Melanie Morris on those irksome stretch marks
The facts: Stretch marks are scars on the body that come from sudden growth spurts - either upwards or outwards. They're the result of skin not being able to keep in line with inflation, and whether you're a teenage boy or a pregnant mum-to-be, you are at risk. A fresh stretch mark takes on a bluey-purple appearance and can look unsightly, but then fades to a light silver line over time. They're not the ugliest of things, but let's face it, they're hard to avoid and we'd all like fewer of them so what's to do?
The bad news: There isn't a one-stop, cure-all way to remove stretch marks.
The good news: If you're really obsessed with them, there are things you can do.
First off: Prevention is better than cure, so invest in a good body lotion and use it. The more supple your skin, the more able it is to accommodate expanding, shrinking and growing. Nivea Skin Firming Lotion with Q10 is an economical product for daily use, as is Vichy Anti Stretch-Mark Massage Cream.
Expecting stretch marks? If you're pregnant, get busy with body oil and the most moisturising lotions as soon as possible. Use frequently - at least twice a day - and you'll keep the marks to a minimum. Don't forget to apply the products right around the hips and waist (including the back), thighs, arms and breasts. Look for products with high doses of vitamins A and E, shea butter and coconut oil. Use throughout and also after pregnancy, to keep skin at its most flexible while you shrink back to previous form.
Too late?: If you've already got stretch marks, body make-up works a treat. Try Dermablend's Leg and Body Crème (from Boots) or instantly-tinting self-tans like Lancôme's Leg Bronzing Gel. St Tropez and Fake Bake work best.
Want more? Unsightly stretch marks can be treated with mircro-dermabrasion which is available from salons. The Agera system has a treatment that especially targets scarring (at Thèrapie, 01-4721222). Beauty Tek (Facialworks, 01-6761168) is a body treatment designed to improve skin texture using acupressure points. Some lasers can also help, but ask for a patch test before embarking on expensive courses.
Get on with life Stop with the belly aching ... and with the belly tops.