mommy’s skin

Stretch marks, also referred to as striae, can appear when there is a sudden weight gain or growth – pregnancy would be a perfect example of a time when there is a rapid stretching of the skin. The adolescent years is another well-known time when the body is undergoing rapid growth spurts, and stretch marks may appear on the upper thighs, buttocks and breasts.

Stretch marks are created when the underlying tissue grows faster than the skin layers covering it, causing small tears in the skin’s surface. Scar tissue then forms in the tears, creating the stretch marks. They appear as streaks of red or dark purple thinned skin that fades to white scar-like streaks over time. Stretch marks may also appear indented from the surrounding skin and will have a completely different texture.

There is no way to pre-determine if someone will develop stretch marks. Every person is unique and their skin grows at different rates. Genetics may also be a factor in whether or not you are prone to stretch marks. Some people will suffer from stretch marks more severely than others.

So, you want to know how to get rid of stretch marks. Since stretch marks are basically scars, you cannot realistically expect to eliminate them completely once they happen. Preventing stretch marks from happening in the first place then, would be essential. With that in mind, there are natural ways to protect your skin, increase the elasticity and stimulate regeneration of new skin cells.