Studies reveal that stretch marks are among the top five reasons women feel self-conscious about their appearance. Often the unavoidable result of pregnancy, rapid weight gain or simply shooting up in height during puberty, even the celebs aren’t immune with GEMMA ARTERTON hitting the red carpet last week, with very recent-looking stretch marks, while SIENNA MILLER openly admits to suffering from the same problem.

KATE BECKINSALE also claims she has “stretch marks everywhere,” and proving that even supermodels aren’t immune to a flaw or two, 43-year old mum-of-two, CINDY CRAWFORD, has no plans to hang up her bikini anytime soon, despite the visible marks of her pregnancy on her stomach.

But for those of us who are less than happy with their imperfections, a few simple lifestyle changes can help help to reduce the appearance of those annoying red marks.

Elastic fantastic

According to research, between 50 and 90 per cent of women will get stretch marks at some point in their life. Why do we get them? Whilst genetics and pregnancy are often to blame, extreme weight loss can also make you susceptible. Put your body under too much stress, too quickly, and it will show the strain as a stretch mark – a gap deep below the skin’s surface in the dermis, caused by the stretched or torn collagen and elastin fibres responsible for the skin’s suppleness.

Most likely to appear in areas where fat is stored, like the tummy, breasts, upper arms, thighs and bum, the earlier you begin treating stretch marks, the more likely you are to lessen their appearance.

How to stay stretch mark-free

1 Keep hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water per day, to prevent damaging the dermis.

2 On a diet? Lose weight slowly with a balanced eating plan. Crash diets don’t allow your body time to adjust.

3 Avoid coffee. Caffeine can increase the risk of stretch marks. Have decaf versions of your favourite drinks and sip on antioxidant-rich green tea instead.

4 Body brush every day to boost circulation. Start at your feet and work upwards in long, light brisk movements brushing towards the heart to encourage blood flow.

5 Eat Omega-3 fats and zinc-rich foods like salmon, mackerel and nuts, and lots of carrots, citrus fruits and milk, which are packed with vitamins A and C. Protein-rich sources like eggs and lean meat are vital for cell regeneration, and form the building blocks of collagen and elastin, which keep the skin supple.

Best over the counter buys

1 Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser
Promises to reduce stretch marks by 75 per cent over eight weeks – no wonder it’s such a hit with A-list mums such as Naomi Watts and Nicole Richie.
Dhs395, Boutique 1

2 Clarins Stretch Mark Control
Is absorbed easily and helps strengthen the skin’s elasticity.
Dhs228, Faces

3 Boots Expert Stretch Mark Oil
Regular use will keep skin feeling supple and smooth.
Dhs40, Boots