You're in luck if the marks, caused by the tearing of collagen during periods of rapid weight gain, are recent and still red. (They turn white and become depressed as they heal.) For both kinds, dermatologists recommend applying Retin-A to the marks at night and an alpha-hydroxy acid lotion in the morning until the area is very irritated. Then stop and allow the skin to heal.

The healing process will restore the collagen and reduce the mark. A caveat however: Don't take on this task yourself -- be sure to talk to your dermatologist first. Meanwhile, a little self-tanner goes a long way in hiding those lines.