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We
have three layers of skin:
the epidermis, or outer layer;
the dermis, or middle layer;
and the subcutaneous stratum,
or deepest layer. Stretch
marks (also known as striae
atrophica and striae distensae)
occur in the dermis, the elastic,
resilient middle layer that
allows skin to retain its
shape. If stretch marks formed
on the skin's surface, they'd
be much easier to treat. When
the dermis is constantly stretched
over time, the skin becomes
less elastic and the connective
fibers break. The result is
the markings we know as stretch
marks.
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.
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 and need
to be treated accordingly.
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