Stretch marks are something that a number of people suffer with, both male and female. However, when you first experience them this can be quite shocking, leading you to ask what the cause of stretch marks really is.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are areas of the skin that have been overstretched, happening for a number of reasons.

They have a different colour and texture to the rest of your skin, often being softer and starting out by looking purple or red. However, with time the stretch marks will change in colour and fade into a light colour.

Stretch marks are usually formed in the dermis layer of skin, which is the layer that keeps the skin in the shape it has. If you want to know more about what stretch marks are, unfortunately this hub doesn't have the space to cover it, but there are plenty of other Internet sites that do.

Latest research is suggesting that products known as glucocorticoids can cause stretch marks. These are a type of steroid hormone in the bloodstream. If you are undergoing any kind of physical or mental stress, more of these hormones will be developed by the body which can lead to stretch marks.

To help prevent this cause of stretch marks you should always try to keep your stress levels under control.

Other situations where stretch marks can occur:

• Pregnancy,
• Puberty,
• Excessive weight gain,
• Gaining weight too fast.
  

In general, stretch marks come about because your skin is overstretched. This happens in the dermis layer of the skin.

When pregnancy is the cause of stretch marks they usually occur during the third trimester. This is because the skin is being stretched heavily as a way of expanding to make space for the growing baby.

Where can stretch marks occur:

• On the stomach,
• On the breast (especially during breast feeding),
• The hips,
• Inner and outer thighs,
• The buttocks.
  

Statistics show that around 70%+ of all pregnant women will get stretch marks on their stomach, and most will get them at some area of the body.

The likelihood of having stretch marks in pregnancy will be increased if you have ever had stretch marks in the past.

Preventing Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Paying attention to how much weight you gain during pregnancy can help to reduce them, as they are much more likely to occur in women who gain more weight than they should. Often it is a rapid change in weight that can cause stretch marks to come on so suddenly.

There are a number of other ways women use to help prevent stretch marks, which you can easily research online.

Stretch marks can be prevented in a number of ways. Once you get them, they will often change in appearance and many women use a number of different products to help minimise the effects. This can include creams, lotions, oils and, in some cases, cosmetic surgery.