In addition to focusing on stretch marks as a result of these transformations,Bio-Oil explored the emotional effects of these changes and the adjustments women have to make as they transition from teenager to woman, and from woman to mother.

Stretch marks affect 88% of pregnant women

Stretch marks commonly occur during pregnancy, affecting up to 88% of pregnant women. Research indicates that adolescents are also affected, with up to 70% of girls and 40% of boys developing stretch marks during puberty, some from as young as10 years old.

Bio-Oil commissioned husband and wife team, Rob and Karin Schermbrucker, to capture the Marks of Change as experienced by 14 ‘real’ teenage girls and women, none of whom are professional models, but who were willing to share their experiences.

Understand your body’s journey

“Understanding the body’s journey allows one to embrace the changes and celebrate the process. As a wife and mother of two, I was able to identify with the journey from teenager to woman and from woman to mother,” said photographer Karin Schermbrucker.

“I was challenged as to how I would translate the ‘marks of change’ visually, and emotively capture the essence of these two pivotal times in a woman’s life. Our ‘models’ arrived, awkward, closed and somewhat self-conscious but left feeling free and beautiful!”

Marks of Change exhibition

Through a series of emotive photographs and video, Bio-Oil presented the Marks of Change exhibition at a special briefing session for the media. In addition to this, Bio-Oil invited medical professionals to explore the topic in an expert panel discussion. Dermatologist Dr Ayesha Moolla, gynaecologist Dr Jana Rossouw, life coach and psychologist Megan de Beyer and clinical psychologist Maropeng Ralenala answered questions around these transitional phases from an expert skin, body and mind perspective.

Kirsten with Amelia Jane, 2 weeks old

Stretch marks, or striae, occur when the body expands faster than the skin covering it, resulting in internal tears in the deepdermis. When these tears heal, they form scars known as stretch marks.

Although stretch marks do not represent a significant medical problem, they can cause emotional distress to those who develop them.

The likelihood of developing them varies according to skin type, age, genetic disposition, diet and the hydration of the skin. Dr Moolla highlights that, “recognising striae early is crucial. The condition may respond to products and prescription treatment if commenced on newly developed striae.Once the striae are older, they are more refractory to treatment”.

Tracey with Rain, 2 months old

Mothers’ Marks of Change

During pregnancy the body expands so rapidly that the skin isn’t always able to adjust sufficiently, resulting in stretch marks,which affect up to 88% of pregnant women.

Research shows that one in three women feel self-conscious, embarrassed,worried or even ashamed about their stretch marks.

“It’s difficult to say what position a woman’s body will be in until she has had her kids, but it’s a sacrifice you need to make to have your children,” says Tracey, mother to Rain, 2 months old.

Lisa, mother to 11 month old Erin, shares this sentiment; “The changes in my body are because of my children and I wouldn’t have them if it weren’t for them. I’d be happier if they weren’t there, but not if it meant my children weren’t there.”

Lisa with Erin, 11 months old

Whilst many women experience negative emotional responses to their body post-pregnancy, these marks are also seen as a treasured reminder of their child’s birth. “Your body never goes back to how it was before, but I don’t think you expect it to because as a person you have also changed. It would feel very incongruent to have such a huge change happen internally and that not be reflected in some way,” says Kirsten, who is featured in Marks of Change with her second daughter, two-week-old Amelia Jane.

As a mother to two young children, Karin Schermbrucker reflects on the Marks of Change initiative with affection; “It was without a doubt, one of my most favourite shoots. My time with the women and the final images reminded me how much I love being a woman and just how magnificent and perfectly created the female form is.”

About the Author: To see the Marks of Change video visit www.youtube.com/BioOilSouthAfrica #BioOilSA #marksofchange For further information on Bio-Oil visit www.bio-oil.com

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What causes stretch marks?

Basically, the skin has insufficient time to adjust to the expanding movement of the body. The skin thus tears because the body expands faster than the skin covering it. The scar that forms from this tear is called a stretch mark.

Another cause (which is still subject to debate) involves the priming of the skin by increased levels of hormones. These hormones attract more water into the skin, which relaxes the bond between collagen fibres. This makes it easier for the skin to tear when it is stretched and for stretch marks to form.

When do stretch marks form?

Stretch marks generally become visible during the third trimester of pregnancy. But, some women will start to notice them as soon as their bumps start to grow.

Lighter-skinned women tend to develop pinkish stretchmarks while darker-skinned women’s stretch marks appear lighter than the surrounding skin.

Where do they form?

Most expecting women develop stretch marks on their bumps. However, it is also common to develop stretch marks on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks.

While they can appear anywhere, they are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored.

Preventing stretch marks

The best defence against stretch marks is to ensure that your skin maintains its maximum elasticity throughout pregnancy. To achieve this, you would need to keep skin well-hydrated and supple at all times.

Including foods that are rich in Vitamin E and C, Zinc and Silica, B2 and B3 in your pregnancy diet helps to form collagen. Collagen and elastin fibres in the skin are necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut.

Exercise improves circulation, which keeps the skin elastic and more able to stretch as it grows.

In addition to ensuring that you keep your skin supple through eating the right foods and getting enough exercise, you should use a topically-applied product that is specifically formulated to maximise the skin’s elasticity. By applying a product from the first trimester twice daily throughout pregnancy, your skin will remain well-hydrated and better able to stretch.

About the Author: Bio-oil has been trusted by pregnant women since 1987. For more information, visit www.bio-oil.com

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