Stretch marks are small lines that appear on the surface of the skin. The most common areas for stretch marks to develop include: stomach, hips, thighs, upper arms and breasts. When they first appear, they can be pink, red or purple in colour, before fading to become silver / white in tone. Many stretch marks will feel soft to the touch and may be slightly indented to the surface of the skin, giving an uneven texture. It is often their appearance in a visible area that causes a person some concern, and treatments are usually sought for an aesthetic reason as they are not harmful.
The stretching of skin over a short period of time is the reason why stretch marks occur. The shape and size of the body during pregnancy, puberty and / or weight gain can grow at a quicker rate than with general growth, which the skin can find difficult to adapt to. When the skin stretches, the middle layer can tear. Collagen will be sent to this affected area to help repair the skin, but it is different in texture and tone to usual skin cells, which is why it looks and feels different.
The fading in colour of stretch marks may mean they become less conspicuous over time, but it is unlikely that they will disappear or blend into the natural tone of the skin completely. The One Clinic can help to improve the condition of the skin, and the stretch marks by applying relevant treatments, making stretch marks less visible.
For more information, contact The One Clinic today!
