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IGP Treamtment Clinics - Stretch Marks
IGP Facial Aesthetics - Cosmetic Treatments Cardiff, Newport, Swansea & Bristol
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, which is the lower layer that helps the skin retain its shape. When stretch marks occur, the collagen and elastin in the dermis becomes thinner and broken. At first, stretch marks look reddish-purple because small blood vessels that lie deep in the skin begin show through the stretched transparent top layer of the skin. This purplish colour then fades to white, which is simply fat under the skin showing through.
Stretch marks are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Most common for stretch marks are the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Stretch marks often appear during pregnancy because of hormones that soften the collagen ligaments of the pelvis, so that the tissues can stretch easily during childbirth. Unfortunately during this time, the skin collagen softens as well, which allows stretch marks to form. Stretch marks can also appear in people who put on or lose weight rapidly, bodybuilders and growing adolescents.
Stretch marks pose no health risk and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself. However, they can have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the skin.
