Once you get them you are stuck w/ them. You will notice they are less aparent during the months you are tanner. Being tan is the only thing I have noticed that actually helps. But be careful b/c when they are brand new you do not want to spend as much time in the sun. You could potentially darken them for good. It is the same principle w/ regular scars, to much sun early on can actually make them worse. They will get lighter over time and I have yet to come accross anything that actually protects you from getting them or gets rid of them. Its genetic, thats why some bodybuilders dont get them at all and others are littered with them.