Depending on your natural skin coloring, stretch marks begin as raised pink, reddish brown or dark brown striations that then turn a brighter violet or purple. Gradually these bright marks flatten and fade to a color a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. They usually become less noticeable over time. If stretch marks formed on the skin's surface, they would be much easier to treat. However, since stretch marks occur in the middle layer of the skin, effective treatments must penetrate the epidermis and work on a cellular level below the skin's surface.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched. They're most likely to appear in places where fat is stored: the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, thighs and buttocks. They also frequently appear on the abdomens, breasts and thighs of pregnant women. Stretch marks pose absolutely no health risk and don't compromise your body's ability to function healthily; they are purely a cosmetic issue and need to be treated accordingly.

Unfortunately, some people are more genetically disposed to getting stretch marks than others, and unfortunately, once they appear, stretch marks are permanent. They do not go away entirely. The key is to find ways to reduce their appearance. The earlier you begin treating stretch marks, the more likely you are to lessen their appearance; they are much easier to treat when they first appear as raised red or reddish brown marks. Once they begin to flatten and fade, they become less obvious (but also more difficult to treat.)

About 75 to 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white 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 of pregnancy. But pregnant women aren't alone in being susceptible. Adolescents experiencing a growth spurt and athletes (especially bodybuilders who practice 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.

While no treatment is proven to prevent stretch marks without fail, many people do believe that you can reduce your risk for stretch marks by practicing prevention strategies. Prevention takes diligence, but certain things can help. Blooming Body's Belly Bliss is a highly effective, safe herbal stretch mark prevention cream specially created for expecting mothers. Our non-maternity version, Body Butter is excellent for teenagers, bodybuilders and others with stretch mark concerns. For more information about preventing stretch marks, read our article, Preventing Stretch Marks During Pregnancy.

The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Please view the complete line of Blooming Body products, designed for a more comfortable and beautifully pregnancy, by clicking here.

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