Stretch marks

Stretch marks are a cosmetic blight most of us will encounter at some point in our lives. Here are some helpful hints on how to prevent and treat them

We have three layers of skin: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape. When the dermis is constantly stretched over time, the skin becomes less elastic and the small connective fibres within it break. The result is what we know as stretch marks.

Depending on your natural skin colouring, stretch marks begin as raised pink, reddish brown or dark brown lines that later turn a brighter violet or purple. Gradually these bright marks flatten and fade to a colour a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. They usually become less noticeable over time.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched, and they often occur as a result of weight gain. They're most likely to appear in places where fat is stored, including the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. They pose absolutely no health risk and don't compromise your body's ability to function healthily.

Prevention

Imagine a balloon that's been blown up and then deflated. No matter how much you blow it up again, it's already lost much of its original elasticity and will never look quite the same. Stretch marks are similar, in that they don't ever go away entirely. The key, however, is finding ways to reduce their appearance. The earlier you begin treating stretch marks - when they are red or reddish brown - the more likely you are to diminish their appearance. Once these marks begin to flatten and fade they become less obvious and are more difficult to treat.

Between 75 and 90 per cent of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy. The sustained stretching on the abdomen as a result of weight gain usually means stretch marks will appear during the sixth or seventh month. But pregnant women aren't alone in being susceptible. Adolescents experiencing growth spurts and athletes - especially bodybuilders who practise strenuous and repetitive exercise - are likely to get stretch marks, as is anyone who gains or loses a significant amount of weight in a short period of time.