Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched (often as a result of weight gain). They're most likely to appear in places where fat is stored: 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; they are purely a cosmetic issue. Still, millions of people work to get rid of stretch marks, many using stretch mark cream, every year.

The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outer layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the subcutaneous stratum, or deepest layer. Stretch marks (also known as stria atrophica and striae distensae) occur in the dermis, which is the elastic, resilient middle layer of the skin that allows the skin to retain its shape. When the dermis is stretched consistently over time, the skin becomes less elastic and the connective fibers break. The result is the markings we know as stretch marks. If a stretch mark formed on the skin's surface, it would be much easier to treat, but instead, effective products must penetrate deep into the dermis to help repair damaged skin. The pure essential oils in our Blooming Body are what help our herbs penetrate deeply for maximum effect, in all our stretch mark creams and stretch mark oils.

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. The earlier you begin treating them with stretch mark cream, 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 (fortunately), but (unfortunately) are more difficult to treat with stretch mark cream.

If you never gain weight for any reason over the course of your life, you are not likely to develop stretch marks. But those of us who carry children or simply put on weight are likely candidates, as are those of us who practice strenuous and repetitive exercise. About 75 to 90 percent of all pregnant women (90 percent of white women) develop stretch marks during pregnancy. We recommend all women who wish to avoid marks use a stretch mark cream from the third month or so through to after delivery weight loss. 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.

There is scientific evidence that some individuals are more genetically predisposed to getting stretch marks than others - so if your mother got stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more likely to get them yourself. Begin prevention efforts early, in the first or (at the latest) early in your second trimester of pregnancy. Use Belly Bliss stretch mark cream and Resilience body and belly oil liberally and often. The herbs, vitamins and intensely moisturizing oils and butters will help keep your skin as supple and elastic as possible, to cope with the strain of rapid weight gain and abdominal growth. Also, eat a healthy diet (click here to read Your Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat for Optimal Nutrition and Healthy Weight Gain ), drink plenty of fluids and keep your weight gain within the recommended range of 25 to 35 pounds. Excellent nutritional status and hydration along with controlled weight gain will give you an edge in the fight against stretch marks. While Belly Bliss stretch mark cream and Resilience oil provide vitamins C and E, as well as trace minerals and herbs, from the outside, getting proper nutrients from the inside as well will help build collagen and contribute to the strength and health of the body's largest organ: the skin.

Most stretch mark creams are formulated to fade stretch marks. Belly Bliss and Body Butter formulas not only fade existing stretch marks, they are also excellent for stretch mark prevention.

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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