Stretch Marks : Free Tattoos

According to definition, stretch marks are irregular markings on the skin which looks similar to stripes or lines. Stretch marks may look like discolored streaks on the skin.   Stretch marks clearly have a different texture than normal skin.

Stretch marks are caused when the skin rapidly stretches as a result of sudden growth or weight gain. The stretching causes the middle layer of skin (dermis) to tear, allowing the deeper skin layers to show through, thus forming stretch marks. The dermis contains strong, inter-connected fibres that allows the skin to stretch as our body grows. The tears in the dermis allow the blood vessels below to show through, which is why stretch marks are often red or purple when they first appear. Over time, they become whiter in color and take on a scar-like appearance when the blood vessels contract.
Stretch marks occur both in males and females. Surprised? There are other reasons other than pregnancy for the occurrence of stretch marks in a female. More surprised? The following reasons are same for both male and females:

• Genetics: Women are more likely to get belly stretch marks if their mother, for instance, had stretch marks after pregnancy.
• Puberty: Growth spurts during puberty often result in stretch marks as the skin is unable to keep up with the body's rate of growth.
• Bodybuilding: Rapid development of muscle mass may stretch the skin beyond its limits.
• Weight gain: The skin is forced to stretch faster than it can grow, thus producing stretch marks.

Stretch marks can affect any area of the body in which the skin is subject to rapid stretching.

• The abdomen is the area most often affected by stretch marks
• But they are also common around the thighs, hips, buttocks, lower back, arms, and chest.
• Theoretically, any area of the body could be vulnerable to stretch marks if the skin is stretched enough as a result of tissue expansion.

Now they are considered as "flaws" by the society and affects women in their self-image and self-esteem which ultimately paves its way to depression. Women having stretch marks are forbidden to wear clothes which exposes their stretch marks. Men have the least idea of the existence of stretch marks on women's body let alone their own body. Men who have them don't talk about it because they see stretch marks as something which is associated with women and are too ashamed to open up. The women flaunting their stretch marks to the through pictures or dresses to the public eye are ridiculed. When I researched about it, every post on the internet was about the removal of stretch marks through either surgery, laser treatment, oils, balms, creams and what not. Ads are flowing in of doctors experting in the scars removal, shopping sites flooded with the creams and lotions which claim to eliminate these marks.
Why is this happening? The reason is the unrealistic standards of the women portrayed by the media through TV ads, magazines, fashion bloggers(no offence), cinematic personalities and models. The standard for both men and women is set by the society in such a way that our eyes perceives them as something attainable. But how can you attain something when the "flaws" are actually removed through ways like Photoshop and editing? How to tell people that those marks are not issues but the normal aspect of living in human skin? How to not regard them as sources of insecurities while analyzing your own body?
A writer by the name of Taiye Selasi said the following in her article, Nothing Here Needs Fixing: Why I Stopped Listening to the Beauty Industry: “The cosmetics industry thrives on fanning women’s insecurities, convincing us that there is always something to be fixed.”

The mainstream media bestows upon us with superficial references devoid of the normal things which should be celebrated and not be seen with ridiculed eyes. So, the next time when auditing your body in front of the mirror don't let negative thoughts rule you. In spite, embrace and praise every nook of your body which have gone through different phases and changes. Those so-called flaws are the marks which one should be proud of just like what happened on the episode of Son of Abish. Abish Matthew and Dulquer Salman talked about the stretch marks on their bodies! Abish Matthew, a comedian, said that he got stretch marks when he was in 11th class and the reason was losing weight. So he thought he was getting allergies from something whereas his older brother teased him with the idea of getting scratched (completely taking advantage of his ignorance on the topic). Dulquer Salman who is a south-indian actor got stretch marks on gaining weight since he was very skinny. They both didn't try anything to rectify it but regarded themselves as "wounded soilders" because of stretch marks which gave them a sense of pride upon themselves (that's the spirit!)
Accepting everything of ourselves doesn't happen overnight. It needs patience, constant work upon ourselves, fighting for ourselves, embracing the journey however hard it is.
We should remind ourselves from time to time that we are all beautiful beings irrespective of the so-called flaws and dont let anyone or anything change the positive view of your body. You were created the way you are for a purpose, you are not any less important or special because you have a few more/less flaws then those photo shopped images.
Be who you are and LOVE Yourself!