Stretch marks may be widespread among expectant mothers, but anyone can develop them at any age. Also known as striae by doctors, stretch marks are merely scars in the dermis (inner skin layer) that develop following an abrupt stretching of the muscle. As the collagen and elastin rupture, they leave a permanent scar beneath the skin. Stretch marks can appear in various parts of the body, and some will stay with you forever. However, those appearing below the belly button can be surgically removed. There are also multiple ways to help reduce the likelihood of developing marks. Continue reading →