Chances are, most women you know have stretch marks. Chrissy Teigen does, and so does Ashley Graham — it's incredibly common, and there's nothing wrong with your body or skin if you have them, too.

If you're less fond of these little lines, you can minimize their appearance (though science has determined you can't get rid of them for good as of yet). Other options include taking measures to prevent them in the first place, concealing them, or perhaps most forward-thinking of all, learning to love them. What follows is our guide to all of the above.

What are stretch marks?

"Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching of the skin during times of brisk weight gain, pregnancy, or growth," explains Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "The skin stretches so quickly that the collagen and elastic tissue are damaged, leading to the characteristic line-like appearance of the skin."

You may have also heard stretch marks called by their technical name, striae. As Zakiya P. Rice, assistant professor of dermatology and the director of the Dermatology Clinical Trials Unit at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, explains, striae are actually scars — and scars, by definition, "are permanent molecular changes in the skin that cannot be reversed." Which is why if you have them, you've kind of got them for good. (And guess what? We all do — it's nothing to feel ashamed about.)

Here, five ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

1. A prescription retinoid.

This topical vitamin A derivative stimulates new collagen production. A 2014 study published in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery showed that daily use over 16 weeks can help reduce the appearance of those newer, red marks. Caveat: This one isn't recommended if you're pregnant.

2. A rich lotion.

"A petroleum-based moisturizer forms a protective seal over the skin and allows your skin to heal optimally, which could minimize the formation of stretch marks,” says Zeichner. We're fans of the Curél Fragrance-Free Comforting Lotion.

3. Fractional lasers.

Many dermatologists use a fractional laser, like the Fraxel Dual, to treat stretch marks. Three to five treatments over the course of three months can make red stretch marks almost invisible and reduce the appearance of older ones by up to 50 percent.