Chester Herbalist

Stretching of the abdominal skin may occur during pregnancy or as a result of a rapid gain in weight. Stretch marks may also occur on the breasts of adolescent females as a result of a growth in breast tissue. Muscle builders may develop stretch marks if they increase their muscle size too quickly. Keeping the skin supple may help prevent stretch marks. Massaging the areas that are stretching and applying healing, nutrient rich creams containing vitamins and oils may prevent or decrease the damage done during the stretching of the skin.

Once stretch marks have formed, they appear as lines, bands or grooves on the skin and may initially be pink, red or purple in colour. Although there are no physical complications of stretch marks, they are usually very upsetting and a cause of great deal if concern and worry due to their appearance. This may result in embarrassment and self-consciousness and this may cause a low self-esteem. Over time, the colour normally changes to white and the visibility of the stretch marks decreases. Massaging the areas around the stretch marks to increase the circulation and using creams and oils which nourish the skin may speed up the healing process.