Stretch marks are reddish, linear, sometimes depressed scars that can stay in your skin for a long time. Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic second layer of skin that allows it to keep its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the skin can break down leaving behind scars. Dermal collagen is ruptured and blood vessel dilation results in the formation of reddish or purple-colored stretch marks.

When your skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight changes or growth spurts, stretch marks or striae can show. They can also be caused by some medications, mainly hormones and steroids. Stretch marks occur when rapidly expanding skin is stretched to its limit and small tears show in the supporting layers of skin.

Over time the redness of the original scar can disappear and the lines of the stretch mark can become lighter in color than the surrounding skin. The lines can become take on a shiny, depressed appearanceor acquire an abnormal scar like texture.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, breasts, flank, hips, thighs, upper arms or lower back. They affect 70% of adolescent females and about 40% of young men.

Stretch Marks and Pregnancy

Though the nine months of pregnancy are a beautiful time in a woman's life, there are a number of unwanted alterations that occur in the skin during this period. Some of these are due to hormonal influences and others are due to the mechanical alterations in the body linked with pregnancy.

Stretch marks are one of the most well known and talked about dermal alterations that can occur during pregnancy. They are thought to be a consequence of the thinning of the skin during this time period due to female hormones which alter the protein equilibrium in the skin. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks, commonly developing during the third trimester.

There is a genetic predisposition to developing stretch marks during pregnancy. Many women consider the appearance of stretch marks to be distressing. Fortunately, the removal stretch marks is possible.

How to get rid of stretch marks

There are several over-the-counter therapies aimed to prevent stretch marks, such as Strivectin. Unfortunately no topical remedies have been scientifically demonstrated to improve the appearance of stretch marks. RetinA, glycolic acid, alphahydroxy acids have been prescribed with very little success. Dermabrasion or chemical peels have also been used. The results of these therapies vary from regular to minimal.

Surgical alternatives to deal with these types of lesions, involve removing large areas of stretched skin. In a tummy tuck intervention, for instance, skin under the belly button is retired. This is often an area in which stretch marks are prominent. It also acts by tightening the skin in surrounding regions. These surgical techniques are effective, but are more invasive than other solutions and thus involve longer recovery time.

The best solution to get rid of stretch marks and other skin blemishes comes now in the form of a new skin care product, made with the best biological ingredients to rejuvenate your skin.