Re: Stretch Marks...
Beleive me, the underlying muscle and how well its toned has nothing to do with the elasticity of the skin. When skin is stretched from gaining weight (pregnancy or otherwise) and then loosened from losing weight, the results are in your genetic cards as to whether you end up with marks or not. They can be lessened and they can be prevented to a SMALL degree with lotions and hydration - but depending on your elasticity, you will either get them or not. WHen you have your little ones closer together, you'll be more prone to them too since the skin doesnt get as much of a break in between the stretching and shrinking. I've had 3, very close together. And my family has notoriously non-elastic skin. No matter how well-toned my muscles are now - even if I get to that "6-pack" state, the skin on my tummy is still sadly sagging. And the marks have faded for sure with the use of mederma. But they're still there and the skin will never be the same. Thats why I keep on playing lotto - perhaps one day I'll get that tummy tuck lol!
Think of a balloon. The first time you blow it up and then let out the air, it goes back ALMOST to its original size and shape. But keep blowing it up and letting it go and you'll see the results, it gets big and soft and more stretched out. Skin is much the same.