• Dry skin is more likely to develop stretch marks if it is not in healthy condition.desert skin image by Panoramix from Fotolia.com
  
  Stretch marks are a type of scarring caused by skin elasticity and collagen breaking down. They typically occur due to weight gain, weight loss or pregnancy. Stretch marks range in color from a reddish purple to white or gray and develop in the dermis, or middle layer of the skin. The dermis is stretched when your body gains or loses weight, and the more stretching that occurs the more likely it is that stretch marks will develop. One of the most common places for stretch marks to develop is the legs, particularly the inner and outer thighs.
  
  

Pregnancy

• Most pregnant women develop stretch marks on their stomach during pregnancy due to the stretching and pulling of skin. Many women also develop stretch marks on their legs from pregnancy since the entire body is changing and skin is stretching and weakening in almost every area. Many pregnant women prevent stretch marks early on by rubbing lotion or cocoa butter over the body, including the legs and thighs, to prepare for the changes.
  
  

Rapid Weight Gain or Loss

• Rapid weight gain or loss can also cause the appearance of stretch marks. When you gain weight, your skin stretches and breaks down the collagen and elastin. Similar effects happen when you lose weight, since skin and fat cells shrink, and this may also cause skin components to break down. Taking vitamins that promote healthy skin, such as vitamin A or K, will help prevent stretch marks if your weight tends to fluctuate.
  
  

Dry, Brittle Skin

• One of the most important ways to prevent stretch marks is to keep your skin healthy and moisturized. Skin can be thought of as similar to a sponge. When a sponge is dried up and lacking moisture it becomes hard and bits and pieces begin to break apart and flake off. The same thing happens to skin that is not well moisturized. Keeping your skin hydrated with a lotion containing cocoa butter is key to keeping it healthy and preventing the appearance of unsightly stretch marks.