Stretch marks are pink, red or purplish-blue lines that appear on the abdomen, thighs or buttocks. They appear in both men and women and are the result of overstretching. When skin is overstretched as a result of pregnancy, obesity and extreme weight loss, the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) is damaged leafing to the formation of scars or stretch marks.

'Skin does not bounce back if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to pregnancy, weight gain, or extreme weight loss. Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae. Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color and then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white,' according to MedicineNet.

'Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks,' it added.

Although stretch marks disappear over time, there are many ways to deal with them if you can't wait that long. Sunless tanning treatments can cover them or you may try water-resistant body makeup. For beach lovers there are many fashionable swimsuits to choose from that can cover up stretch marks.

'Speaking of pool or beach time, the good news is that current fashion favors many styles of bathing suits that also just happen to hide stretch marks. 'Boy short' style suits (popular with many athletes because they don't ride up when a person moves) work well for hiding stretch marks on the buttocks and upper thighs. And because many swimmers prefer high-neck bathing suits, which can hide stretch marks in the chest area, there are usually lots of styles to choose from,' said TeensHealth, a project of the Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media.

Dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser surgery can slightly improve older stretch marks but they can be uncomfortable and expensive. What's more, those stretch marks can return anytime!

Creams, oils and ointments advertised for stretch marks are often a waste of money but some may help. Choose one that works for you and don't be misled by price. The most expensive products aren't always the best.

'Creams containing vitamin E are often recommended, and in the Caribbean cocoa butter is used to remove scars with varying levels of success. Creams are available from the pharmacist or health and beauty shops,' said Dr. Rob Hicks of BBC Health.

'Some research has shown that tretinoin cream (Retin-A, Renova) may improve the appearance of recent stretch marks - those that are less than six weeks old and still pink or red in color. However, tretinoin should never be used during pregnancy,' warned Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Lawrence Gibson.

One product that can help is Strevaxl, a new cream that repairs and renews the skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and prevent the formation of new ones. For details, visit