Stretch marks are the common term for striae, imperfections in the skin. They appear as red lines on skin that has been thinned out. They are slightly depressed compared to other skin and may have a different texture.

Stretch marks commonly appear on the skin of pregnant women as their skin is stretched rapidly as a result of pregnancy. Typical areas they can be found on are the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs and buttocks.

Who will get stretch marks?

It is thought that stretch marks are genetic, or rather, that the type of skin that you inherit determines your susceptibility to stretch marks. The darker your natural skin tone is, the less likely that you will develop them. If your mother had stretch marks you will most likely have them too, although it does not hurt to try and prevent them.

How to avoid them?

Keeping hydrated is one way to avoid stretch marks, as this helps your skin expand without tearing. You can also use specially formulated creams that are available over the counter. They help retain moisture and promote healing in your skin. Common ingredients include cocoa butter, vitamin E and lanolin.

How to treat them?

If you do get stretch marks, there are several approaches you can take.

• You can wear them proudly as a badge of motherhood and know that around 75 percent of all pregnant women get them.
• You can strategically dress to hide them; Bathing suits on the market today come in enough styles that you should be able to find something suitable.
• You can continue the use of stretch mark cream to encourage your skin to rebuild.
• You can cover them with waterproof body makeup. It comes in many different skin tones and can be found on the Internet or at select beauty counters.
• You can have them removed with laser surgery.
• You can have them removed with blue light therapy.
• You can have a dermatologist prescribe Retin-A cream (if you are not nursing or pregnant).

Or you can just wait, as stretch marks become less noticeable over time.