bad boys while making you look better in general. With all the new self-tanning lotions on the market, there's plenty of ways to bronzing your body up in addition to the sun.

If you happen to be one of the many people who have or may develop stretch marks, my advice is to learn to appreciate them. If you got them from pregnancy, think of them as a sign of the beautiful child that is now in your life. If you got them as a result of lifting, think of them as a reminder of how your skin just couldn't handle your ridiculous "jackedness." If you got them because you let yourself get too fat, think of them as a friendly reminder of how good the cookies tasted. In the end, only you can determine how much you're going let these sorts of things bother you.