October 2, 2006

Preventing and Treating Stretch Marks

by Patricia Hughes

Stretch marks are a common worry among pregnant women and new mothers. They are the result of the weight you gain during pregnancy. This weight causes the skin to stretch beyond its normal limits. This stretching causes the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to tear. The connective tissue breaks down as a result of this tearing. The result is a small scarred area that is known as a stretch mark.