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Stretch Marks and Modeling

Stretch Marks and Modeling

I know that models have to have flawless skin.  Is there a chance for me to make it in plus modeling industry if I have a few stretch marks?

I completely understand why you may think that a few stretch marks may hold you back, but even thin supermodels sometimes have stretch marks. You can get stretch marks from growing tall, not just thick. No person’s body is perfect and stretch marks are a part of life like pimples, moles, cellulite, etc. Every model’s picture is taken through Photoshop or airbrushed when it is being used for advertisements.

Depending on the severity of stretch marks or cellulite there may be some things you may not be comfortable doing. A lot of models are not comfortable doing swimsuit go-sees or print jobs. I have no problem with swimsuit go-sees, but I don’t like to go to bra go-sees. I have smaller breasts than most plus-size models (I am a B/C cup and most plus models that I know are D and beyond).

Don’t let things like stretch marks or cellulite hold you back from pursuing your dream. Just know your strengths like:

Do you look great in jeans?
Do you have amazing legs and can wear shorts?
Do you have toned arms? Etc.

Some models have amazing legs, but don’t like their arms. We all have our insecurities, but the best models are those who love their bodies and show that confidence through the camera lens. Remember you are selling a product, let’s say a green summer dress, and you wear it with confidence and fun. That dress will not sell itself if the model wearing it looks self-conscious and uncomfortable.

You’d be amazed if you saw a lot of famous models and actresses in person, they are human just like you and I and they are not perfect either! The perfection we all think they possess is the magic of makeup, lighting, and everyone’s favorite…Photoshop!!

I love all the questions you are sending in. However, I notice a lot of you have concerns about stretch marks and how it will affect a potential job. I had addressed last year the fact that most models, straight sized or plus sized, have these skin demarcations and are hired regardless. Thank goodness for Photo Shop and great makeup artists. But, I still see month after month questions about stretch marks…so here are some options I didn’t offer up before:

1) DermaBlend body makeup is amazing for its coverage. I used to use this in pageants as a teen to make my skin look picture perfect while on stage. I still use this when I have swimsuit jobs and want to hide those pesky little bruises that sometimes appear on legs. The thing about most plus size lingerie and swimwear is that the garment has a lot of coverage. So if you have stretch marks on your stomach or hips, they are never seen.

2) Spray Tan…no NOT Tanning Beds! The spray tan is wonderful! You can have the technician adjust the shade and it lasts for about a week. There are also the kinds where you go into a booth and are sprayed automatically, however I would suggest the type where a person is holding the spray gun. I recently found out about this and have used it for several jobs where I needed to be showing more skin than usual. It made me feel very confident! Please do not use a tanning bed…this method has not been proven safe.

3) There is also the expensive laser treatment for stretch marks. But I don’t know any models that’ve done this process and therefore don’t see a need to spend all that money. So I can’t offer information on laser treatments except that they are out there. If any of you out there have had laser treatments for stretch marks please feel free to contact me and I will post your comments.

Even after all of this, it is still great confidence, a well-groomed appearance, and strong pictures that will help you book the job.